Gourmet News

Totino’s Scores Pete Davidson for NFL Playoff Promotion

Published January 9, 2024

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.

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Wanted: Hotdoggers to Drive the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile

Published January 9, 2024

Hot dog! Oscar Mayer has opened applications for Hotdoggers, inviting fans to apply for a one-year, full-time, paid gig behind the wheel of the iconic Wienermobile. Open through Jan. 31, the relished position offers fans the opportunity to become official spokespeople of the brand while living out its mission: sparking smiles.

Chosen applicants will represent the 37th class of Hotdoggers, joining a rich history of spreading joy and wiener whistles to adoring fans. Traveling an average of 20,000 miles each year, Hotdoggers visit at least 40 cities across the country and attend more than 1,200 events. Each member of the class is entrusted with driving and maintaining the 27-foot hot dog on wheels, along with creating social content for the brand’s channels during their “meat” and greets across the country.

“The title of a Hotdogger is a rare and coveted position unique to those seeking adventure and a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Ed Roland, ‘Top Dog’ and senior manager brand communications for Oscar Mayer at The Kraft Heinz Company. “Statistically speaking, more people have visited space than driven the Wienermobile! We take pride in welcoming the next class who will continue to uphold the tradition of sparking smiles and bringing buns of fun to fans across the U.S.”

Hotdoggers go above and beyond traditional “spokesperson” duties to represent the iconic Wienermobile – a sizzling fixture in American zeitgeist since it hit the hot dog highways in 1936. In recent years, Hotdoggers enjoyed a trip to Puerto Rico for the first time in more than 50 years, married 12 couples at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas and introduced the first-ever hot dog-flavored frozen pop to fans in New York City.

The coveted Hotdogger title is granted to 12 applicants who cut the mustard. To learn more about Oscar Mayer, the Wienermobile or Hotdoggers, follow along on Facebook or Instagram.

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Yerbaé Plant-Based Energy Expands Distribution With Mariano’s

Published January 8, 2024

Yerbaé Brands Corp., a plant-based energy beverage company, announced a significant expansion in its distribution channels through a strategic partnership with Mariano’s, a mid-west supermarket chain owned by Kroger.

In a noteworthy development, Yerbaé’s products have been officially authorized by Mariano’s for distribution across all locations in the greater Chicago region. Mariano’s, a subsidiary of Kroger, has become a key player in the supermarket industry in the Midwest since opening its doors in 2010.

Commencing Jan. 10, Yerbaé’s four refreshing SKUs—Mango Passionfruit, Black Cherry Pineapple, Yuzu Lime, and Classic Lemonade—will be available for purchase at all Mariano’s locations. This expansion not only underscores Yerbaé’s commitment to providing innovative and health-conscious beverage options but also reflects the brand’s strategic vision for increased accessibility.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with Mariano’s, a trusted name in the supermarket industry. This collaboration allows us to bring Yerbaé’s refreshing beverages to a wider audience within the third largest domestic market in the United States, and additionally expands Yerbaé’s growing demand in the Midwest marketplace,” said Seth Smith, vice president sales of Yerbaé Plant-Based Energy.

Yerbaé is proud to be part of the Mariano’s portfolio, aligning with the supermarket’s commitment to providing a premium shopping experience. The inclusion of Mariano’s in Yerbaé’s distribution network marks a substantial milestone for the company’s growth and market reach.

Yerbaé Brands Corp., makes great-tasting energy beverages with yerba mate and other premium, plant-based ingredients. All Yerbaé energy beverages are zero calorie, zero sugar, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, keto-friendly, paleo-approved, gluten free and diabetic-friendly.

Founded in Scottsdale, Ariz., in 2017, Yerbaé seeks to disrupt the energy beverage marketplace by offering a no-compromise energy solution, with input and support from its recently-announced Yerbaé Advisory Board, Sports and Entertainment.

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