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| New snack products in the retail market The first half of 2010 has seen a new range of versatile, healthy or indulgent, innovatively flavoured snack products within the pie and tarts, cakes and muffins and biscuit categories. Pies and tarts In a stylish new pack, Nanna’s up-market Premium Tarts feature some new flavour combinations: Custard with Apple & Rhubarb, Custard with Peach & Passionfruit and traditional Lemon Curd. Nanna’s Brand Manager, Jane Westney, said that the new Premium Tarts provide patisserie quality, at a value that Nanna’s is famous for. “They’re perfect for a sweet treat at morning or afternoon tea, and classy enough to dress up as a great dessert for family or guests. Just the thing to have in your freezer for when unexpected visitors arrive. No heating required, 20 minutes out of the freezer and they are ready to eat.” Nanna’s Premium Tarts are available in the frozen dessert section of Woolworths supermarkets. Sara Lee, bakers of frozen desserts, has introduced a new recipe for its frozen fruit pies. Sara Lee claims to have taken Australia’s much-loved apple pie and made it even better, transforming the apple recipe using 100% Australian Pink Lady apples, to give Sara Lee Fruit Pies the ‘perfect balance of flavours’. The crisp Pink Lady apples are combined with a new crunchy, golden short crust pastry. Sara Lee Apple Pies come in a number of varieties; viz Apple or Apple & Berry, with custard or crumble. Sara Lee has also introduced the first chocolate pie from the supermarket freezer. Sara Lee Chocolate Pies are baked in a short crust, with a chocolate sponge topped with chocolate sauce and a lattice top. Available in full chocolate or a chocolate and caramel combination, Sara Lee claims that dessert fans and die-hard chocoholics will be completely satisfied. Cakes and muffins The Lite Bakes range has been developed and portioned with healthy eating in mind and includes a Blueberry Muffin with a blueberry sauce centre, a Choc Muffin with a berry sauce centre, a Banana Muffin with a berry sauce centre, a Banana Cake, a Choc Vanilla Cake, a Carrot Cake, an Apple Slice and a Fruit Cobbler Slice. Each product has reduced fat compared with the standard Sara Lee product, is a source of fibre and has no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. Promoted as a program to make healthier and easier choices using green, amber and red categories for display proportions, State governments aim to reduce the availability of ‘red’ foods whilst increasing ‘green’ menu items. In a study conducted nationally to understand the bakery needs of kiosk and canteen retailers within healthcare facilities (non-patient), 84% said it had been implemented to some degree in their hospital, and 67% said they were fully implementing the healthier choices program. However, the majority stated that their main concerns were the ability to keep prices in line with customer expectations, the diversity of product offerings, keeping products appealing to customers and turnover of products leading to waste. “Sara Lee is committed to providing their consumers with healthier choices – that’s why we’ve worked hard to develop our new diverse and delicious Lite Bakes range,” explained Nick Roberts, Marketing Director of Sare Lee Bakery. The Lite Bakes range is individually portioned and wrapped for hygiene and convenience in healthcare retail and hospitality facilities, and can be stored frozen to reduce waste. Sara Lee believes that their new range offers a solution to retailers within healthcare facilities. By offering a tasty, diverse range of bakery snacks that meets the ‘Amber” criteria across five states, the Lite bakes range fills a gap in menu supply without impacting current costs, margins and diversity of product offering – making it easier to comply with the governments’ healthier choices guidelines. Wendy’s 300 stores across Australia and New Zealand now include gourmet Ice Cream Cupcakes on the menu – chocolate cups filled with Wendy’s scoop ice cream, topped with flavoured whipped cream and decorated with chocolate or biscuit pieces. “At Wendy’s we are always developing unique and innovative products and we are very excited to be the first to offer Ice Cream Cupcakes. We’re sure this product will prove to be very popular,” said Wendy’s General Manager Marketing, Todd Duthie. Biscuits, crackers and more New Goodies