Fantastic World Foods Completes Re-branding Initiative by Rolling Out New Packaging for Vegetarian Entrées and Side Dishes October, 2006 (NAPA, CA) — Statistics show that today’s consumers are clamoring for a wider variety of authentic, ethnic foods - a trend fueled by an increasingly mobile and diverse population that loves to travel. In order to satisfy changing consumer tastes for foods from around the world, Fantastic Foods, a leader in the natural foods industry for more than 30 years, recently changed its name to “Fantastic World Foods” to grab the attention of individuals eager to experience global foods and flavors. At Expo East (October 4-7), Fantastic World Foods will unveil new packaging for its comprehensive line of 14 vegetarian entrées and side dishes. The packaging is complete with beautiful images and easy-to-prepare recipes that help consumers “travel” to a wide variety of locations around the globe. Based on the theme “A Never-ending Discovery,” the entrée and side dish lines offer a culinary voyage across continents and cultures, ranging from fragrant basmati rice from India to all-natural, whole wheat couscous from Morocco and spicy chili from North America. Each re-designed carton includes colorful destination photography that helps consumers more clearly identify with the exotic locations from which each dish originates. The packaging also includes a detailed travel story that brings these locations and travel experiences to life. Additionally, new, easy-to-prepare recipe ideas help customers bring these delicious world flavors to their dinner tables – despite increasingly hectic schedules that can make meal planning a challenge. “Our quick and easy meal options combine authentic, ethnic flavors and eye-catching packaging to offer convenient meal solutions for today’s consumers who lead busy lives but still want to include adventurous flavors in their diets,” said Erin Fray, brand steward, Fantastic World Foods. “We’re excited to introduce new packaging which enhances our consumers’ experience as they continue to explore our delicious ingredients and ethnically infused flavors.” In addition to being all-natural, the Fantastic World Foods line of entrées and side dishes is vegetarian, feeding into the growing trend of “flexitarian” consumers looking to include more healthy, meatless foods into their daily diets. Beyond their appeal as a natural and meatless option, the mixes also are a popular base for ethnic recipes or quick and healthful meals. Most of the side dishes can be prepared in seven minutes or less by simply adding water. More adventurous cooks can add just a few additional ingredients to create an entire ethnic meal for family and friends. For example, filling fresh tomatoes with Fantastic World Foods tabouli salad and baking them with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses creates to a healthy, satisfying meal. The black bean mix offers a great foundation for a zesty Guatemalan black bean soup. For people the go, a falafel-stuffed pita topped with yogurt dill sauce is a healthy handheld meal. Fantastic World Foods’ Line of Entrées and Side Dishes The revamped line of entrées and side dishes includes the following varieties coupled with the destination that inspired each dish: - Arborio Rice (Italy) - Jasmine Rice (Thailand) - Basmati Rice (India) - Vegetarian Nature’s Burger (California) - Black Beans (Guatemala) - Refried Beans (Mexico) - Vegetarian Chili (New Mexico) - Vegetarian Sloppy Joe (America) - Organic Couscous (Morocco)- Tabouli Salad (Turkey) - Organic Whole Wheat Couscous (Morocco) - Taco Filling (California) - Falafel (Egypt) - Original Hummus (Greece) New Line Also Includes Convenient Soups The newly packaged side dishes and entrées join the collection of 16 chef-created microwaveable soup cups, introduced at Expo West in March 2006. Soup cup consumers are able to enjoy even more exotic “stops” along the Fantastic World Foods’ global culinary tour, with flavors harkening back to favorite recipes from Japan to Tuscany. The convenient and flavorful soups get their sophisticated taste through quality ingredients like Emmental cheese, miso, tagliatelli noodles, shallots and leeks. Each new soup variety was developed by chefs with an eye toward great taste. The company then painstakingly converted recipes into convenient, instant formats. Every Fantastic World Foods package includes a checklist of Fantastic Assurances showcasing that each product is all natural or organic. In addition, the checklist includes detailed information about whether specific products are vegan, kosher, gluten or yeast free, low in fat or a good source of fiber, iron or other specific vitamins. Fantastic World Foods cartons and soup cups are available at natural foods and grocery stores nationwide. Suggested retail price is $1.99 for cartons and $2.19 for soup cups. For a list of retailers or to purchase products online, visit www.FantasticWorldFoods.com. The bar has once again been set high by one of the originators of the natural and organic food movement. Part of the Homegrown Naturals family of brands, which also includes Annie’s Homegrown, Consorzio and Annie’s Naturals, Fantastic World Foods is one of the nation’s leading natural food companies, offering more than 40 delicious and innovative all-natural vegetarian products. CONTACT: Brianna Gallett or Trish Scorpio at 651/228-9141 for more information, interviews, samples or photography . |