New product round-up July 2016: Lays goes global, Tango popcorn, Justin’s banana chip snacks

Lays international chip flavours (US)

PepsiCo chips brand Lays is rolling out four limited-edition international flavors as part of its Passport to Flavor activity.

The new line-up comprises Brazilian Picanha, Chinese Szechuan Chicken, Greek Tzatziki and Indian Tikka Masala.

Consumers will have the chance to see the places that inspired the flavors by buying specially marked Lay's products and entering an on-pack code online. This enables them to collect ‘miles’ and ‘passport stamps’ for a chance to win travel gear, domestic and international getaways, and other travel-themed prizes.

"While most of us can't just hop on a plane, all of us can travel through our taste buds​," said Jeannie Cho, vice president of Frito-Lay marketing. "The Passport to Flavor program invites consumers to try four delicious new global flavors, while also giving them a chance to win trips and travel-related prizes​."

Walkers sandwich flavor chips (UK)

PepsiCo has also launched a limited-edition summer range for its Walkers chips brand in the UK.

It has partnered with Heinz to roll out crisp flavours inspired by British sandwich recipes such as Toasted Cheese & Worcester Sauce; Bacon & Ketchup; and Cheese, Cucumber & Salad Cream.

The range is being promoted through on-pack push Go Barmy for a Sarnie (English slang for a sandwich), which gives consumers the chance to win £10,000 ($13,200) every week, as well as sandwich-themed prizes and free crisps.

The campaign will be supported by TV, digital and experiential activity.

“Crisps are a regular feature at lunchtime for many people, so we came up with a concept that would incorporate them both; giving Brits the chance to try the great taste of their favorite sandwiches in crisp format​,” said PepsiCo marketing director Thomas Barkholt.

Justin's peanut butter and banana chip snack pack (US)

Nut butter brand Justin's has introduced the first extension of its Snack Pack product line.

Claimed to be the world's first non-perishable fruit and nut butter pairing, Justin's Peanut Butter and Banana Chip Snack Pack is available in two flavors: Classic Peanut Butter & Banana Chips and Honey Peanut Butter & Banana Chips.

Each gluten-free pack contains five to six grams of protein, three grams of fiber and more than 200 mg of potassium. 

"After a successful launch of the Snack Pack last summer, we knew this line had growth potential​," said founder Justin Gold. "Peanut butter and bananas are the ultimate pairing. When we realized there was nothing on the market like it, we made it happen!​"

The snacks are being sold exclusively at Target stores for $1.99.

Earlier this year, Skippy peanut butter brand owner Hormel Foods announced it was acquiring Boulder-based Justin’s in a $286m deal designed to help Hormel attract a “younger, more health conscious on-the-go millennial consumer​”.

McVitie’s on-the-go cake range (UK)

McVitie’s has relaunched its on-the-go range to offer a longer shelf life and smaller cases sizes - with all previous 24 and 18-pack cases replaced with a 12-pack case size.

Packaging has been re-vamped under the McVitie’s masterbrand with a permanent multi-buy available on the top three SKUs: McVitie’s Chocolate Digestive Slices, McVitie’s Digestive Caramel Slices and McVitie’s Chocolate Hobnobs Flapjacks. These will be available in 2-for-£1 ($1.32) price-marked packs.

“We see this re-launch as an opportunity for us to continue growing in the cake on-the-go category,”​ said McVitie’s Cake Company senior brand manager Claire Hooper.

Jacob’s Ciabatta Crackers (UK)

UK brand Jacob’s has unveiled a cracker offering the taste of ciabatta bread.

Rolling out in three flavors – Original, Sundried Tomato & Basil and Caramelised Onion - Jacob’s Ciabatta Crackers are the first innovation of its kind for the savoury category, claimed the business.

Jacob’s said the launch was designed to tap demand for alternatives to bread at lunchtime. The crackers will be available in the UK later this month at £1.39 ($1.80) for a 140 g pack.

“It’s a first for the category in terms of taking the taste attributes of bread and putting it into a cracker format to give consumers that extra crunch​,” said Ted Linehan, director of savory. “We believe this fresh proposition for the market will be a huge success with consumers who are looking for a tasty alternative to a sandwich at lunch​.”

Jacob’s and McVitie's (above) are part of Pladis, the company formed by Yildiz Holding​​ when it brought its core confectionery and bakery businesses together.

Gluten-free Cheerios (Canada)

General Mills is making five of its Canadian Cheerios products gluten-free following the success of a similar move in the US.

Gluten-free versions of Original, Honey Nut, Multi-Grain, Apple Cinnamon and Chocolate Cheerios will be rolling out across Canada this summer.

General Mills has developed a process to remove the small amount of wheat, rye and barley from its supply of whole oats to ensure the oats used for Cheerios meet Health Canada's requirements and standards for gluten-free products.

