Blasts From the Past

Binaca is back in the public eye and more of a blast than ever — thanks to Los Angeles-based brand strategy firm Gertrude, Inc., architect of the classic brand's relaunch, TV ad campaign debuting in June, online revamp and new packaging.The brand's resurrection will continue throughout the year with additional print and guerilla components. Besides the eye-catching
new look for Binaca AEROblast and Binaca FASTblast, the former now comes in a new variety, Cinnamint. Distributed by Buena Park, Calif.-based Dr. Fresh, Inc., the products are available at the following suggested retail prices: $2.49 for a FASTblast single-pack non-aerosol pump (300 spritzes), $3.49 for a FASTblast twin pack (600 spritzes), $1 for a 0.25-ounce FASTblast  'mini ' (150 spritzes), $1.99 for an AEROblast aerosol spray cylinder
(150 sprays), and $3.59 for an AEROblast triple pack (450 sprays). For additional information, visit www.drfresh.com.


One Well-Wrapped Baby

The only double-crème, all-natural Brie that shoppers can buy nationwide, Alouette Baby
Brie is packaged in parchment paper and a protective tray, as well as featuring a fully enrobed rind to ensure the quality of the award-winning cheese. In tests, consumers preferred this
unique packaging to typical foil wrapping, according to New Holland, Pa.- based Alouette. Available in Traditional and Smoked flavors, a 7-ounce wedge of Baby Brie retails for a
suggested $6.99.More information is available by visiting www.alouettecheese.com.


Go Eat

Life can be a picnic for the estimated 3 million adults and children suffering from celiac disease, now that GoPicnic ready-to-eat gluten-free meals are available. Featuring many well-known and trusted brands, including Nutella, Larabar, Stacy's Bagel Chips, Mary's Gone
Crackers, Corazonas snacks, Jack Link's jerky and Mariani dried fruits, the meals contain natural ingredients, require no refrigeration or preparation, and are ideal for breakfast,
lunch or snacks away from home, notes Chicago-based GoPicnic. Suggested retail prices range from $4.99 to $6.99. Visit www.gopicnic.com to learn more.


Sweet Deal

McCain has devised a whole new way for foodservice operators to present sweet potatoes, with Harvest Splendor Ridge Cut Wedges and Maxi Cuts.While Ridge Cut Wedges offer distinctive ridges that enhance crispness, Maxi Cuts come in a premium, extra-long length. Both better-for-you options feature bake-or-fry flexibility, and make for a sensational side dish or a profitable second fry, according to Lisle, Ill.-based McCain Foods USA.Additionally, McCain sweet potatoes are naturally ripened after harvest for a sweet, more consistent flavor.
The line also comes in thin, regular and crinkle-cut varieties. Get more information by calling 800-767-7377 or visiting www.harvestsplendor.com.


Essential Hydration

Fruit2O Essentials manages the impossible: to provide nutrients found in two servings of
fruit with zero calories, zero sugar and just 1 gram of carbohydrates per bottle. The fortified
water was created by Cincinnati-based Fruit2O to enable female consumers to get their recommended daily intake of fruits and water conveniently. Each of the subtly flavored varieties — Cranberry Raspberry, Strawberry Kiwi, Peach Mango, Citrus, Blueberry Pomegranate and Cherry Acai — pairs a popular fruit with a superfruit, delivering beneficial nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and 1 gram of fiber. An 18-ounce bottle retails for a suggested $1.29 to $1.49, while 15- and 20-packs at club stores go for a suggested
$9.99 to $12.89. To find out more, visit www.fruit20.com.


Healthier Grilling

In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Monterey Mushrooms has succeeded in boosting the vitamin D content of its products by exposing them to ultraviolet light — to a minimum of 100 percent of the recommended level.What's more, this increased vitamin D,
which is essential for absorption of calcium and magnesium in the body, thereby helping to maintain bone strength, adds no additives, supplements or chemicals, and maintains its nutritional value even after the mushrooms have been cooked or frozen. The vitamin D-enhanced items, sold under the Sun Grill-A-Bella brand, are available as sliced portabella mushrooms and portabella caps in 8-ounce tray packs made from 100 percent composite recyclable material, and are the perfect meatless substitute for steaks or burgers, according
to the Monterey, Calif.-based company. To learn more, visit www.montereymushrooms.com.