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Snack Foods

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Blue Diamond Launches Limited-Edition Ranch Flavored Almonds

Blue Diamond Growers, the world’s leading almond marketer and processor, has launched Ranch Flavored Almonds. With cool, zesty herbs and spices, these limited-edition almonds pack a delicious, ranch-flavored punch along with a satisfying, crave-worthy crunch.

Blue Diamond is a world-class leader in consumer trend analysis and flavor forecasting, which has led to award-winning flavor additions including the 2023 People magazine Food Award winner Chilé ‘N Lime, a now permanent product in the snack portfolio, and the 2024 Good HousekeepingBest Snack Award winning Thin Dipped Double Dark Chocolate.

Recent research found 70 percent of ranch usage occurs outside the salad bowl, presenting an exciting opportunity to introduce a flavor that consumers are craving across all food varieties, just in time for summer.

“We’re so excited to bring a flavor that is loved by so many to our Blue Diamond snack portfolio,” said Maya Erwin, vice president, marketing & innovation. “We’re always looking for new ways to incorporate trending flavors into our products, and with Ranch, we hope our customers feel inspired to take their taste buds to a new level of deliciousness.”

Blue Diamond’s Ranch Flavored Almonds are not only flavorful, but also nutritious. Each serving contains six grams of plant protein and is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin E. These almonds meet various dietary needs, being Kosher, Keto-certified, and Non-GMO Project Verified.

Available in a variety of sizes, the 6-ounce, 40-ounce and 45-ounce options are portable and resealable, making Ranch Almonds the perfect addition for summer entertainment, family gatherings or whenever hunger strikes! The limited-edition flavor will be available in select sizes at the following retail locations:

  • Walmart – 6-ounce cans will be available May to October.
  • Costco – 45-ounce bags will be available May while supplies last.
  • Sam’s Club – 40-ounce bags will be available August while supplies last.

For more information on Blue Diamond Almonds, visit BlueDiamond.com

Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing over 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops.

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Utz Unveils Salty Snack Foods at Sweets & Snacks Expo

Utz Brands, Inc., a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded salty snack foods for more than 100 years, will showcase new and best-selling products from multiple brands as a returning exhibitor at the National Confectioners Association Sweets & Snacks Expo, held May 14-16 in Indianapolis.

Since Utz Brands last exhibited at the Expo in 2019, it has experienced significant growth, adding multiple brands to its portfolio, including On The Border, which will be sampling at the expo alongside Utz, Zapp’s and Boulder Canyon.

“We are excited about sharing our incredible lineup of potato and tortilla chips, pretzels and other crunchy, flavorful snacks with this year’s Sweets & Snacks Expo attendees,” said Utz Brands, Inc. Senior Vice President of Marketing Stacey Schultz. “As an over-100-year-old company, we pride ourselves on offering snack fanatics new, on-trend flavors and takes on classic favorites while maintaining the crunch and quality our consumers love.”

Attendees can get a first look at new products and sample best-selling items from each brand in Hall D, Booth 12108.

As consumers continue to reach for spicier snacks, Utz Brands is bringing the spice to products across its portfolio. On display at the Expo will be Utz’s Mike’s Hot Honey EXTRA HOT potato chips, the newest limited-time collab between Utz and America’s No. 1 brand of hot honey, and Zapp’s Sinfully Seasoned Pretzel Stix: New Spicy Cajun flavor, delicious twisted pretzels dusted with Zapp’s signature Cajun seasoning.

Bringing even more flavor-forward products to the pretzel category, Utz will also be sampling the new Garlic Butter Mixed Minis. This fun take on classic Utz pretzels offers three garlicky, buttery, bite-sized shapes: twists, rings and waffles. Mixed Minis are also available in two additional flavors: Mike’s Hot Honey and Sea Salt.

The Boulder Canyon line of better-for-you snacks will sample its newest product innovation on shelves now, Aged White Cheddar Canyon Poppers, which offer a Non-GMO Project-Verified cheesy cheddar taste made with avocado oil for a poppable crunch. Boulder Canyon will also give visitors an early look at an upcoming limited-time offering.

On The Border, the nation’s No. 2 unflavored tortilla chip brand, will sample its top-selling chip, Cafe Style Tortilla Chips. Made with a blend of yellow and white corn flour, the chips offer a unique flavor and crispy, bubbly texture ready for dipping.

All Utz Brands products are available for purchase online at www.utzsnacks.com or in leading retailers nationwide. For more information, follow Utz on FacebookInstagram and TikTok, Zapp’s on FacebookInstagram and TikTok, Boulder Canyon on FacebookInstagram and TikTok, and On The Border on FacebookInstagram and TikTok.

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IDDBA, ACS Team Up to Offer Salumiere Certification Exam

The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association has launched a partnership with the American Cheese Society to offer another opportunity for an in-person Certified Salumiere Professional exam.

The comprehensive exam encompasses product knowledge, merchandising techniques and consumer expectations that create the art of charcuterie. Certified professionals join an elite group of industry experts. The exam is perfect for deli meat aficionados and cheese mongers. It also provides an opportunity for manufacturers and retailers to learn about one of the largest consumer deli trends in the last decade and ultimately grow sales.

“The elite exam is known throughout the industry as a tremendous way to elevate skill sets and knowledge, said Miles Allen, IDDBA education coordinator. Increased demand for the certification led to the partnership with ACS to offer the exam July 10 in conjunction with the ACS 2024 Annual Conference in Buffalo, N.Y. The first 2024 in-person exam will be held at IDDBA 2024 in Houston.

“We are immensely grateful to IDDBA for collaborating with us in administering the charcuterie exam at this year’s American Cheese Society conference,” said Tara Holmes of the ACS. “IDDBA’s expertise and dedication to excellence align perfectly with our mission. Together, we look forward to providing attendees with unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and advancement.”

More information about IDDBA’s In-Person Certified Salumiere Professional (CSP) Exam can be found here:
Become a Certified Salumiere Professional

The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association is a nonprofit membership organization serving the dairy, deli, bakery, cheese, and supermarket foodservice industries. Member companies enjoy exclusive benefits and services including the annual tradeshow, leading-edge research, training programs, management tools, and an annual trends report.

ACS is the leading organization supporting the understanding, appreciation, and promotion of artisan, farmstead, and specialty cheeses produced in the Americas. At 2,300 members strong, ACS provides advocacy, education, business development, and networking opportunities for cheesemakers, retailers, enthusiasts, and extended industry. ACS strives to continually raise the quality and availability of cheese in the Americas. Since its founding in 1983, ACS proudly hosts the foremost annual educational conference and world-renowned cheese judging and competition in North America. ACS is a 501(c)6 nonprofit association headquartered in Denver.

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