

And to appeal to increasing consumer interest in authentic Mexican-style foods, Kachwa Food Group, Lake City, Ga., introduces Gordo's™ Cheese Dip. These new heat-and-serve, rich white queso (cheese) dips are described as "The New Taste of Old Mexico™." Consumers simply remove the lid from the 16-oz resealable container and microwave according to package instructions. There are also 20-lb foodservice containers. Gordos Cheese Dip comes in three varieties: Plain white, Mild and Hot. Made through a unique formulation of pasteurized processed American cheese, milk and other ingredients, these refrigerated dips sport the Real® Seal.


"Our research shows that consumers don't always want to share their Panda Paws™ or Fool's Gold™. Sometimes, they just want to have their own special serving with no fuss or mess. That's why we created our half-pint line," says Kristen Ryan, senior brand mgr.
In total there are five half-pint flavors (Cherry Panda Paws, Chocolate Panda Paws, Fool's Gold, PB Cup Craze and Vanilla). Perry's will introduce more flavors based on consumer demand. The half pints have been available since the fall and are distributed throughout New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and the New England region.


Noteworthy Introductions
Winter Haven, Fla.-basedVelda Farmsa National Dairy Holdings, L.P., company, introduces Sol Tropical fruit punch-style drinks in five varieties: Bermuda Blast, Grand Cayman Groove, Montego Madness, Nassau Nectar and Saba Sunburst. The drinks come in plastic pints and gallons, and are positioned as "great-tasting refreshments that are not expensive."

INTERNATIONAL
The snack and dip trend continues unabated in a number of categories with the latest developments appearing in the United Kingdom. In 2003,Dairy Crestlaunched the Cathedral City Dip & Go! Snack Packs whileKraft Foodsintroduced the Dairylea Finger Dunkers. The Dip & Go! Snack Packs include a set of "mature yet mellow" Cheddar sticks with a separate container of Crosse & Blackwell Branston Pickle Dip (owned byPremier International Foods). The Dairylea Finger Dunkers include a special cheese spread with a separate compartment of salt and vinegar flavored potato sticks. Interestingly, Kraft designed the potato sticks to fit around the finger, allowing children to attach the snacks before dipping. In the Netherlands,UnieKaasintroduced a sophisticated cheese dip kit with three different sauce selections including honey mustard, yogurt-garlic sauce and a spicy piri-piri sauce.

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