Authentic Taste, Easy Prep
Distributor US Foods Holding Corp., Rosemont, Ill., released its Fall 2024 Scoop (themed “Bar and Grill and Beyond”) with featured 24 new products. They included three new meat offerings: Chef’s Line All-Natural Cuban-Inspired Ropa Vieja (pictured), Chef’s Line All Natural Smoked Pork Butt, and All Natural Fire Grilled Sous Vide Chicken Thigh Raised Without Antibiotics.

Officials say US Foods Product Developer and Chef Amy Bracco—with consultative support from Center of the Plate Specialist and Cuban cuisine aficionado Chef Frankie Ruiz—created Cuban-Inspired Ropa Vieja as an authentic yet approachable product. It features a cost-efficient cut of beef that delivers on the texture and authentic “rope-like” strands (expected with ropa vieja) and added red peppers, onions, diced tomatoes, green olives, garlic, salt and pepper, bay leaf and cumin to bring the national dish of Cuba to operators.

Get the Net!
Bumble Bee Seafoods LLC, San Diego, celebrated October National Seafood Month with 11 new canned, pouched, and kit-based seafood products. "Everything we create is driven by what consumers value most: nutrition, flavor, and convenience that fits into real life," said Jeremy Zavoral, Bumble Bee senior director of innovation & insights. "Our goal is to make it easier than ever for people to enjoy seafood in ways that are both practical and delicious."

New offerings include Wild-Caught Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water (Lemon & Garlic flavor) in a 2.5oz pouch; Everything Bagel Seasoning Tuna Salad "Snack on the Run!" Kit (MSC-Certified); and Bumble Bee Low-Sodium Albacore Solid White Tuna in Water in a 2.5oz pouch, a 5oz. can four-pack, and in a 12oz can. Other new items are Wild-Caught Pink Salmon, Skinless & Boneless Pouch; Wild-Caught Sardines and Prime Wild-Caught Tiny Shrimp (4oz tin).

Natural Breakfast Appeal
Applegate Farms LLC, Bedminster, N.J., continued its breakfast category expansion with new APPLEGATE NATURALS® Pancake & Sausage Stick. Available exclusively at Whole Foods, this heat-and-carry item features fluffy pancake wrapped around savory sausage on a stick.

"Weekday mornings are busy – not just for parents, but kids, too, and trying to think of nutritious and delicious meals can put a damper on mealtimes," said Joseph O'Connor, Applegate president. "With this launch we hope to give families back some of that time; while starting the day off right."

The product features 100% natural Applegate Humanely Raised chicken (7g of protein per serving) and a 10oz, four-stick package carries SRP of $7.99.  

Labor Saver
Last October saw Smithfield Culinary, Smithfield, Va., introduce Smithfield Select Bacon, a fully cooked ready-to-eat option. The bacon can be quick and easily heated in the microwave or on a flat top. It eliminates the need for time-consuming preparation and clean-up and allows chefs to simply heat and serve.

“We developed Smithfield Select Bacon in response to the growing need for premium quality fully cooked bacon that not only satisfies the senses but also alleviates the workload in busy kitchens,” said Edward Wayda, Smithfield Culinary marketing director. “These ready-to-eat options allow operators to delight their guests with high-quality, flavorful bacon in a fraction of the time and with minimal mess.”

Fun, Football and Fundraising
Dallas Cowboys fans could catch “America's football team” on their TV screen and make them part of holiday celebrations at Thanksgiving with the introduction of Tyson Dallas Cowboys Nuggets from Tyson Foods Inc., Springdale, Ark. Officials said the star-shaped nuggets “combine America's team with America's classic chicken nugget.” Tyson also planned to donate $1.00 to The Salvation Army for every purchase of the Tyson Dallas Cowboys Nuggets throughout the holiday season, up to $100,000. 

The all-white meat Tyson Dallas Cowboys Nuggets come fully cooked and ready to serve in 10 minutes with an excellent source of protein (11g per serving). They join a growing line that includes [Arkansas] Razorback Nuggets, Spooky Nuggets and a Dino Nugget. 

Bacon—With Benefits
It was a busy fall for Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Minn., which introduced two products to extend its Hormel Black Label bacon line.

Hormel partnered with General Mills to create the first co-branded bacon in partnership with the cereal maker’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Officials said the limited-edition item “delivers a crisp, sugary crust with a delicious balance of cinnamon, sugar, salt and savory bacon taste.” Specifically, it involves a “CINNADUST” seasoning blend that was hand-rubbed onto thick-cut bacon and held overnight for optimal flavor.

New OVEN READY Thick Cut Bacon “removes all the pain points of traditional bacon preparation,” says Hormel. Consumers simply place the oven safe tray in a preheated oven, cook for 20 minutes (depending on preferred crispiness) and discard the tray in the trash—with no need to touch raw meat or babysit the frying pan, and no cleanup. 

Convenient Kits
Chicken of the Sea International, El Segundo, Calif., introduced two Packet Up! Tuna and Salmon Salad Kits including a full-size, wild caught tuna or salmon packet, plus accompaniments.

The White Tuna Salad Kit includes a 2.5oz Wild Caught Albacore Tuna Packet, dried cranberries, light mayonnaise, four artisan crackers, mixing tray and serving spoon. The Pink Salmon Salad Kit includes a 2.5oz Alaskan Pink Salmon Packet, Dijon mustard, light mayonnaise, four artisan crackers, mixing tray and serving spoon.

"For us at Chicken of the Sea, innovation starts and ends with creating delicious and convenient options for consumers looking for healthy solutions that fit their lifestyle," says Griffin Raasch, director of marketing at Chicken of the Sea. "With the launch of Packet Up! Kits, we're excited to be delivering customizable, versatile options that fans are looking for to enjoy a happier, healthier life. Whether you prefer salmon or tuna, there's no compromise on mouthwatering flavor."

Ready to Meat the Holidays
Hormel Foods Corp., Austin, Minn., extended its Columbus Craft Meats line with seven new products for holiday entertaining as well as snacking. A Rustic Charcuterie Trio (pictured) offers authentic traditional flavors featuring Sopressata Salame, Prosciutto and uncured Coppa, while the Bold Charcuterie Trio delivers more flavor with Hot Sopressata, uncured Hot Coppa and uncured Chorizo. There’s also a Tour of Italy Tasting Board with a selection of Italian craft meats, cheeses and accompaniments

“We’ve curated the perfect salumi combinations to enhance tasting experiences both at home and on the go this holiday season,” said Sean McNeil, Columbus senior brand manager. “There’s truly something for everyone. Our 12oz Charcuterie Trio remains the best-selling items in the dry deli category, so extending the offerings to include other options was a natural fit. During the 2022 holiday season, our Charcuterie Tasting Board was the best-selling item in our portfolio, so the new COLUMBUS Tour of Italy Tasting Board is an exciting addition for consumers.”

New Orleans Flavor
Zatarain's, New Orleans, La., said it reformulated and relaunched its Andouille Smoked Sausage seasoned with paprika, black and red pepper, oregano, and thyme. Zatarain's new Andouille Smoked Sausage is available at Kroger and Walmart stores nationwide as well as many other regional retailers.

“Our customers love the smoky taste of our original sausage but craved even more of that New Orleans flavor. So, we listened to them and were able to achieve just that with the relaunch of the classic Andouille SKU,” said Glen Schutzman, vice president marketing, Convenient Meals at McCormick & Company. “The refreshed recipe provides a richer, bolder taste that pairs perfectly with any dish inspired by The Big Easy's vibrant culture and culinary scene.”