NEWS ROUNDUP 1994-10-17 (2)

Co-Branded Fish 'N Fries Debuts

in a co-branding venture with Ore-Ida, has introduced Fish 'N Fries, a 6.6-ounce, single-serve package that includes six Van de Kamp's breaded fish sticks and a 3-ounce portion of french fries.

Fish 'N Fries began shipping in mid-September to select markets throughout the Midwest, including Cincinnati, Detroit, Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Pittsburgh and Denver. Further information about expanded distribution "is not yet available," a Pet spokeswoman told SN.

"This is our first co-branding effort with another major food company," said Renee Sloan, product manager for new product development at Van de Kamp, Erie, Pa. "Consumer panel data indicated that consumers frequently serve fish sticks and french fries together."

The new product's packaging features the logos of both Van de Kamp and Ore-Ida. It will be supported with consumer promotions that include two freestanding inserts.

Benihana Testing Stir-Fry Kits

MIAMI -- Benihana National Corp. here has entered into a license agreement with Campbell Soup Co., Camden, N.J., to test-market a line of frozen stir-fry kits featuring the Benihana trademark.

Campbell has introduced, in scattered test markets throughout the country, Szechuan Chicken and Sweet 'N Sour Chicken stir-fry kits, offering recipes developed by Benihana's master chefs.

Each 3-pound kit includes white chicken meat, a medley of vegetables, a rice or noodle pack and a "secret" sauce. The kits serve six people and have a suggested retail price of $8.49.

Haagen-Dazs Adds to Extraas

TEANECK, N.J. -- Haagen-Dazs here has added Brownies a la Mode to its Extraas line of ice cream.

This latest Extraas flavor consists of vanilla ice cream, brownies and fudge. Brownies a la Mode becomes the fifth component of the Extraas line, joining Cappuccino Commotion, Triple Brownie Overload, Strawberry Cheesecake Craze and Cookie Dough Dynamo.

Brownies a la Mode will be available nationally this month, with a suggested retail price of $2.79.

Celentano Unveils Meatless Line

VERONA, N.J. -- Celantano here has finalized development of Celantano Vegetable Selects, a new line of meatless, frozen Italian entrees.

The line includes lasagne primavera, stuffed shells Florentine, eggplant rollettes and manicotti Florentine. Vegetable Selects, which began shipping in September, is priced at $3.49.