KINGS INTRODUCES SPECIALTY PIES

ROBERT VOSBURGH

PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- Kings Super Markets has introduced a new line of 10-inch specialty bakery pies that feature holiday-oriented ingredients.

Under the "Signature Collection," the retailer is offering Apple Caramel Crumb Pie, Double Chocolate Pecan Pie and a Harvest Pie full of pears, apples, walnuts and pecans. Under the "Classic Collection," Kings lists Apple Cinnamon Crumb and Georgia Pecan varieties.

The last two pies in the 7-item line are merchandised under the "Kings Naturally" label. These "Wholly Healthy" pies are made with three-pounds of apples or an apple-cranberry mix, as well as natural cane sugar and an all-butter crust made of organic flour.

The weights of the finished products vary, ranging from 32 ounces for a single Georgia Pecan pie to a hefty 56 ounces for the Apple Caramel Crumb variety. Members of the retailer's Signature Club could use their card to receive $2 or $3 off the regular price, depending on the variety.

In the case of the most expensive pie, Double Chocolate Pecan, cardholders paid $15.99 for the item -- made of Georgia pecans, chocolate chips, vanilla and brown sugar in a chocolate pie shell, and topped with swirls of white and dark chocolate. The pie regularly lists for $18.99, according to information accompanying the advertisement heralding the pies' arrival.

There were no dollars-off offer for the natural pies, which were among the least expensive, at $9.99 each. However, customers could use an attached coupon to receive a free pint of Jeremy's Microbatch Ice Cream.

Officials at Kings declined to comment on the rollout, though text in the ad notes that "We started by searching for the best pie bakers in the area."