Totino’s Scores Pete Davidson for NFL Playoff Promotion
As the Big Game approaches, Totino’s Pizza Rolls is making a bold play to rescue football fans from disappointing pizza delivery experiences in a new ad campaign airing during playoff season. In partnership with comedian and actor Pete Davidson, Totino’s aims to dethrone traditional flat pizza and help fans experience game day with Pizza Rolls snacks that are a touchdown in every bite.
While pizza remains the undisputed champion of the Big Game and topping the list of most ordered delivery foods, nothing ruins game day — other than the agony of your team taking a loss — like an unfortunate pizza delivery experience. Recognizing the plight of pizza lovers nationwide, Totino’s Pizza Rolls is stepping onto the field just in time for the playoffs, equipped with their arsenal of delicious, bite-sized pizza snacks that are ready in minutes.
“Flat Pizza has had its reign for far too long, which is why I’m teaming up with Totino’s Pizza Rolls in the fight for flavor,” said Davidson. “Let’s give the people what they deserve — delicious, piping hot pizza snacks!”
In two new ad spots developed in partnership with Dentsu Creative, Davidson delivers his signature style of comedy as he takes on pizza delivery and epic game day parties. In the first spot, “Pete’s Pre-Game,” Davidson spies on his neighbor struggling to receive a pizza delivery order and shows him why Totino’s is the best way to snack on game day. In “Pete’s Za Party,” consumers get a peek into his ultimate and over-the-top game day set up complete with a conveyer belt producing Pizza Rolls and even a built-in air fryer in the “hot seat,” all allowing him to enjoy Totino’s without ever having to leave his couch.
“We understand the importance of a great game day experience, and that starts with providing consumers unbeatable snacks offered at an affordable price point,” said Taylor Roseberry, brand experience manager for Totino’s. “With Totino’s Pizza Rolls, fans can expect a game-winning combination that delivers convenience and satisfaction in a delicious snack. This is brought to life in our creative campaign in collaboration with Davidson, whose comedic style and absurdly funny persona embodies the Totino’s brand perfectly.”
In addition to its collaboration with Davidson, Totino’s is surrounding the first-ever live Spanish broadcast of the Big Game on Univision with both a pre-show integration in partnership with fan-favorite hot sauce brand Tapatio. While no stranger to engaging and celebrating its growing fanbase of Hispanic snackers, Totino’s is releasing its first Spanish-language ad spot, “Hang Time” during Univision’s broadcast. The comedic spot shows how a pizza delivery driver’s day turns into an epic hang out as he joins the homeowner to experience first-hand the joys of selecting a superior snacking option like Totino’s Pizza Rolls.
Totino’s Pizza Rolls snacks promise to deliver an unmatched snacking experience for football fanatics. With the reliability of always being hot and ready in just minutes, these savory bites ensure a tasty touchdown celebration from the comfort of your couch.
For more information on all of Totino’s offerings, visit Totinos.com and follow Totino’s™ on social at Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Twitter.
General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to drive shareholder value by boldly building its brands, relentlessly innovating, unleashing its scale and standing for good. Its portfolio of beloved brands includes household names such as Cheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Yoplait, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry, Yoki and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills generated fiscal 2023 net sales of U.S. $20.1 billion. In addition, the company’s share of non-consolidated joint venture net sales totaled U.S. $1 billion.
For more news of interest to the packaged food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Ferraro Foods Acquires GDS Foods Inc.
Ferraro Foods, one of the country’s largest specialty distributors of food and foodservice supplies to pizzerias and Italian restaurants, has acquired New Jersey-based GDS Foods Inc., an importer and distributor of Italian food products to pizzerias throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Ferraro’s partnership with the Sussex, N.J., based business, with nearly $50 million in annual sales revenue, expands Ferraro’s growing network of distribution hubs in a crucial market for pizzerias, adds hundreds of customers to its roster and helps broaden Ferraro’s industry leading offering of specialty imported Italian food products.
