Is this year already flying by for anyone else? It seems like just yesterday that I was donning my 2023 glasses and toasting to the new year. Even with the quickening of time that takes place at the beginning of the year, the industry brought plenty of new items to dazzle consumers as retailers plan out the next 10 months and foodservice operators strategize their menus. As we close the door on February 2023, let’s take a look back at some of the top items that came across our desks.
Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese Heart Shaped Fresh Mozzarella
As if fresh mozzarella wasn’t already loved enough, Crave Brothers brought us a new offering this month that will send hearts a-fluttering all year long. The cheesemaker’s new heart-shaped fresh mozzarella serves as the perfect addition to promotional retail displays or foodservice menus surrounding Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and more. This is one item sure to be stealing hearts in the months to come.
Crepini Pepperoni Mozzarella Wrap-Up™
While Crepini’s portfolio of products is stacked with a wide array of healthy and convenient options, its latest launch to the trade might be one of our favorites yet. The brand leveraged its already-popular egg-based formula to create a value-added offering that is just as versatile as a consumer’s diet. We would be hard-pressed to find a shopper that is not intrigued by such an item. Not convinced? Add it to your shelves, and you will see what we mean.
Blue Diamond Chilé 'N Lime Almonds
Looking for some more items to create the perfect charcuterie board-inspired display? Look no further than Blue Diamond’s Chilé ’N Lime Flavored Almonds. Back by popular demand for a limited time, shoppers will be scrambling to add this offering to their carts once they spot it on your shelves. Merchandise as you see fit, but we see these pairing nicely with a sharp cheddar and strawberry jam to balance the heat with some creamy and sweet.
FrieslandCampina Royal Hollandia® Black Garlic Gouda
Make way for some Gouda news! FrieslandCampina’s Royal Hollandia brand has brought a whole slew of new Goudas to the cheese case, and the Black Garlic flavor in particular has us chomping at the bit. This on-trend flavor pairs perfectly with the brand’s creamy Gouda formula. What’s not to love? We picture the cheese featured prominently in the specialty aisle, or as the star product on a restaurant’s charcuterie board.
Bel Brands USA Mini Babybel® Monterey Jack
I can say from personal experience that adding a bag of Babybel cheeses to the cart is one of the most anticipated items on a shopping list. And, that anticipation is about to grow even greater once consumers hear about Bel Brands’ newest flavor: Monterey Jack. Adding to its iconic line of miniature cheese bites, this newest offering is sure to draw foot traffic to the cheese case no matter what month we are in.
Your friends at Deli Market News are always on the lookout for the hottest products in specialty foods, and you can bet we will be back with five more stand-out items next month.
