Snack World - May 2014 - (Page 46)

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY REPORT I All in the Family t's quite possibly the most family-friendly of all snacks. Most people have only happy associations of eating popcorn with their loved ones at movie theaters, amusement parks, zoos and sporting events. Even though it's a mid-sized category, it packs quite a punch, with devoted popcorn-lovers always reaching for that next handful, and now that's often at home. The nostalgia factor plays into the growth of the market here, as does its perception as a good-foryou, low-calorie snack. During the past few years, companies have introduced light versions of readyto-eat (RTE) popcorn with only a couple dozen calories per cup. As Jeff Dworzanski, director of marketing for Englewood, NJ-based RTE popcorn manufacturer Popcorn, Indiana, emphasized, "It's a comfort food and most people are introduced to popcorn as kids by their parents, having fond memories of sharing it." Mr. Dworzanski said that RTE popcorn complements the healthy eating trend because it is low in calories and fat, contains simple yet all-natural ingredients and is a good source of fiber and whole grain. Popcorn, Indiana's new product introductions continue this good-foryou eating trend, he noted. "We introduced FIT popcorn last year, and it has really begun to pick up speed," Mr. Dworzanski explained. FIT popcorn has 40 or less Cal per cup and comes in flavors such as Sea Salt, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Parmesan and Herb, Onion Dijon, and Real Butter. "We've added different sizes for different BROUGHT TO YOU BY HEAT & CONTROL, J.R. SHORT, PRINTPACK, RUDOLPH FOODS AND GE CAPITAL 46 Snack World May 2014 www.sfa.org channels and occasions as demand has continued to grow," he added. "Our FIT sea salt multipack is a perfect example of a product that meets the demand for high-quality portable snacks on the go. Those with a more adventurous palette will be blown away by the new savory flavors like Sriracha, Jalapeño and Hatch Chile Cheese." Popcorn, Indiana's packaging also prominently features certifications that are relevant to consumers. "Our facility is certified as gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization [GFCO], and on some bags we have more clearly highlighted that fact as consumer awareness of the gluten-free trend increases," Mr. Dworzanski said. "We also have products certified by the Non-GMO Verification Project and the American Heart Association as meeting their stringent standards for snacks." The RTE popcorn category is performing well. Data from IRI, a Chicago market research firm, indicates RTE popcorn up a whopping 23.4% to $626.0 million for the 52 weeks ending March 23, 2014. "RTE popcorn has been one of the fastest-growing in the salty-snack category, and we [Popcorn, Indiana] have been a key driver of that growth," Mr. Dworzanski noted. "Our performance is due to a constant focus on product innovation, a brand that conveys quality and a strong relationship with our retail partners." A major player in the microwave popcorn "goodfor-you" category is Omaha-based ConAgra Foods, with its Orville Redenbacher's SmartPop! Microwave popcorn. At just 100 Cal per six cups, 94% fatfree and 0 g trans fat per serving, consumers can snack without giving up that fresh-popped taste and aroma, according to the company. The product is also available in a pop-up bowl. The Orville Redenbacher line also now includes RTE popcorn in a variety of gourmet and pop crunch flavors. Plano, TX-based Frito-Lay North America's Cracker Jack'D Snacks with Impact include bold flavors and ingredient combinations for adults' actionpacked schedules, the company said. Its Sweet 'n Savory Salted Caramel Popcorn Clusters are described as tasty salted caramel- and almond-coated popcorn clusters bursting with bold ingredients. http://www.sfa.org

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

Snack World - May 2014