Target: Archer Farms Ultimate Collection Cheesecake
dieting, sources within the food industry report that consumers' desire for indulgent snacks has never really waned. And, entertaining at home has been a growing trend over the past several years.
To that end, Target stores developed a product that offers shoppers a premium cheesecake at a value price. Its Archer Farms Ultimate Collection Cheesecake was in development for three months before rolling out to supermarkets in May 2003.
The 39-ounce box contains 12 slices of four varieties of cheesecake -- strawberry swirl, turtle, classic and triple chocolate -- and retails for $7.99. Part of Target's Premium Desserts line, it can be found in the desserts area of the retailer's frozen food section. Richard Gerstman, chairman of Interbrand U.S., and one of the focus group judges, told SN he thought the product tasted very good and was impressed with its package design. "From a presentation point of view [it was] really good," Gerstman said.
The product's introduction into stores was accompanied by demos and Target executives said it lends itself to cross promotions with the fruit and dessert toppings categories. There are no plans to add similar products to the mix at this time.
Wegmans: Peanut Butter & Jelly Ice Cream
When a chef at the Wegmans-owned Tastings restaurant served a new peanut butter and jelly ice cream early last year, people noticed.
"It tasted so great that we decided we wanted to try to develop one that we could use in our ice cream offering," said Peter Hallagan, manager of the Wegmans brand.
After several months of development on a frozen treat reminiscent of a traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich, using a harvest of fresh Concord grapes, Wegmans Peanut Butter and Jelly ice cream hit store shelves in April 2004. The product joined other pint-sized, premium ice cream products available under the retailer's brand in flavors like Bordo Cherry Brownie, Mocha Almond Fudge, Hazelnut Chip, Chocolate Caramel and French Roast.
Selling at two pints for $4, the ice cream can be found in the traditional freezer section at Wegmans stores.
Hallagan called the ice cream "very, very unique," and is convinced its flavor is something consumers can relate to from their days of eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as children. "Tasting is believing -- once you taste it, you fall in love with it," he said.
