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Claussen Pickle Cupcakes Launch for Limited Time Only

Claussen, the 150-year-old brand known for its signature refrigerated pickles that pack a superior cold crunch, is teaming up with New York-based bite-size dessert company, Baked by Melissa, to create a first-of-its-kind pickle cupcake. To celebrate National Pickle Month, the dill-ightful dessert will be available for pickle enthusiasts nationwide, while supplies last.

Over the past year, pickle products continue to trend with 73 percent of Americans reporting that they enjoy the taste of pickles. To give the fans what they wanted, Claussen entered the beverage space for the first time last year, launching a sparkling wine cocktail, and this summer, it’s all about desserts.

“We’re excited to keep our pickle momentum going this summer with our first-ever dessert,” said Caroline Sheehey, Brand Manager for Claussen Pickles. “Pickle is such a universal flavor, so we are constantly working to find new and unique ways to bring Claussen’s signature taste to many different beloved occasions. These cupcakes will be the perfect unexpected twist for pickle fanatics everywhere.”

Combining Baked by Melissa’s famous handcrafted bite-size cupcakes and Claussen Pickles’ tangy flavor, the Baked by Melissa x Claussen Pickle Cupcakes feature a delicious pickle-infused cake topped with pickle buttercream icing and red and white celebratory sprinkles. These bite-sized delights combine beloved Claussen pickles with Baked by Melissa’s classic vanilla cake and icing. The result is a bright, balanced sweet-salty-sour pickle treat, perfect for your summer parties.

“Anyone who’s seen @BakedByMelissa on TikTok knows I am a pickle lover, whether I’m making pickles at home or adding pickles to my favorite dishes, so it only made sense to bring the Claussen’s iconic flavor to Baked by Melissa cupcakes next, for an unexpected tangy treat,” said Melissa Ben-Ishay, Co-Founder & CEO of Baked by Melissa. “The addition of pickle gives the cupcake a zippy sweet-salty-sour kick, making it a truly unique ingredient for a bite-size cupcake.”

The Baked by Melissa x Claussen Pickle Cupcake is available in packs of 6 or 25 while supplies last. The 6-pack is available exclusively at all Baked by Melissa store locations for $10.25 while the 25-pack is exclusive to BakedbyMelissa.com for $37.00 for nationwide shipping. For more information, visit @claussenpicklesofficial on Instagram or BakedbyMelissa.com.

Founded by Melissa Ben-Ishay in 2008, Baked by MelissaBaked by Melissa is the New York-based dessert company specializing in handcrafted bite-size cupcakes and treats in a variety of flavors, all developed by Melissa herself. Today, Baked by Melissa has 13 retail locations in the New York area and an online store offering nationwide shipping. With its highly acclaimed assortment of flavors, gift boxes for every occasion and custom shipping packaging to ensure treats arrive safe and fresh, Baked by Melissa has become a go-to brand to celebrate all of life’s moments across the U.S. Find current flavors and more at bakedbymelissa.com.

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Chobani Shelf-Stable, Low-Fat Super Milk to Help Communities

Chobani, LLC, a next generation food and beverage company originally known for its high-quality Greek yogurt, launched its first shelf-stable low-fat dairy milk, Chobani Super Milk. This latest product innovation is nutrient rich and is made specifically to be donated to support people impacted by disasters as well as help some of the most vulnerable in Chobani’s hometowns.

“We know food is essential, but it becomes an even greater need during natural disasters. What we did at Chobani was make a solution that could be deployed when and where it’s needed. We call it Super Milk – high protein, high fiber, nutritious milk that is wholesome and shelf stable,” said Hamdi Ulukaya, Founder and CEO of Chobani. “It’s been a true gift for our entire team to bring this to life. We are humbled and honored to help those in need during hard times.”

Developed to help the American Red Cross and Chobani’s local food bank and pantry partners, Chobani Super Milk addresses a critical need by providing access to nutrient-dense, high-protein, low-fat dairy to those who need it most. On average, the American Red Cross responds to approximately 65,000 disasters annually across the United States. At the same time, there are already 44 million Americans facing food insecurity. Chobani will produce an average of 145,000 pounds of Chobani Super Milk monthly to be deployed by the American Red Cross nationally in areas facing natural disasters and to local partners in central New York and southern Idaho communities.

Ulukaya continued, “We are spreading Super Milk across the country through amazing partnerships with the American Red Cross and local foodbanks and pantries in southern Idaho and central New York. We are so proud to work with these inspiring organizations who are focused on delivering food to more people. We could not make this impact without the power of these partnerships, and it is an honor to work together.”

“I’m inspired by forward-thinking Annual Disaster Giving Program members like Chobani that make it possible for us to support those in need at a moment’s notice,” said Cliff Holtz, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Last week, Chobani sent a truckload of Super Milk to New Mexico in just a few days, helping power our relief efforts for those impacted by the wildfires. We’re grateful for their generosity and partnership as families continue to rely on the Red Cross for vital comfort and care in the wake of more frequent and intense disasters.”

