Honest Tea launched a new line of organic citrus quenchers named Honest Ade. The first two varieties: Cranberry Lemonade and Limeade were actually introduced at the National Restaurant Association Show in May. But they received a refreshing reception in New York as well with their natural organic cane sugar sweetside, lip-smacking beverages that are naturally lower in sugar. Check it out at www.honesttea.com
Chocolove is reintroducing their Organic line, plus heralding the idea of aging chocolate. In fact, they are offering a chocolate humidor, a wooden box that gives a relatively airtight environment that helps prevent fluctuating temperatures which can damage chocolates. It’s great for aging, as well as simply storing fine chocolate. They have some of the best packaging in the business for their entire line of chocolates. Call them at 888-246-2656, send e-mail to info@chocolove.com, or visit www.chocolove.com.
San-J has added two new Organic Wheat-Free Tamari Sauces to their extensive line of Japanese condiments. Each one is traditionally brewed using the finest certified-organic soybeans, and absolutely no wheat (there is a small percentage of wheat in regular tamari sauce, and a great deal of wheat in most traditional soy sauces from other companies). For information, call 800-446-5500, or go to www.san-j.com.
Gia Russo’s Starletta Organic Whole Wheat Pasta brings milled flaxseed and a USDA organic seal to the world of Italian cuisine. In six healthy varieties -- Penne Rigate, Farfalle, Fusilli, Angel Hair, Spaghetti, and Linguine, the high-fiber pasta has the added benefit of Omega-3s. Top it with fresh and healthy no-sugar-added pasta sauce under the same label and you’ve got a smart meal. For more information, call 330-743-6050.
A standout were the dried Organic Porcini Mushrooms from FungusAmongUs. Organic and wildcrafted, these tasty ‘shrooms deepen the taste of soups, gravies, and sauces with an intense, smoky flavor. To use, just rehydrate in hot water for 30 minutes, drain, and squeeze out excess water. Available in one-pound bags. For more information, call 360-568-3403, or visit www.fungusamongus.com.
The “buzz” around the show was Maharishi Rare Vedic Organic Honey, a rare and pure certified organic blossom honey produced in the virgin forests of Brazil and Venezuela by Maharishi Vedic Organic Agriculture GmbH. Enhanced by specific Vedic farming technologies, the honey offers health and nutritional benefits, including vitamins, essential minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants. The varieties of tastes range from special dark to fine blond. Great attention has also gone into the distinctive packaging, as many have sound cards that sing as you open the honey. The new honeycomb-shaped 6-in-1 sample box displays a wheel-shaped chart that details the planetary influences on the honey. Maharishi Honey is available in multiple taste levels and sizes. For more information, call 800-255-8332, or visit www.MaharishiHoney.com.
Charlotte’s Confections continues to gather retailers of all types to its fan club. The company’s traditional Peppermint and Coffee Chews are not only old-fashioned delights, but they’re also all natural. Peppermint Chews Tins come packed 12 to a case for $60, while bags come 12 per case for $36.00. The retro oval collector tins give customers just one more reason to pick up these sweet treats at the check-out. Other great new retro tins house Charlotte’s Vanilla Caramel Twists, S’mores, Rocky Road, and Peppermint Bark. Get the scoop at 800-798-2427.
Goddess Granola showed off its new logo and its newest variety -- Goddess Granola Glorius, a no-sugar-added rendition of the traditional granola with a cause. Goddess Granola will donate 10 percent of its net profits to the GoddessGood Fund, a non-profit fund whose mission is to empower women and help them reach their full potential. Goddess Granola is all natural, high in protein, wheat and cholesterol free, and low in saturated fat. Flavors include: “Genuine,” “Ginger,” and “Just for Kids!” available in five sizes (1.75 oz. 7 oz. 15 oz. 30 oz. and bulk). Retailers can mix and match a case to make the company’s one-case minimum. Special bulk orders are also available -- call 508-429-7785.
Dagoba Organic Chocolate unveiled organic truffles and seasonal items, such as Dagoba Rose made of dark chocolate, decorated with foil and leaves that are distinctly Dagoba. Also hot was a new single-origin Peruvian chocolate, Milagros, along with gift packaging for Dagoba’s Single Origin line. Milagros is 100-percent Peruvian, kosher, and Fair Trade Certified and offers nuances of the banana and orchid that grow next to the cacao under a canopy of intact Amazonian rainforest. It joins Dagoba’s other two single origins: Pacuare -- a Costa Rican Cru chocolate, and Los Rios -- made entirely of Ecuador Arriba. These single origins are among the first to be certified organic. The Single Origins Gift Set will offer all three varietals in appealing packaging -- the perfect way to send a chocolate connoisseur on a satisfying journey through the origins of cacao. All new items are certified organic, and beautifully packaged in sustainable elegance. The truffles are packed in 4- and 9-piece boxes featuring refined classics and exotic infusions, including Extra Dark, Raspberry-Ginger, Goji Berry, and Chai. Each of these treasures offers an exhilarating bite-sized experience of what Dagoba has become recognized for -- a passion for opening new flavor landscapes. For more information, call 800-393-6075.
Tiny Trapeze Confections introduced Marshmallow Creme to its line of artisinal confections. The creme fuses together great flavor with all-natural and organic ingredients to create a fun, fluffy treat. Enjoy it straight from the cup, stir it into hot cocoa, or use it in any recipe that calls for marshmallow creme. For more information, call 800-844-8469, or visit www.tinytrapeze.com.
Stonewall Kitchen introduced new No Sugar Added Spreads to help consumers trying to cut back the sweetness a touch. No-added-sugar products have been the most frequently requested item over the years according to Stonewall. Initial 7.5-oz. jar introductions include Red Raspberry, Strawberry Spread, and Wild Maine Blueberry Spread. To continue to help retailers tell their story, Stonewall also introduced a pantry essential line complete with bowls, colanders, silicone pot holders and whisks. The range retails from $2.00 to $36.00. For more information call 800-207-5267.