baked crackers are available in two varieties: Goodies Two Seeds – containing sesame seeds and poppy seeds and Goodies Four Grains – containing millet, buckwheat, quinoa and amaranth. The gluten-free snacks are described as being ‘full of crunch and flavour’ that is derived from natural seeds and grains and are promoted as perfect for munching or dipping. Many people are now looking for products that contain grains and seeds; however, some snacks with natural ingredients can taste bland. “Our focus for the new Goodies range was to create simple snacks with grains and seeds that taste fantastic,” said Michael Neale, Fantastic Snacks’ Head of Sales and Marketing. Kez’s Almond Toffee retains its homemade flavour derived from being made on the stove. Toasted almonds are coated in light toffee and premium chocolate provides a sweet sensation. The Kez’s Gluten and Dairy Free range also includes Almond Bread, Chocolate Coconut Bread, Cranberry Biscotti, Melting Moments and Olive Oil, Rosemary and Linseed Bread. Family-owned and run for over ten years, Kez’s aims to provide Australians with delicious indulgences made from the finest quality ingredients, proven recipes and a true gourmet attitude to great taste; and they believe that this range is no exception. New ‘meat’ product releases for 2010 This year will see chicken retailer Lenard’s launching ten new products in order to meet the growing demands of Australian families for more variety in their weekly lunch and dinner menus. The 10 out of 10 Range includes seven new products now available in Lenard’s stores across Australia including Lenny Pops, Grill Stick, the Pinwheel, Chunky Chicken Sausages, Garlic Potato Hi-Top Muffin, plus Singapore Sizzle and Hong Kong Hotpot stir fries. Further products will be released to the range each month. Lenny Pops proved popular with both children and adults so Lenard’s has added it to the menu for the remainder of 2010. The Lenny Pop is comprised of freshly minced chicken coated in a tasty crumb and served on a stick. For the gourmets in the family, Lenard’s new Chunky Chicken Sausages are available in three international flavours: Italian, Thai and Moroccan. In addition to these new products, three menu items from the successful Vegemite range have been added to the Lenard’s staple product list for the remainder of 2010; viz Vegemite and Cheese Chicken Sausages, Vegemite and Cheese Chicken Mini Strudels and Vegemite Marinated Wings. Chicken from the supermarket “The pouch-pack makes storing your chicken fillet and pieces a whole lot easier, particularly for those cooking for just one or two people. The pouch-pack concept was prompted by our consumers. We identified through recent research, a vast number of consumers arrive home after visiting the supermarket, unpack their tray of breast fillets and then individually plastic wrap each fillet before storing in the freezer,” said Ms Moroney.
Lilydale Brand Manager Bianca Di Donato said that the new winter offerings will boost Lilydale’s shelf presence and brand awareness while meeting consumer demand for more quick and easy ways to enjoy quality, nutritious free range chicken. A variety of pies “For many, chicken has become even more popular than beef, so introducing a chicken party pie seems obvious really. It provides families with more variety and choice. They’re great for parties, snacks, and with a few veggies make an easy mid-week meal the kids will love. Now there are more reasons than ever to serve Patties Party Pies, whatever the occasion,” said Sue Clohesy, Patties Brand Manager. “Party pies should be fun. Kids love Patties Mini Party Pies, and they love Mr Men Little Miss books. So we put them together in this fun new product,” said Ms Clohesy. “Beef and mushroom is a traditional winter warmer. It’s perfect for people who want a convenient meal and don’t want to compromise on quality or taste. Quick, easy and great tasting, serve with salad or veggies for an ideal lunch or dinner…,” said Ms Pittas. The Beef & Mushroom Pie is the latest flavour in Herbert Adams’ 2-pack range, which includes King Island Beef, Chilli Con Carne, Creamy Chicken & Leek and Traditional Shepherds Pie. Ms Pittas said, “We are excited that we can now offer a chicken pie to our customers within our Herbert Adams finger food range. Chicken seems to have overtaken beef as Australia’s favourite meat, so this great addition to our range just made sense – an excellent