Like all Chobani products, Chobani Super Milk is made with high-quality, wholesome ingredients. With a 9-month shelf life and no need for refrigeration until opened, the 32 fl oz package provides 4 servings per container and offers 13g of protein – 50% more protein than traditional milk – 7g prebiotic fiber for digestive health, 9g of sugar – 25% less sugar than traditional milk and no sugar added – 400mg of calcium – 25% more calcium than traditional milk, and is fortified with Vitamins A & D.*

Super Milk was created after Chobani recognized the need for nutritious, high-quality dairy products during disaster relief efforts that do not require refrigeration. The shelf-stable nature of Super Milk also addresses the logistic and supply chain challenges often associated with providing dairy to food banks and pantries. A portion of Chobani Super Milk will be donated to food banks and pantries in Chobani’s hometowns providing a nutrient dense protein rich product to people facing food insecurity in its own backyard, where 12% of people in Idaho’s Twin Falls County and over 12% and 13% of people in New Yorks Otsego and Chenango County’s experience food insecurity. Chobani, a leading advocate for fighting hunger and increasing food access, has donated over 6.4 million pounds of food across the U.S. since 2022.

Since its founding, Chobani has believed that business can be a force for good and so does its partners. With support from Tetra Pak, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), and IFF for ingredients and packaging, Chobani was able to bring Super Milk to life and share its commitment to not only provide good food for all but help those in times of need.

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Stop & Shop to Close 32 Stores as Part of Growth Plan

Stop & Shop announced the next steps in its plans to position the company for growth. In addition to continuing to make investments in price and the customer experience as part of its growth strategy in its markets, Stop & Shop will close 32 underperforming stores by year-end. Following the closures, Stop & Shop will continue to have a strong presence across its five-state footprint with more than 350 stores. Stop & Shop associates at impacted locations will be offered other opportunities within the company.

“Stop & Shop is proud of the deep roots and community ties we have developed as a neighborhood grocer of more than 100 years, and we remain committed to nourishing our associates, customers and communities,” said Gordon Reid, president. “As we announced in May, Stop & Shop has evaluated its overall store portfolio and made the difficult decision to close underperforming stores to create a healthy base for the future growth of our brand.”

The 32 impacted store locations, which are anticipated to close on or before Nov. 2, 2024, include:

Connecticut

  • 100 Division St., Ansonia
  • 211 High St., Torrington (931 Torringford St., Torrington will remain open)
  • 1937 West Main St., Stamford (2200 Bedford St., Stamford will remain open)
  • 855 Bridgeport Ave., Milford (1360 East Town Road, Milford will remain open)
  • 72 Newtown Road, Danbury (44 Lake Avenue Ext., Danbury will remain open)

Massachusetts

  • 932 North Montello St., Brockton
  • 36 New State Highway, Raynham
  • 341 Plymouth St., Halifax
  • 539-571 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury
  • 165 Needham St., Newton (bfresh Market)
  • 415 Cooley St., Springfield (1600 Boston Rd. and 1277 Liberty St., Springfield will remain open)
  • 545 Lincoln St. Worcester (940 West Boylston St. and 949 Grafton St., Worcester will remain open)
  • 24 Mattakeesett St., Pembroke (125 Church St., Pembroke will remain open)

New Jersey

  • 1083 Inman Ave., Edison
  • 1049 US Highway 1 South, Edison
  • 4861 US Highway 9, Howell
  • 1278 US Highway 22, Phillipsburg
  • 581 Stelton Rd., Piscataway
  • 625 Paterson Ave., Carlstadt
  • 1221 State Route 27, Franklin Township
  • 130 Skyline Dr., Ringwood
  • 505 Richmond Ave, Point Pleasant Beach
  • 2275 West County Line Rd., Jackson

New York

  • 2965 Cropsey Ave., Brooklyn
  • 130 Wheatley Plaza, Greenvale
  • 7 Samsondale Plaza, West Haverstraw
  • 294 Middle Country Road, Coram
  • 240 East Sanford Blvd., Mt. Vernon
  • 132 Fulton Ave., Hempstead
  • 2525 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow

Rhode Island

  • 11 Commerce Way, Johnston
  • 176 Pittman St., Providence (Eastside Marketplace)

“Our associates are a strong community dedicated to growing and working together, and all of our store associates will continue to have a place in the Stop & Shop family as we look forward to serving customers at other nearby locations,” added Reid.

Stop & Shop will communicate specific store closing dates to local customers well in advance of any store closures. Stop & Shop remains committed to serving its communities through other store locations, online shopping and home delivery services.

“Stop & Shop is focused on growing through large, multi-year price investments and a stronger customer value proposition, both in-store and online. This means we’ll be focused on delivering lower everyday prices, as well as even more savings for our customers through strong promotions,” added Reid. “Since 2018, we have completed more than 190 store remodels, with the customer shopping experience in mind. These stores are outperforming other Stop & Shop stores that haven’t been remodeled. We’re taking these learnings and implementing them at other stores as we build upon our strong foundation, similar to our new Boston flagship location, opened last month in the Allston Yards development. We look forward to continuing to serve and care for our communities and to grow Stop & Shop as a local brand for many years to come.”

After the store closures are complete, Stop & Shop will operate more than 350 stores spanning five states, including 81 stores in Connecticut, 115 in Massachusetts, 47 in New Jersey, 91 in New York and 25 in Rhode Island.

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