provided by: 
Yogurt, cottage cheese and deli meats will be making a strong showing in the refrigerated food sections in the months ahead if the FMI show in Chicago in May and International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association's (IDDBA) Dairy-Deli-Bake '07 seminar and expo held earlier this month in Anaheim, Calif., are any indication.
Two Kraft cottage cheese brands and Yoplait yogurt from General Mills, Minneapolis, are focusing on their health and wellness attributes. Deli Meats from Sara Lee and Kraft's Oscar Mayer are expanding the selection for sandwich makers.
Yoplait is targeting consumers of all ages, as it has created two new products for kids—Go-Gurt Fizzix Yogurt Snack and Yoplait Kids Yogurt Drink. Go-Gurt Fizzix "uniquely combines a fizzy sensation with awesome yogurt flavors—all in the easy to eat Go-Gurt tube," says Yoplait.
Each 8-pack of 2.25 oz. Fizzix tubes will feature two flavors. The flavor combinations are Blue Raspberry Rage/Strawberry Watermelon Rush, Wild Cherry Zing/Strawberry Lemonade Jolt, and Fruit Punch Charge/ Triple Berry Fusion. Each package retails for $2.79.
Yoplait Kids Yogurt Drink contains Omega 3-DHA, "an important nutrient that supports brain growth during early childhood developmental stages," says Yoplait. "It's also an excellent source of calcium and a good source of Vitamins A and D.
"Yoplait Kids Yogurt Drink has 25% less sugar than the average of leading kids yogurts, and they contain no artificial flavors or sweeteners," says the company. Kids Yogurt Drink "provides the fun and taste that kids want and the wholesome benefits that moms love."
Kids Yogurt Drink is available in Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Mixed Berry, and Banana. SRP for a 6-pack of 3.1 oz. bottles is $2.99.
Yoplait is also introducing Yo-Plus yogurt, which features Optibalance, a blend of special added cultures and a natural fiber. Yoplait says Yo-Plus is "the newest way to help naturally regulate digestive health every day with the great taste consumers have come to expect from Yoplait."
Yo-Plus is available in Strawberry, Vanilla, Peach and Cherry. A four-pack of 4 oz. cups retails at $2.49.
Kraft Foods, Northfield, Ill., rolled out LiveActive low-fat cottage cheese under both its Breakstone's and Knudsen labels in March. LiveActive contains prebiotic fiber that helps consumers meet their daily fiber goals and naturally regulate the digestive system, says Kraft. Packaged in four, 4 oz. cups, the SRP is $2.59.
Breakdstone's and Knudsen will introduce LiveActive Cottage Cheese with Fruit in September, featuring "the great taste and benefits of LiveActive Cottage Cheese with pieces of real fruit," says Basil Maglaris, a Kraft spokesperson for the brand.
LiveActive with fruit will be available in two flavors, Mixed Berry and Pineapple. They will be packaged in four, 4 oz. cups with a suggested retail price of $3.19.
"Oscar Mayer's Deli Creations Hot Sandwich Melts are a great choice for anyone who has a busy schedule and is looking for a hot, convenient lunch option," says Kraft spokesperson Sydney Lindner. "Each Deli Creations Hot Sandwich Melt is a build-your-own sandwich complete with Oscar Mayer Shaved Meats, premium Kraft Cheeses, specialty sauces and sub roll that heats in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste in 60 seconds."
Hot Sandwich Melts were launched in March. They are available in five flavors: Honey Ham & Swiss, Oven Roasted Ham & Cheddar, Steakhouse Cheddar, Turkey & Cheddar Dijon, and Turkey Monterey. SRP for the 6.8 oz. to 7.1 oz. package is $2.99.
Sara Lee Food & Beverage, Downers Grove, Ill., debuted its new Gourmet Selections ultra-premium deli meats at IDDBA. Gourmet Selections are available in five flavors: All Natural Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, All Natural Glazed Honey Turkey Breast, All Natural Honey Ham, All Natural Smoked Ham, and All Natural Smoked Angus Beef.
Suggested retail price for Gourmet Selections ranges from $8.99 per pound for turkey and and ham varieties to $9.99 per pound for roast beef.
"As a leading provider of deli meats, Sara Lee is focused on delivering innovative products in the tune with consumers' needs as the demand for premium goods continues to rise," says Derek Bowen, director, Sara Lee Deli. "Gourmet Selections is a result of consumer insight and our commitment to product innovation."
Sabra announced at IDDBA that it is adding Jalapeno hummus and Mediterranean Salsa to its line of Go Mediterranean products.
"Sabra is dedicated to providing our customers with high quality products that offer exceptional flavor," says John McGuickin, executive vice president of sales, Sabra, Astoria, N.Y. "Our Jalapeno flavored hummus is a healthy, fresh and unique food item that's perfect for entertaining and sharing with family."
Jalapeno hummus is trans fat and cholesterol-free. "Made with fresh jalapenos and and Sabra's authentic Mediterranean hummus recipe, the delicious spread is perfect for entertaining," says McGuckin.
Mediterranean Salsa is made with all natural, fresh ingredients. Available in Original and Zesty varieties, Mediterranean Salsa features a tomato base blended with Mediterranean diet staples including chickpeas, olives, fresh herbs and spices.
The 14 oz. package of Mediterranean Sales will be line priced with Sabra's 10 oz. hummus products.
"We are very excited about this addition to the Go Mediterranean line," says McGuckin. "We were honestly blown away by focus group enthusiasm for the unique flavor of our fresh Mediterranean Salsa, which features all natural ingredients.
"Anyone who aspires to the warm, welcoming way of entertaining in the Mediterranean will enjoy sharing this special salsa with friends and family," he says. "We continue to adhere to a goal of providing customers with healthy, fresh and delicious dips and spreads, while maintaining a commitment to innovation and leadership."
author: By Alan Robinson