Catalina Crunch Taps Behrens as CEO, Co-Founder Warady Leaves
Catalina Crunch, the pioneering brand in healthier snacks, has appointed Doug Behrens as chief executive officer. Behrens will be responsible for bringing Catalina Crunch into its next phase of growth and expanding the brand’s retail footprint at a time when the company’s demand is at an all-time high. This announcement builds on Catalina Crunch’s recent growth as the company continues to make ongoing investment in hiring the best talent to join the executive team.
“I am thrilled to welcome Doug Behrens to the Catalina Crunch team. Hiring him is instrumental to get us to the next level as our needs as a company have changed. We are very excited about the future and look forward to building on the success that has defined the brand to date,” said Krishna Kaliannan, Catalina Crunch’s founder.
“I’ve been very impressed with the explosive growth of Catalina Crunch and excited to join the team for the next chapter. The better-for-you food and snacking space is incredibly dynamic and Catalina is well positioned to be a disruptive leader,” Behrens said.
Behrens brings a wealth of experience in the food and health space coupled with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. He has held leadership positions at Johnson & Johnson, Danone, Amplify Snack Brands and most recently served as the president and chief customer officer for KIND. His strategic vision aligns seamlessly with Catalina Crunch’s commitment to providing wholesome, delicious, and innovative products to our valued customers.
Kaliannan remains very involved in the day to day operations of the business as founder while Joel Warady, president of Catalina Crunch, will transition to another opportunity after an impressive tenure under which the company experienced significant growth. The transition is seen as a positive step forward, reinforcing the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and sustained growth.
This important announcement follows the recent launch of the brand’s newest product, Dark Chocolate Cookie Bars and its exciting collaboration with NBA player Jalen Brunson. Catalina Crunch is well-positioned to continue to expand its product offerings, explore new markets, and reinforce its position as a trailblazer in the health food industry. The brand’s commitment to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction remains unwavering and this hire will be key to continue that success.
For more information on Catalina Crunch visit us.catalinacrunch.com and follow on Instagram (@CatalinaCrunch), Facebook (@CatalinaCrunch) and TikTok (@CatalinaCrunch). For sales inquiries, please email sales@catalinasnacks.com.
For more news of interest to the snack foods industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
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.
Gopuff, Rapper Rick Ross Team for New Year’s Eve Specials
Gopuff, the app that gets you what you need in 30 minutes, and Grammy-nominated rapper Rick Ross are coming together to make this New Year’s Eve more Boss than ever. On Dec. 31, Ross is coming on board as Gopuff’s new Chief Delivery Boss to bring customers 21+ the best value on bubbly, party supplies and more, so they can ring in the new year in – attainable – luxury and style.
Ross said: “When Gopuff asked for my help in making sure all of their customers can throw Boss New Year’s Eve parties, I had only one request: we have to do it BIG! We’re bringing you Luc Belaire, 24¢ mini bottles of bubbly, and more – all delivered to your door in minutes on New Year’s Eve. It’s almost Too Good to Be True. Can’t wait to celebrate with Gopuff on Dec. 31.”
Gopuff FAM members shopping the Gopuff app or website can take advantage of several Boss New Year’s Eve Deals beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern on Dec. 31:
24¢ for select mini bottles of sparkling wine (limit two per customer)
24% off full-sized (750ml and 1.5L) bottles of Luc Belaire
50% off essential party supplies, including:
Confetti Cannons
Fool’s Gold Edible Glitter
Glow Sticks
Utz Cheddar Cheese Ball Barrel
Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
Goslings Ginger Beer
Fever-Tree Ginger Ale
Basically, Red Cups
And more!
Plus, all Gopuff customers can get 15 percent off sparkling wines and Champagne when they purchase three bottles.
All offers are available while supplies last, in select markets and based on applicable state laws.
Nearly 80 percent of Gopuff customers said they plan to celebrate the new year at home and the number one beverage they plan to purchase for the holiday is Champagne. Whether customers are simply too busy to stop for supplies this season, run out of Champagne just before the ball drops, or forget a few important party essentials, Gopuff and its New Year’s Eve Chief Delivery Boss Rick Ross are here to save the day.
Gopuff remains committed to providing customers with high-quality essentials at affordable prices. Gopuff’s New Year’s Eve Boss Deals come on the heels of the company’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts, which brought customers 62% off FAM memberships, and $0.31 Halloween candy deals.
Earlier this year, Gopuff introduced new benefits for its FAM members, including lower-than-Walmart prices on hundreds of top-selling essentials, and introducing weekly deals for even greater savings. As a result, FAM members save an average of $25/month ($300/year).
Gopuff is the leading instant commerce platform, bringing thousands of everyday products to customers in minutes. Gopuff stores everything from household essentials and groceries to OTC medication and more within hundreds of micro-fulfillment centers and omnichannel retail stores across the United States and United Kingdom. Founded in 2013 by co-founders and co-CEOs Rafael Ilishayev and Yakir Gola, Gopuff’s unique, vertically integrated platform offers customers a seamless and consistently fast shopping experience.
For more news of interest to the food and beverage industry, subscribe to Gourmet News.
