Fresh Produce Discussion Blog

Created by The Packer's National Editor Tom Karst

Friday, March 10, 2017

Reese’s Crunchy Cookie Cup to launch

HERSHEY, Pa., March 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After rumors swirled on social media last week, Reese’s brand confirmed today that it is launching a new product – Reese’s Crunchy Cookie Cup. It’s a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup stuffed with crunchy, chocolate cookie bits. The confirmation brings an end to the online #Cupspiracy that started two weeks earlier, driving excitement and anticipation for the newest item. “You could say this combination is ‘cuptivating,’” said Ryan Riess, Senior Brand Manager, Reese’s Brand. “Reese’s fanatics are one-of-a-kind. They have a love and devotion to the brand that is unlike anything I have ever seen, and have been buzzing at the potential thought of a new innovation from the brand. We’re excited to finally let the secret out of the bag and end the #Cupspiracy - announcing the new Reese’s Crunchy Cookie Cup. You could say we crushed it!” The new product will be available on shelves nationwide starting in May in both standard two-cup size 1.4-oz. (SRP $1.09) and king two-cup Big Cup size 2.68-oz. (SRP $1.79). • Official Product Name: Reese’s Crunchy Cookie Cup • Size: Standard two-cup size 1.4-oz. (SRP $1.09), and in king two-cup Big Cup size 2.68-oz. (SRP $1.79). • Availability: The product will be available on shelves nationwide starting in May • Image: https://share.agencyroad.com/message/nFROJGx4prTRKAGJsITGmU (Expires March 18)

McAlister's celebrating like the Irish

McAlister’s is celebrating like the Irish with two fun and festive offerings: • Wear Green, Get Green – Participating McAlister’s locations are offering free Green Tea to all guests wearing green on March 17 • Reuben Spud – The Reuben Spud is an oven-baked spud topped with corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island and Swiss. Your own Pot(ato) of gold! The limited time only, Irish-inspired Reuben Spud can be found at participating McAlister’s locations from March 13-17

DeLauro Calls for Single Food Safety Agency after Connecticut Resident Dies from Listeria-Contaminated Cheese

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today released the following statement regarding news that a Connecticut resident has died in connection with a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes tied to cheese. The Listeria outbreak comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is also investigating a nationwide outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7, more commonly known as E. coli. “News that a Connecticut resident has died and more people across the country have become sick after consuming Listeria-contaminated cheese is both tragic and troubling. More than 100 years after we enacted the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and more than 6 years after we enacted the Food Safety Modernization Act, Americans should not be dying from the food they eat. President Trump should take outbreaks of foodborne illnesses seriously and should immediately fill the vacancies at the FDA, as well as rescind the federal hiring freeze. When American lives are at stake, we cannot afford any lapses in food safety oversight. “Congress should also enact the Safe Food Act, which I plan to reintroduce in the coming months, in order to streamline inspections, enforcement, and labeling into a single food safety agency. Through this legislation, we can enable consumers, like those affected by the current cheese and SoyNut Butter outbreaks, to turn to a single point of contact when they are impacted by foodborne illnesses. A single agency could also enhance the food safety efforts of food companies by helping them identify potential issues sooner and avoid major problems later.”