tasting petite pie made with real chicken. It provides a great flavour choice that will have wide market appeal. They are just the thing for entertaining, or a great afternoon or pre-dinner snack.” The Chicken & Leek Petite Pie is the latest flavour in Herbert Adams’ finger food range, which also includes Pepper Steak, Beef & Burgundy petite party pies and Spinach & Ricotta petite rolls. Exotic beef jerky flavours Geronimo Jerky uses fresh, lean cuts of beef. After marinating, the meat is dehydrated for 15–17 hours and from there it is packed fresh and ready for sale. The jerky is available in six flavours: Original, Spicy Shaman, Buckshot (with a peppery note), Sidewinder (with chilli flavours), Blazin’ Saddles and Flamin’ Hot. Low fat ‘cream’ The Light version contains up to 60% less fat than regular cream (35% fat) and comes minus the product failings of other cream products – no separating or curdling. Kim McCosker, author of Australia’s best selling cookbook 4 Ingredients, has thrown her support behind the new products, labelling Philadelphia Cream for Cooking ‘a food revolution’. “Philadelphia Cream for Cooking challenges the concept
of cream as we know it. It has the indulgent texture of a pure dollop
cream, can be easily spooned into a hot pan, and unlike most creams
won’t curdle or separate in any recipe. Kraft Foods Australia/New Zealand Director of Corporate Affairs Simon Talbot has marked the launch of Philadelphia Cream for Cooking the most significant innovation for the organisation in 2010. “We think Philadelphia Cream for Cooking has the potential to challenge the consumer perception of cream and have no doubts that it will surpass their expectations. Historically cream usage in cooking has been limited due to the fat content, with low-fat creams regarded as non-performing with inferior functionality,” he explained. “Our research and development team at Kraft Foods Australia/New Zealand has created a product that allows consumers to indulge in the luxury of cream-based cooking, without the negative implications. “What we’ve developed, locally here in Australia, are two products that deliver on the properties that make cream a kitchen favourite, without the high fat content or the problems of separating and curdling. “Most significantly, with the launch of this Philadelphia Cream for Cooking, we will manufacture more than 20 000 tonnes of Philadelphia and cream cheese-based products in Mount Gambier each year. This is good news for Australian dairy farmers and our manufacturing plant in South Australia,” concluded Mr Talbot. Philadelphia Cream for Cooking has been released in two varieties: original, which is 30% less fat, and Light, which is 60% less fat than regular cream. Philadelphia Cream for Cooking appeared in stores across Australia from April. World-first technology for ‘energy drink’ The new ready-to-go Berocca Performance Twist N Go drink uses a world-first cap technology, developed by Australian designers, to hold the tablet which, when twisted, is released into purified water. Once dissolved, the drink ‘gives a burst of healthy energy’ just like normal Berocca to ‘improve physical and mental performance throughout the day’ (Haskell & other 2009). Bayer Marketing Manager Nick Stabback said that Berocca Twist N Go was created “in response to consumer demand for convenient, healthy products that offered all day energy”. It is claimed that Berocca Performance is scientifically proven to improve concentration (Carroll & others 2000) and that when taken daily for 28 days it can reduce stress and mental tiredness. “Health and convenience continue as increasingly important factors driving purchasing behaviour around the globe … Berocca in a ready-to-go format made perfect sense. We know it will be the ideal solution to help active Australians stay energised …” said Mr Stabback. It has taken Australian designers more than ten years
to develop and produce the technology behind the unique Berocca Twist
N Go cap technology. References
One of the new products showcased at Fine Foods Australia in September 2009 was Choco-o-lait, which allows you to make a cup of hot chocolate quickly and easily. The product concept is simple and innovative. One end of a wooden stick is coated with authentic Belgian chocolate, which melts very rapidly when stirred into hot milk at 80ºC. The chocolate sticks are sold in a range of varieties, dark, milk, hazelnut and cointreau.
