Snack World - May 2014 - (Page 32)

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT P Atop the Trends ick a consumer trend, and the pretzel manufacturers are all over it. That's been the category historically. That's the situation now more than ever. That's what's made this category relevant to consumers over the years as fads have come and gone. It doesn't matter what the trends are. Take the overreaching health and wellness movement. For decades, pretzels - whether in rods, twists, sticks, nuggets, nibbles, pieces or bits - have touted themselves as the low-fat, lower calorie, baked-notfried alternative in the snack aisle. Organic? No problem. Utz Quality Foods, Hanover, PA, makes its Organic 7 Whole Grain Pretzel Sticks with US Department of Agriculture-certified ingredients to satisfy that segment of the market as well as those looking for non-GMO products. Then gluten-free came along, and voila! Snyder's of Hanover, owned by Snyder's-Lance, Charlotte, NC, became one of several companies to roll out gluten-free pretzels. They're made with corn, potato and tapioca starches and are dairy-free, casein-free and egg-free to appeal to consumers with a wide array of dietary needs. The pretzels come in mini and stick form as well as in a trendy Hot Buffalo - one of this year's most prevalent flavors for new snacking products. Known as one of the companies on the forefront of the gluten-free movement, Boulder Brands, Boulder, CO, recently added Pretzel Chips to its extensive Glutino line of gluten-free snacks. Made with corn and potato starch along with rice flour and soluble corn fiber, the crispy round chips can be eaten alone or loaded up with cheese, dips, hummus, peanut butter or other toppings. Loading it up is a perfect way to incorporate pretzels - or any number of snacks - into an appetizer, meal accompaniment, midday snack or even an alternative to lunch for the growing number of Americans who are snacking more often instead of eating three full "squares" a day. Frito-Lay North America, the Plano, TX, BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEAT & CONTROL, J.R. SHORT, PRINTPACK, RUDOLPH FOODS AND GE CAPITAL 32 Snack World May 2014 www.sfa.org division of PepsiCo, fits the bill with its new Rold Gold Pretzel Thins, which come in Original, Garlic Parmesan and Three Cheese flavors. Light and crunchy, the pretzels can be complemented with a variety of dips and toppings or simply as a snacking option for the afternoon break, when energy levels tend to dip, according to the company. To broaden their appeal, many pretzel producers have rolled out hybrid snacks that also compete in the chip and cracker categories. Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps, purchased by Snyder's-Lance in 2012, expanded its bold and spicy line to include Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper and Honey Mustard & Onion. Like the entire Pretzel Crisps line, these new items are more often sold at the deli - not in the center of the store - and are versatile to enjoy as a snack, to dip or to make tasty snacks for entertaining. "We continue to significantly invest in product innovation with these core brands, creating even more irresistible snack food offerings for our con- http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - May 2014

Snack World - May 2014