The story of Rachel’s yogurt began in the 1940’s on a small farm in Wales. Today, Rachel’s is a thriving U.K. brand built on decades of excellence in dairy craftsmanship. Rachel’s is now available in U.S. natural foods stores via Dallas-based Dean Foods Co.’s White Wave Foods division. Packaged in distinguishing black cups with reverse-type print, the yogurt flavors are also captivating. There are 10, all of which include probiotics to support digestive health, as well as the omega-3 fatty acid docohexaenoic acid (DHA) and short-chain fructooligosaccharide. Five of the flavors are described as being “blissfully blended mood-inspiring.” They are: Calm (Plum Honey Lavender), Glow (Berry Jasmine with Zinc), Relax (Vanilla Chai), Revive (Peach Green Tea with Ginseng) and Vitality (Pomegranate and Açai). The other five flavors are categorized as being Exotic, and include Cherry Black Currant, Kiwi Passion Fruit Lime, Mango Pineapple Passion Fruit, Orange Strawberry Mango and Pomegranate Blueberry.

The import division of DCI Cheese Co., Moonachie, N.J., is introducing Joan of Arc Goat Cheese and Goat Cheese Brie. DCI is a leading cheese and prepared foods company that offers both domestic and international imported specialty cheese. “Joan of Arc is in its 90th year as a brand,” says Debbie Seife, director of marketing for the import division of DCI. “They have a long-standing tradition and reputation for excellence.”

The Joan of Arc Chèvre Brie, French for goat cheese brie, is an interesting culinary twist for cheese lovers who may be more familiar with brie that is made from cows milk. The goat cheese brie is a soft-ripened, white-bloomy cheese that has a soft milky interior and a firm rounded rind. The goat cheese logs come in four gourmet flavors that bring out the distinct sharp taste of the chèvre: Au Natural, Cranberry-Cinnamon, Fig, and Peppadew. The cheeses have a very robust flavor that is somewhat dry and crumbly in texture.

“We started off by offering the Joan of Arc goat cheese products to a few select markets across the country as we began to introduce the line to consumers,” says Seife. “We are enjoying a great response, so it’s time for us to start increasing our distribution to be more widespread across the country. Goat cheese is a growing market for U.S. consumers with more than an 11% increase nationwide (according to ACNielsen data).”

Kraft Foods Inc., Northfield, Ill., goes back to its roots with new J.L. Kraft Specialty Gourmet Spreadable Cheeses, which are named after the company’s founder. The spreads combine natural cheese with vegetables and herbs and are sold in 6.5-oz fanciful tubs that are ready for serving. Varieties are Parmesan, Asiago & Romano with Garlic & Herbs; Pepperjack and Jalapeño; and Sharp White Cheddar and Roasted Red Pepper. The spreads are merchandised in retailers’ specialty cheese cases and sell for about $5.99. Initial packages include a coupon on the inside label for a future purchase.

Le Mars, Iowa-based Well’s Dairy Inc., has a new product for its foodservice customers: Crème Tortes. All the chef has to do is invert the dessert onto a plate, garnish and serve. Even the most discriminating consumers think the dessert was prepared fresh, just for them.

These 10-fl-oz frozen treats come in three varieties, and are sold in cases containing three packs of eight. Bananas Foster is a white cake crumb crust with banana- and rum-flavored ice cream, bananas foster sauce and brown betty mousse. Chocolate Soufflé is a chocolate fudge crumb crust, chocolate ice cream and rich butter fudge sauce that is topped with chocolate mousse. Lemon Berry starts with a graham cracker crumb crust, followed by lemon ice cream, wildberry sauce and lemon mousse. Both Bananas Foster and Chocolate Soufflé contain 690 calories and 39g fat per serving or unit. The Lemon Berry is a bit richer at 750 calories and 47g fat.

Noteworthy Introductions

BelGioioso Cheese Inc., Denmark, Wis., focuses on convenience for two of its most recent fresh cheese introductions: BelGioioso Perline (per-lee-nee)and BelGioioso Pre-Sliced Fresh Mozzarella. Perline consists of snack-size balls that are sold in 1-lb and 3-lb foodservice-size tubs. The petite, 2.5-g portions are ideal for appetizers paired with other ingredients such as fresh basil and bite-sized tomatoes. The pre-sliced product is a new version of the company’s fresh mozzarella that won Best of Class at the 2007 Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association contest.

Orrville, Ohio-based Smith Dairy Products Co., introduces Ruggles Churned Premium Light Ice Cream line, which contains 50% less fat and one-third fewer calories than regular ice cream. The company uses a proprietary production method to make its Ruggles Churned line without synthetics, stabilizers or emulsifiers.

International

Breakfast eating patterns are changing around the globe as more consumers usually eat breakfast outside the home. To appeal to this on-the-go consumer, Innocent in the United Kingdom introduces Innocent Breakfast Smoothie. Dubbed a “breakfast thickie,” the drink is a blend of yogurt, oats, raspberries and blueberries. It also contains calcium, probiotic cultures and is free of preservatives. For added innovation, the product is packaged in a 250ml bottle made from corn, a 100% renewable source.

Health-conscious parents are looking for alternatives to carbonated soft drinks for both themselves and for their kids. Manufacturers such as Nestlé in Spain make the search for a better beverage easier with new Nesquik Go! This pre-mixed chocolate drink is sold in convenient pouches that are easier and more fun for kids to help themselves to. It consists of 75% milk and is a good source of calcium.

Nipponluna in Japan has recently introduced its Sugarless Nighttime Yogurt. Created to alleviate hunger in the wake of the night, it is made with 50% less calories than traditional yogurt and only contains 60 calories. The yogurt also features 500mg of collagen to maintain good skin and 50mg of relaxation-inducing theanine to aid sleeping.

Contributed by Felicia McClain, analyst, Global New Products Database (GNPD) Consulting Services, a division of Mintel International, a global research company. For more information call 312/932-0400, or visit www.gnpd.com.