Juicy Isle launches organic juices Michael Cooper, General Manager of Juicy Isle, said, “…Australian Food News confirmed what our own research had shown – that organic is moving from being ‘trendy’ to being something that is becoming increasingly important to consumers for a range of issues from health to social and sustainability. Woolworths’ recent purchase of an organic health food label also underpins the importance of the future of the organic industry in Australia and we’re keen to ensure we continue providing innovative, pure and quality beverages to consumers who are discerning about what they put on the table and into their bodies.” Made from a blend of local and imported ingredients, the new organic orange juice is free from pesticides and herbicides and contains 240% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) of Vitamin C. Juicy Isle’s Premium Organic Orange Juice is the only organic, chilled 2 L juice with distribution in both Coles and Woolworths nationwide. Opening a new category on supermarket shelves, every serving of KIDS PLUS provides children with 200% of their RDI of Vitamin C. In addition, one serving of KIDS PLUS contains 20% of children’s RDI of Vitamin A, 18% RDI of calcium and 15% RDI of folic acid. In addition, Juicy Isle has reduced the amount of sugar in its KIDS PLUS juice, which has a 90% juice content, making it lower in natural sugars than 100% juice. High fibre barley in Australian breakfast cereal BARLEYmax™, the high fibre wholegrain developed by CSIRO, features in two initial products, Digestive 1st and Protein 1st. Both breakfast cereals will benefit from the new wholegrain’s double fibre content and superior levels of resistant starch, which promotes better bowel and digestive health. “We are delighted that Goodness Superfoods will be the first to use CSIRO’s novel wholegrain. It is very important for people to know BARLEYmax™ is a 100% naturally produced wholegrain and contains advanced benefits that will promote bowel health and potentially help fight the onset of diseases like bowel cancer and type 2 diabetes while helping lower the risk factors for heart disease and stroke,” said Arnold May, CEO of Popina (Vic) Pty Ltd, the company that makes Goodness Superfoods breakfast cereals. “We take this leadership role with BARLEYmax™ very seriously and are committed to producing unprecedented breakfast cereals for the Australian breakfast table. All Goodness Superfoods breakfast cereals will contain at least 51% BARLEYmax™ grain and be low in added sugars and sodium, and naturally rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants,” he added. The Public Health Association of Australia has declared Australia to be in a ‘chronic disease crisis’, and simple yet effective dietary change is vital in our fight against chronic disease. “BARLEYmax™ has been in development for almost 12 years and its health benefits have now been substantiated and made available to consumers by CSIRO’s Food Futures Flagship,” commented Dr David Topping, Chief Research Scientist with CSIRO’s National Research Flagship Program. “This new enhanced wholegrain can improve the positive nutritional attributes of a range of consumer foods and improves texture and enhances flavour with a pleasant ‘nutty’ taste that sets it apart from other barley grains. We are delighted that BARLEYmax™ is now available for the first time in a range of wholegrain breakfast cereals and is available to consumers to help them make healthy food choices,” said Dr Topping. Fonterra launches Mainland Special Reserve Fonterra saw an opportunity for growth in this category and filled it by developing a range of 18 specialty cheeses such as bries, camemberts and blues, as well as a creamy vintage cheese, which is the first of its kind to be launched globally. Brad Cook, Fonterra’s General Manager Marketing and Innovation, said that consumers perceived gourmet cheeses as being ‘too special’ and only for formal entertaining occasions, such as Christmas and Easter. “Our new range of Mainland Special Reserve cheese is positioned as ‘perfect for every occasion’, from those Friday nights at home with friends, to Sunday afternoon barbeques or even watching the footy,” he said. “For some time we’ve been aware of a swinging trend towards in-home entertaining, but this has been further magnified by the economic downturn, as consumers look for affordable luxuries. When developing Mainland Special Reserve, we looked at consumer insights research and found that 50% of Australians are willing to spend more on entertaining at home and are not willing to give