SALEM, Ore., March 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- It wasn't easy, but after considering more than 40 flavors produced during a span of three decades, Kettle Brand has chosen four of its favorites to bring back for a limited time in celebration of its 30th birthday.
The return of Red Chili, Jalapeño Jack, Salsa with Mesquite and Cheddar Beer will be a dream come true for die-hard Kettle Brand lovers, and delicious finds for both those who discovered the brand during its rapid growth over the past 10 years as well as new customers who haven't tried Kettle Brand products before. The collection is launching at Natural Products Expo West, and will be on store shelves this summer in special, limited edition packaging that tells the story behind each recipe.
Carolyn Ottenheimer, Kettle Brand's Chief Flavor Architect who has been developing recipes for more than 12 years, is behind some of the brand's biggest sellers, from Salt & Fresh Ground Pepper to Spicy Thai. She said limiting the choices to four was difficult.
"Reflecting on 30 years was a great reminder of how flavor innovation is so rooted in everything we do. It was easy to spot how we've often been ahead of our time, on the cusp of culinary trends that are just starting to hit American culture," said Ottenheimer. The limited edition collection begins with a flavor first for the brand and ends with an all-time fan favorite:
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Red Chili – Introduced in 1982, the first flavor produced after the original Unsalted and Lightly Salted mirrors the taste of sriracha sauce combined with a vinegar tang. Cayenne pepper is used for a searing red chili heat. Kettle Brand employee, Jimmy, campaigned for the return of Red Chili since it retired 23 years ago. While it may have launched ahead of its time, this chip is making an on trend comeback with the flavors and food of today.
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Jalapeño Jack – The second-oldest retired flavor in the collection that debuted in 1989 not only has a visual resemblance to a slice of Pepper Jack cheese, but it has the same creamy, salty Jack cheese base mixed with the spice of red and green peppers, and a strong jalapeño flavor.
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Salsa with Mesquite – Launched in 1999, vocal fans have long mourned the absence of this favorite, which combines the sweetness of salsa with the smokiness of mesquite barbeque. Tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and garlic blend with the bright flavor of lime to create an unmatched flavor combination that's sweet, smoky and salty.
- Cheddar Beer – After debuting as a fan pick during the brand's first People's Choice vote in 2005, this chip earned a cult following inspired by the classic Midwestern dish, cheddar beer soup. A combination of tangy sharp cheese with malty beer notes forms a perfect balance of smooth and salty flavors.
In honor of the brand's heritage in the natural channel, the flavors will be introduced in 5 oz. bags retailing for $2.79 in natural grocery stores this summer and distribution will be offered to mainstream food retailers in 8.5 oz. bags retailing for $3.49 in the fall. The collection is also available online at www.kettlebrand.com beginning in July.
It's not just flavor innovation that sets Kettle Brand apart. It is its commitment to all natural ingredients – no trans fats, no artificial colors or flavors and no preservatives. All Kettle Brand chips are made from non-GMO ingredients. Cooked in small batches in pure, healthy oils under the watchful eye of dedicated chip cooks, Kettle Brand chips pack a hearty crunch and are a beautiful golden color.
About Kettle Brand®
Kettle Brand is a pioneer and one of the leaders in the premium kettle-cooked category. With 24 current flavors and five different lines - Original, Baked, Krinkle Cut™, Organic and the newest, 40 Percent Reduced Fat - it produces more kettle-cooked chip flavors and varieties than any other brand in the U.S. The company also launched a flavored tortilla chip line in 2010, Kettle Brand® TIAS! With manufacturing sites in Salem, Ore., Beloit, Wis. and Norwich, U.K., Kettle Brand is distributed throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Western Europe and several countries in Asia.
Kettle Brand is part of Diamond Foods, which is based in San Francisco. Diamond Foods is an innovative packaged food company focused on building, acquiring and energizing brands, including Kettle Brand®chips, Emerald® snack nuts, Pop Secret® popcorn, and Diamond of California® culinary and snack nuts. The company's products are distributed in a wide range of stores where snacks and culinary nuts are sold.
Corporate website: www.diamondfoods.com
Consumer websites: www.kettlebrand.com, www.emeraldnuts.com, www.popsecret.com
The Kettle Foods logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7461