Two spice marketers grind into high gear this fall with line extensions backed by heavy marketing support.
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| Grind-top spices are hot -- and high-profit |
ACH Foods acquired Spice Islands when it bought Tone Brothers in July 2004. Memphis-based ACH Foods also acquired the French's brand, and is launching four flavors of French's Skillet Starters seasoning packets (Chili-O Mac, Taco Mac, Italian Pasta and Creamy Chicken & Rice.)
Separately, spice leader McCormick & Co. extends its own Grinders line of grinder-top spices with two new flavors, Italian Herb and Steakhouse Seasoning; McCormick already has five flavors.
Grinders are the fastest-growing segment of the spices category, jumping 15% in 2004, according to ACNielsen reports.
Hunt Valley, MD-based McCormick also is launching a line of ethnic spice blends: Sazón, Annatto and Adobo (all three Latin American); Completa (Miami-style); Chili with Lime (Mexican); and whole Mexican oregano.
McCormick has brought Kenya Shake It, its 2004 contest winner, to supermarket shelves for a limited time. The spice blend was the grand-prize $10,000 winner in McCormick's Blend to Win Challenge. Last year 1,700 consumers entered the annual (since 2001) contest; four finalists were paired with a professional chef to create a recipe using the contestant's spice mix.
Meanwhile, McCormick is launching Skillet Paste wet seasoning packets in four flavors (Country Herb Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, Teriyaki Beef and Thick & Spicy BBQ Pork).
