Producer and Distributor Don’s Foods is ramping up for its biggest launch in history with the new Melanie’s Medleys grain blends. I spoke with Carl Cappelli, Senior VP of Sales & Business Development for Don’s Foods, about what’s next for the new brand.
Blended fresh in small batches from whole artisan grains, fruit, nuts, and other natural ingredients, Melanie’s Medleys presents an alternative to processed breakfast foods. Melanie’s Medelys varieties include Fruit + Almond, Caramel Almond Pecan, Chocolate Coconut, and Cinnamon Walnut. These ready-to-eat, 6 oz, cups can be served cold or hot, making them perfect as a breakfast grain, an indulgent treat, or a midnight snack.
“Consumers are now eating in small amounts, multiple times per day, and on-the-go. These are refrigerated so you can take them to work, school, as a mid-morning snack, a quick bite, or after a workout,” Cappelli tells me.
These products are uniquely convenient compared to most products offered by the company’s competitors, says Capelli. He adds that there are no other products like this on the market.
“Cereal companies offer similar conventional items, but nothing like Melanie Medleys,” Carl says. “Traditional breakfast no longer meets the needs of consumers on the go.”
Melanie’s Medleys are meeting the needs of the retailers by providing a convenient item that others don't have, Carl adds. The microwavable resealable cups can go anywhere in the store, from a dairy case, to the deli counter, in the breakfast aisle, and even in a grab and go case.
Next in store for Melanie’s Medleys is a direct mail campaign that goes directly to operators in retail and foodservice.
“Our next campaign targets hospitals, healthcare workers, universities, and schools. These are the people that care about health and care about convenience,” says Capelli. This is a follow-up to the company’s other recent direct mail campaigns that went to the top traditional retailers in the country.
Try them for yourself when you stop by the Don’s Foods booth #2738 from June 7th through 9th at the IDDBA Dairy-Deli-Bake show to see all four Melanie’s Medleys and more.