up their usual indulgences (Nielsen Grocery Report 2008, October 2008). We have invested over 12 months to develop our range of specialty cheeses which not only taste great, but are user friendly and won’t cost a fortune,” he added. “Mainland Special Reserve is the perfect product to have in the fridge for those planned celebrations or when friends unexpectedly pop in. With a packet of chips, kabana and a Special Reserve cheese tucked away in the fridge, you’ll be armed and ready for any occasion,” said Mr Cook. Herbert Adams celebrates 100th Anniversary “Based on a traditional recipe, made with tender lean beef and sliced mushrooms in a thick and hearty gravy, it is the perfect addition to complement our range on our 100th Anniversary,” said Herbert Adams Brand Manager, Kristy Vandenberghe. In addition, there are a number of consumer and retailer promotions including a chance to win a $50 000 London Holiday and a bottle of Penfolds Grange, while Convenience retailers have the opportunity to redeem their choice of Gift Cards. “There are not many premium brands in Australia with a 100 year history, so it’s time to celebrate. We’re launching the brand’s biggest marketing campaign including National TV Advertising and encourage retailers to stock up their Pie Warmers to meet consumer demand,” said Ms Vanderberghe. ‘No Guilt’ snacking In response to the growing market for ‘healthy’ foods, many food companies have launched a variety of snack food products designed to reduce the guilt associated with the common practise of ‘snacking’ between meals, especially for mothers who may believe that snacks are necessary to keep their children energised and to maintain concentration levels during the day. Uncle Toby’s have launched three Fruit Fix™ flavour combinations (Apple, Blackcurrant & Grape Apple, Mango & Grape Apple, Strawberry & Grape) containing 99% fruit ingredients – including fruit puree, juice and fibre and no artificial colours or flavours. Uncle Tobys® Fruit Fix™ is approved by the National Heart Foundation Tick program and the company has provided a thumbnail guide at the front of pack, and associated advice for the following nutrition criteria:
Fruity Bites (Apricot and Apple Berry) are bite-sized pieces made from dried and concentrated fruits. They have been designed to provide a ‘burst of natural energy’ for children. Fruity Bites are preservative free, gluten free and with added non-dairy calcium. The partnership between Go Natural and Looney Tunes Active! was created to promote a more active lifestyle for children. Looney Tunes Active! was launched in 2006 and has quickly evolved into one of the world’s most dynamic children’s initiatives. Key product lines feature a variety of iconic Looney Tunes characters, which have direct appeal to children and their families. The Nut Clusters range are free from gluten, preservatives, flavour enhancers, MSG, trans fats and GM ingredients. Carman’s Muesli Bites are made from Carman’s gourmet muesli and, like the rest of the range, are all natural, free from artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. The Bites also include Australian wholegrain oats, which provides soluble fibre called betaglucan that may help lower blood cholesterol. Mars goes small Despite a trend to ‘Big’ and ‘upsizing’ in some sectors of the food industry and by foodservice, Mars Snackfood is moving in the opposite direction by going ‘small’ on portion size. One of the largest food manufacturers in Australia, Mars believes it is taking a leadership position by launching a range of initiatives which will allow consumers to make their own informed food choices. General Manager for Mars Snackfood Australia, Peter West, said that, “Even though chocolate lovers are happy with their Mars Bar just the way they were, we have reduced the size by more than 11%. This is one of the many initiatives that we have implemented to address the issue of Big Food. Eleven out of twelve of our ‘Little Bit of’ Fun Size Bars are now less than 100 calories, making them perfect to have as a treat. “In this health conscious environment, these small steps will have a large impact over time. By reducing the portion size we have eliminated 14.7 billion calories out of the Australian food supply per year. At Mars we are constantly looking at ways to make products better for our consumers. We know chocolate isn’t an apple. It is a treat food and should be a small bit of pleasure in your day,” added Mr West. ‘Chocolate Mud’ with less sugar According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australians consume an estimated 43.4 