Wegmans Offers New PB&J

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Wegmans Food Markets has introduced two new private-label products that go hand-in-hand: peanut butter and jelly. New in the “Food You Feel Good About” line is Jammin’, an organic, European-style fruit spread with pieces of real strawberries or red raspberries. Also new is Food You Feel Good About organic peanut butter that doesn’t need to be stirred. It’s available in smooth and crunchy. The fruit spread was introduced after company chief executive officer Danny Wegman brought back a similar spread from Europe. “You’ll notice these spreads are noticeably thinner than conventional jams and jellies … perfect for topping toast or drizzling over Brie cheese or ice cream,” Wegmans’ senior vice president of consumer affairs, Mary Ellen Burris, wrote in a consumer column. Jammin’ is made in the Rochester area by LiDestri Foods, a company that produces Wegmans’ pasta sauces. Wegmans chef Kurt Kulzer was in a LiDestri plant one day and noticed equipment that seemed suitable for fruit spreads, even though LiDestri was not in the jam business. He asked if it was possible for LiDestri to try and replicate the European product, made by Trappist monks. LiDestri did just that. The peanut butter, meanwhile, is made in Ontario, Canada. The reason there’s no need to stir it is that a small amount of palm oil helps keep it together. Wegmans is sampling both products in peanut butter and jelly sandwiches made with 100% whole wheat bread made with organic flour.

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