“What the organic consumer chooses to snack on is just as important to them as the vegetables and meats they purchase," Brownie Brittle CEO Sheila G Mains told ConfectioneryNews.
New organic snacking chocolate
Brownie Brittle’s new range - rolling out now across the US through distribution channels including UNFI and KeHEcomes - is available in three flavors: Organic Chip, Organic Chocolate & Toasted Coconut, and Organic Pretzel & Dark Chocolate. They will be sold at a premium of between $1 to $2 over the current Brownie Brittle, which is priced at $3.99 per five-ounce bag.
“Our Organic range is Non-GMO certified, and, just like our non-organic, it’s a 120-calorie, better-for-you snack,” Mains said.
She added that the company's Salted Caramel product had been such a success that it is tapping the salty/sweet trend with the Organic Pretzel & Dark Chocolate Brownie Brittle. The company is also adding a sea salt dark chocolate flavor to its classic variety around July, and possibly will debut the product at the 2016 Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City.
Chocolate snacking trend fuels growth
Mains believes chocolate snacking will continue to focus on better-for-you ingredients, and that manufacturers may start infusing protein and healthy additives, such as quinoa, flax seed, hemp seed, to their snacking chocolate.
“We’re seeing more chocolate products that contain nuts, dried fruits, and crunchy ingredients, such as pretzel pieces, which all make for some fun snacking,” Mains added. “And with the international influence, we’ll see more flavor varieties with exotic ingredients and spices.”
Brownie Brittle is available in many international markets, including Australia, China and Mexico, and the company is also seeking to expand its business to Europe this year.
“We’re focused on driving trial, adding more flavors to our current line up and creating innovative line extensions,” she said. “All these efforts will enable us to continue on the same path that has helped us achieve over 30% year-on-year growth.”