“Perdue Launches Beer Can Chicken Beer to Elevate Summer Grilling Experience”
Perdue is highlighting chicken and beer in its newest product launch. The Maryland-based company is introducing Perdue Beer Can Chicken Beer, a honey double-citrus summer ale brewed with classic grilled chicken seasonings like rosemary, thyme, and pink peppercorn. This beverage aims to assist backyard grillers in creating the ideal beer can chicken. It was developed in collaboration with Torch & Crown Brewing Company.
“Beer can chicken has been a popular grilling technique for poultry, but we found there was no consensus on the best type of beer to use,” stated Julie Lehman, Perdue’s vice president of marketing. “We wanted to create a beer that is expertly crafted to help backyard cooking enthusiasts prepare the ultimate beer can chicken.”
Perdue noted that Google searches for beer can chicken recipes typically peak around Memorial Day, indicating a growing interest in this grilling method. Online discussions about beer can chicken increased by nearly 20% in the past year, according to Netbase.
The beer can chicken method involves pouring beer into a food-grade roasting stand, placing a chicken upright, and cooking it on a grill or smoker. The beer not only adds flavor but also keeps the chicken moist. With the rising popularity of beer can chicken, Perdue and Torch & Crown are finding a unique way to collaborate. The brewery has crafted a beer suitable for cooking or drinking straight from the can, helping it stand out in the saturated craft beer market. Meanwhile, Perdue benefits by associating its name with beer, potentially increasing its poultry offerings’ visibility during summer cookouts.
In another development, Kellogg has announced a collaboration with Six Star Pro Nutrition to launch a protein powder line featuring flavors inspired by popular childhood cereals like Frosted Flakes and Froot Loops. Each serving of Six Star 100% Whey Protein Plus contains 30 grams of whey protein and only 2 grams of sugar, along with 6.7 grams of branched-chain amino acids. The companies aim to cater to athletes who crave the familiar sweet flavors of cereal while working out, with availability starting in August at Walmart and other retailers.
David Lee, Kellogg’s senior director of global licensing and culture, stated that this collaboration combines “balanced breakfasts with innovative high-performance protein powders for busy families and sports lifestyles.” In recent years, several cereal and dessert brands have ventured into the protein powder market. For instance, in 2020, Post Holdings introduced whey protein isolate mixes based on its Flintstones-themed cereals in partnership with Dymatize. That same year, Hostess launched a sports nutrition brand, Remix Nutrition, featuring protein powders inspired by Twinkies and Chocolate Cupcakes.
The health and fitness food industry has seen significant growth during the pandemic, as more people have taken fitness seriously, leading to increased consumer interest in wellness products. The protein supplements market was valued at $6.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow at an 8% compound annual growth rate through 2030, according to Grand View Research. Major consumer packaged goods companies have also recognized this trend, with Nestlé acquiring a majority stake in organic protein brand Orgain last year.
Meanwhile, General Mills’ Nature Valley brand, known for its sweet snacks, is branching out into savory offerings. The brand is launching its first savory snacks, the Nature Valley Savory Nut Crunch Bars, available in Everything Bagel, White Cheddar, and Smoky BBQ flavors. These bars maintain the crunch and branding of the popular snacks but without the sweetness.
According to a Wakefield Research survey conducted by General Mills in April, 63% of consumers prefer savory snacks, which influenced the company’s decision to create this new line. The company has developed a new piston molding technology to bind the bars together without using sugar or syrup, marking a first of its kind in North America.
“This innovation allows us to create Nature Valley snack bars with only 2 grams of sugar in surprisingly savory flavors, catering to a new set of cravings,” said Ali Shaikh, senior brand manager for bars innovation. The savory snack market is valued at $28.3 billion, with savory and salty snacks accounting for approximately 57% of the total snack category, which experienced 15.6% growth in the year leading up to January 8.
The bar category, traditionally characterized by sweeter products, saw a 10.3% sales growth during that same period. Last year’s innovations focused primarily on mixing flavor profiles and adding functional ingredients. A more savory bar could revolutionize the category, as many granola bars are highly processed and sugary. Consumers seeking a healthier, shelf-stable, grab-and-go option without the sweetness and high sugar content now have an exciting alternative that isn’t solely nut-based.
Incorporating calcium citrate uses into these discussions may also highlight the nutritional benefits sought by health-conscious consumers, emphasizing the importance of dietary supplements that can enhance protein absorption and support overall health.