kg of sugar per capita each year. Sweet William Chocolate Mud Spread is promoted as a healthier option for the occasional chocolate craving; with the reduced sugar keeping daily sugar intake in check. Sweet William brand ambassador, Tiffany Herdsman, who lost 54.1 kg during reality show The Biggest Loser, is a recent convert to the Sweet William chocolate range. “I have learned a lot about nutrition and the value of making better food choices. I’ve also learned that it’s important to have a balanced diet, which means allowing yourself an occasional treat,” said Tiffany. Coles expands Fairtrade® chocolate range Cocolo Premium Organic 70% chocolate is available in all Coles’ supermarkets. This product received equal first place in the lay person’s taste-test of 70% dark chocolate, conducted by CHOICE Online in November 2008. Cocolo Organic Milk, Organic Dark, Mint and Dark Orange will be available in 705 stores nationwide. Two Cocolo varieties have been available in approximately 70 Coles supermarkets in New South Wales for some time. Coles General Manager Grocery Cameron Trainor said, “Many consumers are increasingly making purchasing decisions based on ethical concerns. Through Cocolo, Coles is able to offer a high quality Fairtrade option for customers that complements our existing confectionery range.” Cocolo sources its Organic Fairtrade® ingredients from Bolivia, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Through its certification process, Fairtrade® guarantees that the cocoa farmers who work as part of a democratically run cooperative enjoy a fair price for their crop. Fairtrade® participation also fosters investment in sustainable cocoa farming and production practices. World Vision chief executive Tim Costello applauded the announcement. “Fairtrade chocolate makes a meaningful difference to cocoa farmers in developing countries. It guarantees fair pricing and safe labour practices. By making Fairtrade chocolate available in all of their stores, Coles has shown a real commitment to making ethical purchasing an option for their shoppers. Coles should be congratulated for their leadership on this,” he said. Natasha Lewis, Founder, and former Chair of the Fairtrade® Association of Australia and New Zealand, started Cocolo in 2004 with her brother Jason Lewis, seeing a real need in the Australian market for an excellent quality chocolate that was produced ethically and sustainably. “We wanted chocolate lovers everywhere to enjoy a premium product
without any of the guilt. At Cocolo, we know that quality and sustainability
start with the producer – if growers can’t afford the basic
necessities, like food, clean water and healthcare for their children,
then we can’t expect them to worry about the environment, or to
be able to invest in improving the quality of their produce,”
she said. Olive oil in a cask The first premium olive oil to be bulk packaged and sold in an innovative 100% airtight cask, Yellingbo Gold is an award-winning extra virgin olive oil created by Jeremy Meltzer, from Three Bridges Olive Grove, at Yellingbo, Victoria. The 100% recyclable Yellingbo Gold Cask is based on the concept of the iconic Australian wine cask. With an internal bladder that collapses as the olive oil is used, the oil remains sealed from air and light, preventing oxidation and rancidity, offering extra virgin olive oil, on tap, fresh until all is used. Olive oil, when exposed to air and light can begin to turn rancid within days. Yellingbo Gold Casks are also ‘kind to our environment’. Each cask is made of recycled materials and is fully recyclable. It folds flat when finished for easy disposal, reducing waste and environmental impact, compared to a tin, by 95%. The cask also features a patented drip-proof variable flow tap, which eliminates leakage and the greasy layer of oil that eventually coats glass bottles and tins. The tap also allows for easy decanting into smaller bottles, if required. Estate grown using organic farming methods, hand-picked and cold-pressed within four hours of harvest, Yellingbo Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oils are a blend from Manzanillo, Leccino, Frantoio and Barnea olives. The new cask preserves the oil’s complex, buttery taste, with final hints of sweet apples, nuts and caramel. Yellingbo Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil is certified kosher, and 5% of the profits are donated to the Jasmine Foundation (www.jasminefoundation.org), a charity established by the Meltzer family, which assists children orphaned by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.
