Ferrero is leveraging its iconic Ferrero Rocher chocolates to “revolutionize the premium chocolate bar market.” The new line of Ferrero Rocher chocolate bars includes Milk Hazelnut, 55% Dark Hazelnut, White Hazelnut, and Milk Hazelnut and Almond varieties. Each bar features a creamy filling enriched with crunchy hazelnut pieces. The chocolate squares are topped with a small dome, reminiscent of the original Ferrero Rocher candy, inviting consumers to explore its multiple layers. According to Ferrero, the premium bar line was developed over three years by a team of 50, who tested 300 different recipes to achieve the ideal flavor balance. “For the Ferrero Rocher bar, we focused on high-quality ingredients, including delectable crunchy hazelnuts and fine chocolate, combined with a premium design to create a product that is as delightful to the taste as it is to the eye,” stated Mark Wakefield, senior vice president of premium chocolate for Ferrero North America. While the bars are now available in U.S. retailers, they first launched in the U.K. last year. Ferrero Rocher debuted in Europe in 1982 and was introduced to the U.S. market six years later. The company reportedly sources about a third of the global hazelnut supply for its Ferrero Rocher bonbons. In addition, Ferrero is known for another popular chocolate and hazelnut product, Nutella. As indulgence and premiumization continue to shape the chocolate industry, a survey by Cargill revealed that one-third of consumers increased their chocolate consumption during the pandemic. Premium chocolate sales grew by 16% in 2021, compared to 10% for the overall chocolate category, according to Godiva CEO Nurtac Afridi in a recent Food Dive report.
In another development, Schwan’s is openly aiming to become the “No. 1 undisputed leader” in the frozen pizza market, and the company believes its latest product launch will bring it closer to that goal. Schwan’s, the maker of Red Baron, Tony’s, and Freschetta, is introducing Hearth & Fire craft frozen pizza, featuring premium ingredients such as roasted mushrooms, whole basil leaves, caramelized onions, mozzarella medallions, and goat cheese. The company identifies a significant barrier for many consumers as the perception that frozen pizza lacks the quality and flavor of their favorite local pizzerias—a challenge they claim to have addressed with the Hearth & Fire line. Schwan’s employs a minimum fermentation period of 20 hours to enhance the flavor and texture of its pizza crust, which is then cooked in an open fire exceeding 1,000 degrees, mimicking traditional pizza ovens. They vacuum seal the pizzas to maintain their artisanal quality. Hearth & Fire will initially be available at select Kroger locations in seven cities, with broader distribution planned for the coming year. Consumers in 15 states will soon be able to order online for home delivery. Since the introduction of frozen pizzas in the 1950s, the category has expanded into hundreds of brands, flavors, formats, and price ranges. Recent sales growth reflects a trend of consumers eating more at home while seeking cost-effective options amid rising prices nationwide. For the 52 weeks ending August 7, frozen pizza sales reached $6.4 billion, a 6.7% increase from the previous year, according to IRI, a market research firm based in Chicago. Nestlé’s DiGiorno leads the category with sales nearing $1.4 billion, while Schwan’s Red Baron follows closely at $1.1 billion, with private label brands in third place at $806 million. The segment is also experiencing a shift toward premium offerings, as evidenced by Sovos Brands’ recent launch of a line of brick-oven crust pizzas made with San Marzano tomato sauce.
For over three decades, Lunchables have made mealtime enjoyable for children of all ages, allowing them to stack meats and crackers, create mini pizzas, and assemble nacho platters. A new gummy candy is bringing a similar sense of fun to dessert. Kraft Heinz, the maker of Lunchables, has partnered with Frankford Candy to create gummy versions of classic Lunchables. The Gummy Lunchables Cracker Stackers resemble the traditional lunch meat, cheese, and cracker combinations, while the Gummy Lunchables Pepperoni Pizza Kits come with round “crusts,” red liquid sauce, and gummy mozzarella and pepperoni slices. “Lunchables is an iconic brand that was the first to let individuals build and enjoy a meal their way,” said Molly Jacobson, director of business development at Frankford Candy, in a press release. “We are thrilled to offer consumers a new way to experience the brand. We believe Gummy Lunchables will be just as enjoyable to play with as they are to eat.” Initially introduced in the late 1980s to boost sales of Oscar Mayer bologna, Lunchables have maintained their popularity, despite some nutritionists criticizing the unhealthy options in the brand’s signature disposable trays. The brand has attempted to incorporate healthier items, but options like fruit, yogurt, and carrots did not resonate with consumers, and the classic offerings that parents purchase for their children today closely resemble those from their own childhood. Lunchables continue to thrive; as kids returned to in-person schooling last year and supply chains faced pandemic-related challenges, the product experienced double-digit growth and became increasingly difficult to find in stores. The announcement of Gummy Lunchables indicated that consumers should expect more seasonal varieties of Kraft Heinz gummies soon, but rest assured—the release states these gummies taste like fruit, not Lunchable components.
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