“We are excited to partner with GDS, a terrific family-run business with strong roots in the area going back 35 years. We love the business, we love the people, and they have a loyal customer base that aligns perfectly with Ferraro’s. Just as important, GDS is pizza to the core, so they are a perfect fit for the Ferraro culture,” said Dan Hill, CEO, Ferraro Foods.
The GDS partnership is the latest in a robust acquisition pipeline under development by Ferraro, aimed at increasing its market share in critical Northeast pizza markets – home of the country’s largest concentration of independent pizzerias. The news comes on the heels of Ferraro’s announcement of its addition of a 230,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center in Long Island.
“Ferraro Foods is pizza,” Hill added. “That message is reverberating throughout the industry as we continue to increase our customer base as the premier provider in the specialty Italian foods space.”
Headquartered in New Jersey since its founding as a family business nearly 50 years ago, Ferraro Foods is America’s leading distributor of specialty Italian foods and foodservice supplies to pizzerias and Italian restaurants. With a concentration in the critical pizza markets of the Northeast and customers spanning 26 states serviced by distribution divisions in Upstate New York, Long Island, Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida and Indiana, Ferraro Foods boasts annual sales revenue of nearly $1.3 billion. Working every day to earn and build trusted relationships by delivering an unrivaled menu of authentic, top-quality offerings, unmatched specialized category expertise and consistently exceptional value and service, Ferraro Foods is pizza.
For more news of interest to the specialty food industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
Seviroli Foods Partners With Mill Point to Expand Growth
Seviroli Foods, Inc., manufacturer of frozen pasta and other food products, and Vertullo Imports LLC, a specialty food importer, have partnered with Mill Point Capital LLC, a middle-market private equity firm focused on control-oriented investments in the business services, industrials and technology sectors in North America.
eviroli has been family owned and operated since its founding in 1960 and provides a leading line of chef-inspired artisan-filled pastas, sauces and Italian desserts. Joseph Seviroli Jr., CEO and second-generation owner of Seviroli, will continue in his role alongside President and COO Paul Vertullo and other key members of the management team.
“We are excited to continue building upon my family’s proud 62-year operating history alongside Mill Point,” Seviroli said. “Seviroli’s track record of growth, innovation and quality customer service are expected to be significantly enhanced through our partnership.”
“The partnership and combination of resources with Mill Point accelerates our ability to continue Seviroli’s and Vertullo’s long-term growth trajectory and execute strategic initiatives,” Vertullo said.
“We have been thoroughly impressed by the strong operating foundation and culture Joe, Paul and the rest of the Seviroli team have created. I am confident that with their expertise and Mill Point’s insight, the company will further elevate its product ideation, customer relationships and operational excellence,” said Jim Schubauer, Mill Point’s executive partner and executive vice chairman of Seviroli.
“Throughout its history, Seviroli has continually distinguished itself as a leader in its sector. We are committed to maintaining the core values that the Seviroli family and team have created and look forward to pursuing numerous growth avenues ahead,” said Dustin Smith, partner of Mill Point.
Seviroli manufactures products for the foodservice, club and grocery/retail channels, offering a variety of items including ravioli, tortellini, stuffed shells, manicotti, short cut pastas and other products. Seviroli operates out of three manufacturing facilities in the New York Metro area with the capability to serve customers nationally.
Vertullo imports over 150 items from 19 countries including pasta, rice, sauces, oils, truffles, and other fresh and frozen goods. Vertullo supplies products to Seviroli as well as third-party foodservice, retail and e-commerce trade customers.
Mill Point Capital LLC is a private equity firm focused on control investments in lower-middle market companies across the business services, technology and industrials sectors in North America. Mill Point’s experienced team of investors and Executive Partners seek portfolio company value enhancement through rigorous implementation of transformative strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Mill Point is based in New York, N.Y.
For news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