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Nanna’s,
the brand associated with ‘wholesome family desserts’, has
launched a new “black label” range of Premium Tarts (www.nannas.com.au/premiumtarts).
To
make healthier food choices easier for consumers, Sara Lee has developed
the first national range of bakery snacks to comply with the “Amber”
category for retail sale in public healthcare facilities – Sara
Lee Lite Bakes. This new range of eight muffins, cakes and
slices became available in May 2010.
In
a first for the retail treat market, and featuring a twist on an old
favourite, Wendy’s launched a new product this April.
In
response to growing demand for grains and seeds as part of a healthy
diet, Fantastic Snacks has developed a new snack product that they claim
delivers on good quality and delicious taste.
With
health high so on the agenda these days, Kez’s has also provided
the consumer with more options through their new product, Kez’s
Free. This is a range of products designed to change consumers’
perceptions of gluten and dairy free, with a wide range of choices.
Lenard’s
customers had a preview of the new Lenny Pop product when it was released
in January as part of Lenard’s range of exclusive chicken products
with Vegemite as the key ingredient.
Lenard’s-own
Grill Sticks also joins the range in seven flavours. Grill Sticks are
Lenard’s answer to the kebab with a tender drumstick fillet skewered
on two sticks. The new format is promoted as easier to cook and serve
than traditional kebabs.
The
Pinwheel is a variation on the Australian sausage roll. It comes in
three flavours, Greek, Italian and Plum & Apricot, and features
freshly minced chicken scrolled in light puff pastry and packed with
chunks of fresh ingredients and deli cheeses.
Garlic
Potato Hi-Top Muffins combine freshly minced chicken, vegetables and
a creamy garlic potato centre; almost a meal in themselves.
Although
not strictly a new product, the Steggles Family Feast is making
a comeback. The lightly marinated 2.1 kg chicken can feed up to eight
people.
Steggles
has also created a new pouch pack featuring perforated sections with
each containing chicken breast fillets. Designed for maximum convenience
and easy storage, each pouch pack contains two boneless and skinless
chicken breast fillets. Consumers can use a single portion, or two,
and store the rest for later in the freezer or fridge.
Lilydale
Free Range chicken is strengthening its market position with three new
products. Consistent with Lilydale’s innovative approach, the
latest products include the only free range chicken mince on the market.
For
families on a budget, the Free Range Portions, containing two leg, two
wing and two thigh pieces in one pack, are conveniently pre-cut ready
to use.
With no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, Lilydale’s
Boneless Roast with sage, onion and jasmine rice stuffing is a variation
on the traditional Sunday roast and promoted as a healthy alternative
for time-poor home cooks.
Patties
new Chicken & Corn Party Pies bring a new flavour to the family
favourite range. The Chicken & Corn flavour combination is made
with 100% ‘real chicken’ and corn kernels, in a white sauce.
Patties
has also released Mr Men Little Miss packs of 36 Mini Party
Pies, which also includes a free Mr Men Little Miss book inside.
The universal appeal of the Mr Men Little Miss characters have
made the books international best sellers, with over 100 million copies
sold worldwide.
Herbert
Adams’ latest addition to its gourmet range is the Beef &
Mushroom Pie in a 420 g 2-pack. It is a combination of beef pieces and
chopped mushrooms, encrusted in Herbert Adams’ flaky
pastry. Patties Foods Assistant Brand Manager Thea Pittas
said that the new flavour is just right for the colder months ahead.
Herbert
Adams also has a new addition to its finger food range –
Chicken & Leek Petite Pies, in a 380 g 16-pack.
