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.
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Impossible Chicken From Plants Lands in Whole Foods Market
This month, Impossible Foods is bringing its fan-favorite Impossible Chicken From Plants to select Whole Foods Market locations in the United States, expanding consumer access to delicious, nutrient-dense meat from plants that’s better for the planet.
Starting May 2024, Whole Foods Market shoppers can enjoy the No. 1 chicken-from-plants product in the United states, Impossible Chicken Nuggets, which are described as tasting as good or better than animal chicken nuggets in a consumer taste test. Impossible Chicken Nuggets will be joined in the freezer aisle by Impossible Chicken Patties – preferred by 61 percent of consumers over a leading animal chicken patty –– as well as both of their spicy counterparts.
Impossible Chicken Nuggets and Chicken Patties offer high-quality protein and fiber in each golden, savory serving, and are nutritionally competitive with their animal counterparts with no cholesterol, up to 35% less total fat and up to 60 percent less saturated fat. Impossible Chicken is also responsible for approximately 44 percent less water consumption, 49 percent less land usage and 36 percent less greenhouse gas emissions than animal chicken.
“Launching in Whole Foods Market is a proud moment that’s been a long time coming. Impossible Chicken will now be broadly available and distributed in retail across America – we can’t emphasize enough the impact this will have on the consumer, the category and the planet,” said Peter McGuinness, president and CEO of Impossible Foods. “We’re already available in tens of thousands of retail stores across the country, and working with Whole Foods Market allows us to reach even more shoppers. They’re more conscious about their well-being and the environment, and are seeking delicious, nutritious food options that match their lifestyle. We look forward to Impossible Chicken being added to their weekly grocery lists.”
Whole Foods Market is widely recognized for helping bring organic and natural food products into the mainstream. Now, the leading natural foods purveyor is further expanding accessibility to plant-based products with Impossible’s best-selling chicken from plants.
“We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of Impossible Chicken From Plants at Whole Foods Market,” said Christopher Manca, principal category merchant at Whole Foods Market. “This exciting addition reflects our commitment to providing diverse, flavorful options for plant-based eaters, making it even easier to enjoy delicious meals that align with our customer’s dietary preferences.”
The announcement comes as Impossible Foods continues its streak as the fastest growing major meat from plants brand in U.S. retail, outpacing the growth rate of the rest of the U.S. plant-based meat category in both dollar sales and unit sales across its expansive network of more than 30,000 retail locations. In March 2024, the company revealed it would be leveraging this position of strength to evolve its overall brand identity to be more welcoming and approachable to flexitarians and meat-eating consumers, as it seeks to further grow awareness and household penetration for itself and the broader plant-based category.
Shoppers across the US can expect to see Impossible Chicken in its new, bold red packaging in the freezer aisle of select Whole Foods Market locations over the coming weeks.
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Josh Abbott Promotes DQ Restaurants in Texas
Josh Abbott and DQ restaurants in Texas do it again with another exciting collaboration. The two Texas icons have come together with the Josh Abbott Meal featuring the country singer’s favorite childhood meal, runs through May 26 at participating DQ restaurants in Texas.
“I am from a little town called Idalou outside of Lubbock, Texas, and Dairy Queen was always my go to spot growing up,” said Abbott, lead singer of the Josh Abbott Band. “Whether I was heading to Dairy Queen after a basketball or football game, or going to Dairy Queen with my grandpa, I have a lot of great memories with the brand.”
The Josh Abbott Meal features a four-piece Steak Finger Country Basket, a mini M&M’s Milk Chocolate Blizzard Treat, a refreshing Iced Tea, and a collectible limited-edition Josh Abbott cup, available at participating restaurants while supplies last.
When it comes DQ, Abbott said he gravitated to the steak finger basket growing up because it was unique.
“You can go to a lot of places with burgers or chicken, but Dairy Queen has the variety, and I loved the steak fingers.”
“Texans work hard and play hard, and when they are hungry, they come to DQ restaurants in Texas for their favorite Treats & Eats,” said Lou Romanus, CEO of Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council. “We have enjoyed working with Josh the last couple of years who brings his nostalgia and passion for Dairy Queen into this new initiative.”
The two Texas icons joined forces in 2022 to create a fresh new sound for DQ restaurants in Texas with one of the most recognizable jingles in the Lone Star State, “That’s What I Like About Texas.” The country music star brought his distinctive style to the jingle, which has been a staple for the past two decades.
Today, Abbott is building DQ memories with his own kids. He and his family recently visited a DQ location, where he introduced his children to the Blizzard Treat.
“Watching their faces, that sugar rush and the joy was a really cool moment! We filmed it and I am so glad we have that on camera now,” said Abbott.
Abbott founded the Josh Abbott Band in 2006 while attending Texas Tech University. The seven-piece group cut its teeth as a hard-touring act with hooky melodies that deliver real-world stories. The Josh Abbott Band released its seventh studio LP “Somewhere Down The Road” in January. Produced by Dwight A. Baker (Flatland Cavalry), the new album is their first full-length since 2020 and is the first featuring a newly reconfigured lineup. The band is on tour across the country. Visit joshabbottband.com for tour dates.
There are few brands as iconic as the DQ brand. Innovative DQ treats and eats, along with the unique DQ restaurant concepts, have positioned DQ restaurants in Texas as a leader in the quick service restaurant industry. The Texas Dairy Queen Operators’ Council is a nonprofit organization made up of DQ franchisees operating in Texas.
The Council develops the advertising and marketing program for DQ franchisees in Texas and controls the Texas Country Foods menu along with managing supply/distribution for the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas. The DQ restaurants in Texas are franchised by American Dairy Queen Corporation and the DQ franchise system includes approximately 7,000 franchised locations in the United States, Canada, and more than 20 other countries, including the nearly 600 DQ restaurants in Texas.
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