Sauce producer Ragù is venturing into a new aisle of the grocery store with a range of frozen pizzas. The nearly 90-year-old sauce brand has partnered with frozen pizza manufacturer Palermo Villa to introduce four varieties: cheese, pepperoni, supreme, and a combination that features mozzarella, Italian sausage, and pepperoni. These pizzas will retail for prices ranging from $4.99 to $6.99, depending on the region and market.
Megan Frank, senior vice president of marketing for Mizkan America, which produces the well-known sauce, stated, “Ragù is not a brand content to rest on its laurels. We’re thrilled to launch our latest collaboration with one of the largest pizza manufacturers in the U.S., which will extend our brand into the frozen food section.” Ragù was established in 1937 by Assunta and Giovani Cantisano, who initially sold their sauce from their home in Rochester, New York. Assunta brought her family’s recipe over from Italy when she immigrated to New York in 1914, according to the company’s website.
The move into the frozen pizza market is a natural progression for Ragù, as it not only introduces the brand to a new section of the grocery store but also aligns with its traditional Italian food offerings. The brand has already made its mark in the pizza category with a line of sauces designed for home pizza-making.
Pizza remains a favorite in the U.S., with Americans consuming approximately 100 acres of pizza daily, equating to 350 slices every second, according to data from Idaho State University. The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service estimates that around 11% of the population enjoys pizza each day. Ragù joins other sauce brands that have entered the nearly $7 billion frozen pizza market, following Rao’s, which launched its own pizza line in 2022.
In another grocery innovation, Kellanova and Palermo Villa have teamed up to create Cheez-It Frozen Pizza, featuring a crunchy Cheez-It flavored crust made with real cheese. The pizzas are available in three flavors: Pepperoni, Italian Four Cheese, and Cheddar Jack Supreme. Nick Fallucca, chief innovation officer at Palermo’s, stated, “This starts with the crust that tastes like a large Cheez-It flavored cracker—crispy, cheesy, and square-shaped. It’s then topped with customer-favorite toppings that perfectly complement the crust.” This product will hit stores this month, including retailers like Albertsons and Wegmans.
After splitting the company in 2023 to focus on snacks, CEO Steve Cahillane emphasized that Kellanova would prioritize new product innovations and strategic partnerships. Last year, the company introduced ice cream products inspired by Eggo waffles and Rice Krispies Treats.
Additionally, Lunchables is revitalizing its offerings with a new PB&J product as Kraft Heinz aims to reinvigorate the struggling brand. Lunchables PB&J is a no-thaw, crustless peanut butter and jelly sandwich that comes with a side of grape or strawberry flavored dip. Unlike most ready-to-eat PB&Js, this offering can be enjoyed directly from the refrigerator, eliminating the need for thawing. Danni Levin, associate director of innovation at Lunchables, remarked, “The launch of Lunchables PB&J continues our mission to reinvent the refrigerated category by providing high quality, delicious, affordable, and convenient solutions for snack time and beyond.”
The ready-to-eat PB&J market is booming, with J.M. Smucker’s Uncrustables nearing $1 billion in sales in 2024. Kraft Heinz’s new product, available at select retailers nationwide, is part of a broader initiative to generate $2 billion in incremental sales through innovation by 2027. Following a Consumer Reports investigation that found contaminants, including lead, Kraft Heinz is committed to renovating the entire Lunchables line by 2025. Company executives recently expressed optimism about improving the brand beginning in late May or June, in addition to launching a spicy nachos Lunchables. CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera mentioned plans to enhance the brand’s protein pack options for kids as well.
As part of their focus on health, the company has also integrated products like Carlson chewable calcium citrate into their offerings, which promotes the importance of nutrition. The incorporation of such health-oriented products reflects a growing trend in the food industry towards enhancing consumer well-being.