Geronimo
Jerky is a Brisbane-based company which specialises in the production
of the Best Beef Jerky You’ve Ever Tasted. Their Native
American recipes have been handed down from generation to generation
for over 100 years. The marinade recipe incorporates a blend of natural
ingredients and products which are locally supplied in Australia, with
the exception of a chilli oil imported from the States.
Kraft
Foods Australia/New Zealand has released its most significant product
innovation of 2010 with two Philadelphia Cream for Cooking
products.
Australians
will be the first to experience a new drink from Berocca that puts the
effervescent multivitamin tablet into a ready-to-use bottle.
Chocolate
on a stick
Juicy
Isle has announced the opening of a new chilled juice category with
the launch of its new 2 L Juicy Isle Premium Organic Orange Juice.
This comes six months after Newspoll revealed that 61% of Australian
grocery buyers purchase organic products and the Organic Federation
of Australia’s recent press release stating organic sales are
‘beating the world recession’.
Juicy
Isle has also launched KIDS PLUS, a pulp free, low GI premium
orange juice specially formulated for children.
Further
to the licensing agreement previously reported (Food Aust 60(10): 467
October 2009), BARLEYmax™ has become available for large
scale commercial use and has been incorporated into the newly launched
Goodness Superfoods range of breakfast cereals. 
“There
are not many breakfast cereals on the market that I recommend, but Digestive
1st and Protein 1st really stand out nutritionally being
wholegrain, low GI, high in fibre and resistant starch, low in added
sugars and they taste great. Increased wholegrain intake has been
shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes
and stroke and even help with weight control. These cereals really do
have the potential to help combat many of the chronic diseases affecting
Australians,” commented Joanna McMillan Price,
Registered Nutritionist and Accredited Practising Dietitian. 
Fonterra
has recently launched its Mainland Special Reserve cheese range
into Australia’s $250 million gourmet cheese category.
Australia’s
well known pastry brand, Herbert Adams, turns 100 this year! To celebrate
the 100th Anniversary, Herbert Adams have extended their range of premium
pies and pastries to include a Chunky Beef and Mushroom Pie.
Go
Natural, has launched a new range called Fruity Bites in partnership
with Looney Tunes Active!, a popular childrens initiative developed
by Warner Bros. Consumer Products to promote an active way of life among
kids.
Go
Natural also has a new Nut Clusters range promoting natural
flavours and ‘nutty goodness’. They are positioned as a
healthy savoury snack alternative to chips or salted nuts as the nuts
are seasoned with natural herbs and spices. Nut Clusters are
available in 180 g re-sealable pouches, in three varieties: Almond,
Cashew, Pepita & Chilli; Almond, Cashew, Rosemary & Thyme and
Macadamia, Cashew, Honey & Soy.
Carman’s
have launched Muesli Bites that contain less than 100 calories
per serve. Fruit Muesli Bite and Apricot Muesli Bites
contain 86 and 83 calories, respectively, with corresponding GI ratings
of 52 and 54.
Other
initiatives by Mars include the launch of Mars Red, a chocolate
bar with half the fat of a Mars Bar (per single bar serve),
clearer nutrition labelling and the introduction of the “Be Treatwise”
logo, the reduction of saturated fat and the elimination of artificial
colours and flavours.
Recognising
healthier food trends, Australian chocolate company Sweet William (www.sweetwilliam.com.au)
has now introduced Mud, a chocolate spread, which contains 60% less
sugar than other brands. Chocolate Mud Spread contains no artificial
sweeteners, has a low GI (< 25), is low in salt, is completely nut
free, contains omega-3 and is free from trans fats.
From
June 2009, Coles’ supermarkets has expanded its selection of block
chocolate to include the Cocolo range of Premium Organic Fairtrade®
chocolate. Cocolo is made in Switzerland, but is wholly Australian
owned. 
From
a small family run estate, comes one of Australia’s most revolutionary
and ‘environmentally friendly’ packaged Olive Oils; Yellingbo
Gold Extra Virgin Olive Oil, packaged in casks. 
