Hellman’s Enlists Casey Wilson to Spice Up Campaign
Hellmann’s is celebrating the launch of its Spicy Mayonnaise Dressing by teaming up with actress and comedian Casey Wilson to introduce the “Get Spicy” campaign, which encourages people to add some spice to their life in the kitchen and beyond.
Wilson, best-selling author and co-host of the hit podcast “Bitch Sesh,” will serve as the official Spicy Ambassador and share her own tips on how she gets spicy in her daily life, while encouraging people to “get spicy” with their own routines. In her role, Wilson will oversee the #GetSpicy contest on Twitter which invites people to share their tips using the hashtag #GetSpicy. Every tip entered into the #GetSpicy contest will have the chance to be featured on limited-edition bottles of Hellmann’s and Best Foods Spicy Mayo that will be sold in stores this summer. Wilson will choose two winning tips, one for Hellmann’s and one for Best Foods bottles and the winners will also receive the ultimate “spicy” night out, including dinner at a restaurant of choice, an overnight hotel staycation, and chauffeured car service.
“I’m honored and humbled to be THE official Spicy Ambassador, a role I take very seriously,” said Wilson. “Hellmann’s new Spicy Mayo makes it so easy to get spicy in the kitchen and I’m here to help make it just as easy to add a bit of spice to everyone’s lives with a few ideas of my own. Like starting in the bedroom, where I’m most notorious for getting spicy… with a 20-minute nap in the middle of a Tuesday. That’s right, just 20 minutes is all you need to get spicy.”
To enter the contest, U.S. residents must follow Hellmann’s or Best Foods on Twitter and then post a written tip for how they “Get Spicy” using #getspicy and either #hellmannscontest or #bestfoodscontest from May 10-22. The contest’s official rules can be found on here.
In addition to the contest, people can get a customized spice rating using Hellmann’s SpicyMeter on Twitter. When users like the Hellmann’s SpicyMeter tweet, the SpicyMeter will scan their behaviors and send a custom message from Casey Wilson, letting them know how much spice they’re bringing to their Twitter feeds.
“The launch of Hellmann’s new Spicy Mayonnaise reminds us that a little spice has the power to transform our favorite meals into something more flavorful and exciting,” said Ben Crook, Senior Marketing Director for Hellmann’s North America. “Together, with our Spicy Ambassador Casey Wilson, we hope to inspire everyone to Get Spicy in the kitchen and beyond.”
Flavored with a delicious sriracha pepper blend and made with real chili peppers, Spicy Mayo delivers mild-to-medium spice to enhance any meal – from traditional mayo dishes such as sandwiches, wraps, and burgers – and much more. The new product will be available in an 11.5 oz squeeze bottle for $4.49 (SRP) at local retailers beginning this month.
For more information about NEW Hellmann’s Spicy Mayonnaise Dressing, signature recipes, contest rules, and the “Get Spicy” campaign, visit www.timetogetspicy.com.
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Spiceology Holds Golden Tongs Sweepstakes for Barbecue Month
 Spiceology is kicking off National Barbecue Month with its first Golden Tongs Sweepstakes. Known for its innovative spice blends and barbecue rubs, Spiceology is giving three lucky flavor fans a chance to create a BBQ blend worthy of joining the ranks of the Spiceology ‘Grill Greats’ such as Derek Wolf, Christie Vanover and Chad White.
Through May 31, any purchase made directly from Spiceology.com will automatically enter customers into the sweepstakes. Fans can also enter by sending their name, address, and phone number to goldentongs@spiceology.com, with entries limited to one per person. Taking a page out of Willy Wonka’s playbook, the sweepstakes will grant the winners a pair of golden BBQ tongs and a trip to Spokane, Wash., to tour the Spiceology flavor factory and formulate their own Spiceology BBQ blend. “The Spiceology community is enthusiastic and ever growing, and we wanted to do something to bring our fans even closer to the brand,” said Tony Reed, senior director of innovation and partnerships. “What better way to continue growing our connection to the community than immersing them in our world and getting a few lucky fans into the lab to see where and how all of the magic happens? Spiceology is a beloved brand, and we have our customers, fans and community to thank for that.” Winners will work with Chef Tony Reed and Derek Wolf, Spiceology collaborator and the grill great behind the social phenomenon @overthefirecooking. “Flavor innovation is at the core of our company,” said Chip Overstreet, president and CEO. “Our unique flavor combinations, like Smoky Honey Habanero and Black & Bleu, are what makes us a fan favorite. We’re excited to share the creative experience with our community and see what flavors and ingredient combinations they come up with.” Following the trip to Spiceology’s headquarters in Spokane, each winner’s blend will be judged by the roster of Spiceology Collaborators, including award-winning pitmaster Christie Vanover, Burger Aficionado Chef Alvin Cailan, television celebrities and grilling experts The Grill Dads, Top Chef Chad White and more. One delicious blend will be chosen as the ‘Golden Tongs Blend’ and sold on Spiceology.com as a limited-time offering during the holidays. Subscribe now to Gourmet News to keep up with the specialty food industry. |
TA Associates to Acquire Stonewall Kitchen
“Stonewall Kitchen, known for its high-quality artisan products, has been beloved by consumers around the world since its founding more than 30 years ago,” said Tim Alexander, a managing director at Harris Williams. “The company has thrived in partnership with Audax, and we are excited to see what it achieves in its next chapter with TA.”
“Stonewall Kitchen is building a one-of-a-kind family of brands that spans multiple categories. The brands possess a unique level of cohesiveness from a product positioning and brand ethos standpoint, and when combined with the power of the platform are generating strong growth relative to the categories in which they compete,” added Ryan Freeman, a managing director at Harris Williams.
“The successful expansion beyond food and into high-growth personal care and home fragrances categories speaks to Stonewall Kitchen’s platform strength,” added Kelly McPhilliamy, a managing director at Harris Williams. “The company is successfully executing an exciting strategy that delivers continued runway for growth.”
Stonewall Kitchen is a leading specialty food, home goods and personal care producer headquartered in York, Maine. Founded in 1991 by partners Jonathan King and Jim Stott, the two established the Stonewall Kitchen brand by selling jams and jellies at local farmers’ markets with a flavorful line of distinctive and high-quality products. Over time, they expanded the brand to include sauces, condiments, crackers, and baking mixes, always focusing on innovative product development, beautiful packaging, and exceptional guest service.
Stonewall Kitchen is a premier specialty food and home goods platform in North America, home to a family of premium quality brands including the flagship Stonewall Kitchen brand; the Vermont Coffee Company brand of high quality, non-GMO, certified organic coffee; the Urban Accents brand of globally-inspired spice mixes, seasonings, and sauces; the Village Candle brand of fragranced candles, gifts, and accessories; the Tillen Farms brand of pickled vegetables and cocktail cherries; the Napa Valley Naturals brand of olive oils, culinary oils, balsamic vinegars, and wine vinegars; the Montebello brand of artisan organic pasta imported from Italy; the Vermont Village brand of organic apple sauce and apple cider vinegars; the Michel Design Works brand of elegantly designed and crafted personal and home care products; and the Legal Sea Foods brand of restaurant-quality seafood sauces and condiments. The company boasts national and international distribution; a thriving catalog and online division; a cafe in York, Maine; and 10 retail stores throughout New England.
As winners of more than 30 prestigious awards from the Specialty Food Association and the recipient of the coveted Outstanding Product Line Honors three times, Stonewall Kitchen is proud to be one of the most awarded specialty food companies in the country.
Stonewall Kitchen’s origins are explored in the March issue of Gourmet News.
