SALINAS, Calif. Nov. 9, 2009 Mann Packing is launching three new budget-friendly items to capitalize on fresh produce sales for winter seasonal cooking and entertaining events.
Just in time for football and holiday parties, Manns Sunny Shores new Dip Combo platter features two of Americas most popular dips, Home-style Ranch and Creamy Dill with Manns fresh cut vegetable assortment.
The company is launching the new combo dip platter as part of its strategy to meet customer demand for items beyond traditional vegetable trays with dip, said Lorri Koster, vice president of marketing.
Sales of fresh veggie platters are steady, but not growing like they used to. We are responding by adding new twists to traditional favorites, Koster said.
The dip combo tray features two, 3.5 ounce tubs (one filled with ranch, the other with dill) versus the traditional tub of ranch.
This platter offers consumers a variety of dip flavors with vegetables, all in one inclusive tray, while entertaining guests during the holidays or cheering on their favorite football teams, Koster said.
In the fresh-cut vegetable category, Mann is launching two items: Lo Mein Stir Fry and diced butternut squash in 12-ounce and 20-ounce packages.
The Lo Mein Stir Fry is a classic we are bringing back to the marketplace by customer request. It was first introduced in 1999. It promotes broccoli coleslaw as a cooking item which is a huge opportunity to encourage trial and bring new users into the category, Koster said. We took an approach to the packaging to keep the retail low and broccoli coleslaw is also affordable so provides the base for a healthy meal at a low cost.
Butternut squash is one of the top selling items in the specialty niche vegetable category.
Weve had our eye on butternut squash for some time, Koster said. Its on trend, on the menu, and growing in sales. Its the perfect complement to our fresh-cut sweet potatoes and keeps our focus on cooking vegetable items. The larger 20-ounce package is ideal to promote during peak holiday cooking occasions.
Source: Mann Packing Company Inc.