The company last month reported​​ its cereal sales were up 2.8% year on year in the last quarter of fiscal 2016, and had benefited from the success of gluten-free Cheerios launched in the US in 2015.

Two more US Cheerios varieties – Chocolate and Fruity – will be made free from gluten this summer.

Munchy Seeds multipack range (UK)

Snack brand Munchy Seeds has expanded its line-up with multipacks containing four 25 g snack packs.

Available in either Honey Seeds or Chilli Bites - the most popular flavors in the brand's sweet and savoury ranges – they are described as an alternative source of protein; are gluten, wheat and yeast free; suitable for vegetarians; and high in fibre, iron and vitamin E.

They are available now in 110 stores in the UK’s Waitrose supermarket chain with a retail price of £2.50 ($3.30).

“Our snack packs are ideal for snacking on the go and for breakfast or lunch at work​,” said Munchy Seeds founder Lucinda Clay. “These new multipacks are the perfect way to make healthier eating part of the weekly shop​.”

Thomas' salted caramel English muffins and bagels (US)

Bimbo Bakeries USA has extended its Thomas’ brand with limited-edition salted caramel English muffins and bagels to tap demand for sweet and salty flavors.

Available from July to mid-October, they carry a suggested retail price of $4.49 for a six-count pack of muffins and $4.79 for a six-count pack of bagels.

"Salted caramel has quickly become a contender in the ever-competitive flavor landscape as consumers demand new and unique flavors — especially to usher in the fall season​," said senior marketing director Jon Silvon.

The Grupo Bimbo subsidiary last month​​ rolled out an extra-large version of its English muffin.

Riso Gallo rice cakes (UK)

Rice producer Riso Gallo has extended into the UK snacks market with rice cakes in two variants - Venere and Three Grain.

Both varieties, which are produced in Italy, have already enjoyed success in Europe, said the business. Sold in 100 g packs containing 15 rice cakes, they have a 12-month shelf life and recommended retail price of £1.15 ($1.50)

“Riso Gallo is a traditional family business, but every year we are exploring new opportunities​,” said Riso Gallo UK MD Jason Morrison.

“Over the last few years we have introduced Venere rice (black rice) and Three Grains into the UK, both as pouched and vacuum pack varieties​,” he added. “For these healthy-option products, it was only natural to develop these into rice cakes​.”

Eureka bread national rollout (US)

Bimbo Bakeries has rolled out Eureka nationally, with the brand’s six organic loaves available at major retailers across the country as interest in organic food gathers pace with US manufacturers and consumers. Recommended retail prices range from $3.99 to $5.69.

Eureka loaves contain no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or high fructose corn syrup, said Bimbo. They are also USDA Organic, Vegan Certified and have recently become Non-GMO Project Verified.

The brand was aiming to change consumer perceptions of organic bread being “bland, boring and taste-less​”, said Eureka senior brand manager Marlene Sidhu.

For further information see here​.

Poptang – Tango-flavored popcorn (UK)

UK snacks manufacturer Yumsh Snacks has teamed up with Britvic soft drinks brand Tango to launch Poptang.

Available in 20 g and 70 g packs, Poptang is produced in Apple Tange and Orange Tango flavors and is free from gluten, dairy, GMO and MSG as well as being vegan and kosher.

“Yumsh Snacks are renowned for premium quality popcorn and 'free-from plus' credentials​,” said Yumsh Snacks CEO Tony Goodman. ”These have been intrinsically woven together with two sensational flavours from Tango - an iconic UK brand​.”

Project 7 Good Squared clusters (US)

California-based gum and gummies brand Project 7 has entered the snacks category with a range of on-the-go nuts and grains clusters that has launched into US Starbucks ahead of a wider rollout.

Good Squared snack clusters are made with roasted nuts, dried fruits and ancient whole grains, and are non-GMO. With a suggested retail price of between $3.99 and $4.99, they are available in two flavors: Apple harvest with almonds, cashews, quinoa, pecans, apples, and ancient grains; and Urban Trail Mix with almonds, pumpkin seeds, blueberries, cranberries, quinoa and ancient grains.

For further information see here​​.

The Primal Pantry multipacks (UK)

UK paleo snack brand The Primal Pantry has extended its line-up into a multipack format.

Four of the brand’s bar varieties - Almond & Cashew, Brazil & Cherry, Coconut & Macadamia and Hazelnut & Cocoa – have just launched into Tesco stores in four packs.

Created by nutritionist Suzie Walker in 2014, The Primal Pantry is expecting to more than treble turnover to £3.4m ($4.5m) this year and is currently seeking investment to grow the brand to £20m ($26.4m) in 2019.

The majority of business growth has come through the UK and Europe with retail listings, and the business said further growth will be in the form of NPD.

"This is a very exciting time for The Primal Pantry, our real food ethos has been embraced by consumers from all quarters and the future is looking great​,” said Walker.