News & Resources

Mezzetta Launches Olives, Pasta Sauce & Antipasto Mix

Source: just-food.com, April 21, 2011

US pepper-to-olive firm Mezzetta Specialty Foods has launched a range of products inspired by foods found at the country's "hottest" restaurants.

The company today (21 April) unveiled three cheese-stuffed olives, pasta sauce and antipasti made from an assortment of vegetables.

The Cheese Stuffed Olive Collection comprises three stuffed cheese flavours: European Smoked Gouda Style, Vermont Sharp White Cheddar Style, and California Habanero Jack Style.

Mezzetta said its Italian Garden Vegetables antipasti features carrots, cauliflower, zucchini, squash, onions and red bell peppers, all sourced locally, and marinated in a white balsamic vinegar.

The company's new Amatriciana Pasta Sauce is based on a traditional recipe, which features cured pork "pancetta", and sautéed red onions.

Mezzetta has launched a fourth product - Castelvetrano olives - that the company said would be available for the first time at supermarkets nationwide in glass jars.

"We are especially excited to introduce new products, which you can enjoy at home, that complement or even mirror dishes you’ll find at some of the country's hottest restaurants but have until now been rarely seen on grocery shelves, such as the new Amatriciana sauce, the Italian Garden Vegetables to accompany salumi or the Castelvetrano olives," said CEO Jeff Mezzetta.

Voskos Pledges a Dollar Per Like on Facebook for Japan's Earthquake Relief

Source: voskos.com, March 15, 2011

Sun Valley Dairy, makers of Voskos Greek Yogurt, famous for its 24 grams of protein in a single serving, has pledged to donate $1.00 for every Facebook “like” to a Japan earthquake relief fund.

In the wake of the disastrous earthquake and tsunami which devastated the nation and affected the world, from March 15 through March 22, any Facebook fan who “likes” the earthquake relief fund announcement will positively contribute towards the company’s efforts over a seven day period.

“Our prayers and sympathies are with the people of Japan during this most difficult time,” says Vanessa Nielsen, director of marketing for Sun Valley Dairy, makers of Voskos Greek Yogurt and YoGreek Yogurt Parfait + Crunch. “We hope that the funds we will provide will help in the effort to meet the needs of the Japanese people. We must work together to assist the victims of this terrible natural disaster and our wonderful fans will be our biggest supporters.”

All money generated from this announcement will be channeled to a charity designated to help restore the 3rd largest economy. The charity receiving the fund has yet to be decided but will be announced as soon as possible. Simply go to www.facebook.com/voskosgreekyogurt and “like” the specific wall posting

About Voskos Greek Yogurt
Award-winning for its thick, rich taste and nutritional value, Voskos Greek Yogurt is 100% all-natural, hormone-free, gluten-free, and Kosher certified. Through the Voskos proprietary ProStrain™ method, Voskos yields 2X more protein, more probiotics, less lactose, and a thicker, creamier consistency. Voskos is the first Greek yogurt brand manufactured and distributed in the US and is the only brand to offer an organic Greek yogurt line in addition to its all-natural plain and blended flavors and never has “fruit on the bottom”.

Available nationwide. Products retail between $1.49 – $2.99. For store locations, nutrition information, healthy Greek yogurt recipes and to downloads coupons, visit voskos.com or facebook.com/voskosgreekyogurt today.

John Brass Inducted into the DDBC Hall of Fame

Source: DDBC News, January 2011

What started out as a summer job a half-century ago has turned out to be a Hall of Fame career for John Brass who will become the 41st member to be inducted into the Dairy Deli Bakery Council (DDBC) of Southern California Hall of Fame.

Brass is the owver of J. Brass Company, which he started 16 years ago as a consultant to the food industry after 35 years on the retail side of business.

J. Brass Company is headquartered in LaVerne and opened a Northern California office in Rancho Cordova five years ago. It has 14 employeers and represents 16 manufacturers, both in retail and foodservice.

Brass was selected Retailer of the Year in 1996 from Lucky Stores. He was selected Supplier of the Year in 2011 for his own company and with the Hall of fame induction becomes only the second person to have received the Council's top three awards.