Leftovers: Fresh Del Monte pineapples turn red | Little Bites get a little less sweet

Fresh Del Monte debuts Rubyglow Pineapples

Unique fruit items such as grapples and cotton candy grapes have gained momentum recently with consumers looking for variety. A new fruit from Fresh Del Monte aims to stand out by bringing a pop of color to the produce section.

The company has debuted Rubyglow pineapples in the U.S., which contain a red outer shell, yellow flesh and a “distinct sweet flavor,” according to Fresh Del Monte. The version launched in China earlier this year.

The launch follows a 15-year development period in Costa Rica, where the fruits are grown. Rubyglow is a result of crossbreeding between a regular pineapple and a Morada variety, the company said. Each of the pineapples takes two years to grow and they are scarce. Is a regular pineapple scarce? maybe end sentence after “grow”

“From the intricate growing process to the distinct color, sweet taste and elegant packaging — every detail of the Rubyglow pineapple is meticulously crafted to deliver a premium experience,” Melissa Mackay, Fresh Del Monte’s vice president of marketing, said in a statement. “This exquisite tropical fruit is another gem in crown and we are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking pineapple to North America.” another gem in crown? is this correct? seems like a word is missing or it doesn’t make sense

Fresh Del Monte previously launched Pinkglow pineapples, another crossbred variety with pink instead of yellow flesh in 2023. Demand for these premium products led to a 26% year-over-year increase in the company’s gross profit last year.

In March, Fresh Del Monte debuted Precious Honeyglow, a petite version of its golden sweet pineapples. The company touted the item as a way to reduce food waste. Fresh Del Monte also improved the sustainability of its supply chain by launching carbon-neutral pineapples in 2022.

— Chris Casey

 

Little Bites get a little less sweet

Bimbo Bakeries’ Little Bites muffins introduced its first-ever low-sugar variety in two versions: Apple Cinnamon and Lower Sugar Chocolate. 

The muffins are made with ingredients like apple, chocolate and a touch of hidden vegetables, the company said.  I would cut this since it repeats what is basically in the lede, apples, chocolate

“We recognize the need for more better-for-you snacking options for children and adults, and we’re proud to be introducing these new lower sugar offerings,” Lia Arakelian, brand manager for Little Bites Snacks, said in a statement. 

The Apple Cinnamon variety contains 9 grams of sugar, which is 40% less than the leading blueberry mini muffins. It also has no artificial flavors and features ingredients like zucchini. The Chocolate variety contains 8 grams of sugar and is made with sweet potato. It contains 60% less sugar compared to the leading brownie mini muffins.

Each 160-calorie pouch is pre-portioned, similar to traditional Little Bites Snacks.  

An increasing number of food and beverage companies are offering lower-sugar or zero-sugar options as consumers prioritize their health. 

Chobani, for example, recently expanded its popular Zero Sugar line with a drinkable option. Coca-Cola’s Body Armor launched a zero-sugar line in January.

— Elizabeth Flood

 

From farm to bar: Lärabar taps regenerative almonds for new lineup

General Mills-owned Lärabar is capitalizing on the growing demand for environmentally conscious foods with its latest launch.

The brand’s Trail Mix bar line features a star ingredient, almonds sourced from farms using regenerative agriculture practices. The offerings arrive in three varieties: Peanut Butter & Jelly, Dark Chocolate Peanut and Chocolate Coconut Macaroon. The Trail Mix bars feature a “crunchewy” texture, according to the brand.

In a release, Lärabar said it sourced 80,000 pounds of regenerative almonds to make the first batch of the bars. It plans to increase its almond purchase to 250,000 pounds. Fifty-one percent of the almonds used in the bars were regeneratively grown, the brand said. The bars are also gluten-free and non-GMO.

The launch follows a sustainability push from the better-for-you bar. Last year, General Mills announced Lärabar partnered with American Farmland Trust on an initiative to advance regenerative agriculture efforts in the San Joaquin Valley area of California at women-owned farms.

General Mills bought Lärabar in 2008 as more consumers started prioritizing healthier snack alternatives. The CPG giant has funded regenerative agriculture efforts in recent years as part of its plan to lower its carbon footprint. Mary Jane Melendez, the company’s chief sustainability officer, said in an interview last year that the company is educated by the farmers it sources from about the most eco-friendly farming efforts, including “intercropping” and cover crops.

— Chris Casey