FRESCHETTA MAKES IRI PRODUCT LIST

BARBARA McDONALD

MARSHALL, Minn. -- Freschetta Pizza, the newest frozen pizza line from Tony's Pizza Service here, made the 1998 "Top Ten" list of New Product Pacesetters, compiled by Information Resources, Inc., Chicago.

Freschetta introduced its original 12-inch Sausage, Supreme, Pepperoni, Four-Cheese, Four-Meat, and Sausage and Pepperoni pizzas in four test markets in late 1996.

In the summer of 1997, the brand's traditional varieties were expanded with the introduction of the upscale offerings of Vegetable Primavera with White Cream Sauce and Barbecue Chicken.

Tom Bierbaum, national brand group manager for Freschetta, stressed that IRI recognition came when the new brand was only at half distribution. A new logo, in a blue-ribbon design, was added to the package in August to highlight the IRI rating.

Priced at the premium end of the frozen pizza market, Freschetta appeals to customers who want a fresh-baked, restaurant quality taste.

At a newly opened Edwards Super Food Store in Farmingville, N.Y., recently, Freschetta Supreme, Four-Cheese and Pepperoni varieties were each priced at $5.49 for a 27-ounce size.