Squishmallows, See’s Candies Team on Co-Branded Gift Sets
Squishmallows are about to get a whole lot sweeter as Jazwares, one of the world’s leading toy companies, and the iconic California-based candy company See’s Candies will release a gift set that includes co-branded plush, chocolate boxes and totes inspired by everyone’s favorite ultra-soft plush, Squishmallows.
Available in See’s shops and online this October, fans of both brands will be able to purchase an eight-inch cuddly version of the beloved Squishmallows character, Emily the Bat, along with a co-branded custom box of chocolates and candy sold in a one-of-a-kind tote bag. Releasing in October, this gift set is perfect for trick-or-treaters and fans of Halloween and will be available for purchase while supplies list.
“Partnering with See’s Candies is the perfect way to further introduce Squishmallows into the consumables space,” said Gerhard Runken, executive vice president of brand & marketing at Jazwares. “This will be the perfect Halloween treat for fans of both brands, and we’re eager to add this unique collaboration to our robust lineup of iconic Squishmallows products!”
Pat Egan, president & CEO of See’s Candies added, “At See’s, we’re in the business of bringing joy, and that is exactly what this collaboration with Jazwares will do for fans of both brands. The ever-popular Squishmallows combined with our iconic, delicious chocolates will be the perfect treat this October.”
Squishmallows has consistently held its position as a leading toy property in the U.S. and a best-selling toy brand with over 400 million plush sold worldwide, boasting a multi-generational fanbase that continues to capture the imaginations of millions of fans worldwide. Squishmallows is massively popular on social media, driven by Gen Z fans who love celebrating the brand.
There are more than 13 billion video views on TikTok and Squishmallows has been tagged more than 1 million times on Instagram. As it continues to grow as a lifestyle brand, the company’s growth has fueled new cross-category collaborations across beauty, games, apparel, home decor, and more –– adding to its illustrious portfolio of more than 70 best-in-class licensing partners.
To stay connected and informed about See’s, sign up to receive an email newsletter at https://www.sees.com/emailsignup and follow @seescandies on all social platforms.
For more news of interest to the candy industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
SEG Urges Hurricane Preparedness Week Before Season Starts
Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company and home of Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is encouraging its customers to begin preparations now during National Hurricane Preparedness Week as early predictions expect a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1.
In anticipation of the active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, the SEG Gives Foundation donated $250,000, as well as vital bottled water and shelf-stable snacks to its long-standing partner, the American Red Cross. The donation to the disaster relief effort will ensure the organization is able to quickly provide aid to communities in need. Spanning more than 70 years, SEG has donated more than $12 million over the lifetime of the partnership.
Anthony Hucker, President and CEO for Southeastern Grocers, said, “As we brace for the potential impact of a very active hurricane season, we are encouraging our neighbors to be proactive by making necessary preparations now. With nearly 100 years serving the Southeast, we understand the uncertainty severe weather can bring, and we know being prepared early is the best defense. Through our enduring partnership with the Red Cross and our extensive experience in preparation and disaster response, we are the neighborhood grocer our communities can always count on before, during and after disaster strikes.”
Several preseason forecasts have indicated that researchers expect an extremely active hurricane season due to high sea-surface temperatures and the high likelihood of La Niña development. In record-breaking predictions, hurricane research scientists estimated 23 named storms with 11 anticipated to become hurricanes, including five major hurricanes of Category 3 or higher.
SEG urges neighbors to take action now to prepare their families for an overactive hurricane season. To prepare, customers are encouraged to review the Red Cross’ Survival Kit Supplies checklist for essential items needed following a disaster. Each household should be prepared with the appropriate amount of water, nonperishable food, batteries and first aid kits as well as any necessary baby supplies and pet food.
The grocer is committed to helping customers save money while stocking up their hurricane kit as well as maximizing discounts on everyday grocery essentials. Through its signature Price Hold program, SEG lowers and holds down prices on more than 1,000 commonly shopped products each season to help families stretch their grocery budget. Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie customers can easily shop for emergency preparedness staples like shelf-stable foods, batteries, cleaning supplies and hygiene items to replenish their disaster supply kits and save nearly 20% percent on products identified by blue Price Hold signs.
For more information on shopping at neighborhood stores for disaster preparedness needs, visit www.harveyssupermarkets.com/community/hurricane-preparedness and www.winndixie.com/community/hurricane-preparedness.
For more news of interest to the grocery industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Nye Joins The Vollrath Company as VP of Operations
Brad Nye has joined The Vollrath Company as senior vice president of operations. In this role, he is responsible for leading and managing the entire Vollrath operations organization including U.S. manufacturing, supply chain, environmental health and safety, and distribution.“We are thrilled to welcome Brad Nye to our organization. Brad brings a fresh perspective and valuable experience and expertise to Vollrath. He shares our values and has a deep understanding of the importance of people in driving a company’s success,” says Erik Lampe, president and CEO.
“He has demonstrated his commitment to excellence every step of the way in his career. We have full confidence that Brad will be essential in driving innovation, efficiency, and growth across Vollrath’s global facilities and organization.”
Brad Nye is well prepared for his role at The Vollrath Company thanks to a wealth of experience in the manufacturing industry. With over two decades of leadership background, he has proven his expertise in driving change management and operational excellence spanning various industries.
Most recently, he held the role of vice president of manufacturing at Sub-Zero Group, Inc., and previously vice president of Operations at Alliance Laundry Systems LLC. During his extended tenure at Toyota North America, he held positions as general manager in Stamping and Die Fabrication. He adopted standardized processes and standard work as core principles of any safe, quality-driven operation.
His rich background in the manufacturing industry and proven track record of success make him a valuable addition to Vollrath’s leadership team.
Founded in 1874 and based in Sheboygan, Wis., The Vollrath Company is a privately held, family-owned and, today, a six- and seventh-generation woman-owned company. It has nine factories spread across the United States, Europe and China that manufacture products to exacting quality standards globally, backed by outstanding customer service. The company focuses on quality design, engineering and manufacturing across its business divisions for foodservice and custom and specialty products.
For more news of interest to the foodservice industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
