Sugar Foods Corporation Launches Fresh Gourmet(R) Crunchy Toppings Into Foodservice

LOS ANGELES-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Sugar Foods Corporation today announced the national rollout of their Fresh Gourmet brand Crunchy Toppings into Foodservice. Fresh Gourmet brand innovated the crouton category when it became the first produce crouton brand 25 years ago. In 1996 Sugar Foods Corporation acquired the brand and has continued innovating the category. Since the retail introduction of Fresh Gourmet Crunchy Toppings in 2006, Fresh Gourmet has become the number one brand of salad toppings sold in retail produce departments nationwide.

For foodservice operators, Fresh Gourmet Crunchy Toppings—Crispy Onions, Tortilla Strips and Wonton Strips—are a natural extension to Sugar Foods’ already wide selection of creative salad topping products, including Blue Diamond? Almonds, Yellowframe Farm? Infused Fruit and the most complete line of crouton offerings available to the foodservice industry.

Fresh Gourmet Crunchy Toppings are exceptionally versatile and offer foodservice operators unlimited menu possibilities to capitalize on the growing trend of adding crunch to the menu. They add texture and flavor appeal to any cuisine or menu—from side and entree salads to salad and sandwich bars, from burgers to specialty and wrap sandwiches, or as a creative ingredient or finishing crunch to pizzas, meat, poultry and fish entrees, egg dishes and soups.

Fresh Gourmet Crunchy Toppings help foodservice operators do more with crunch than ever before. Best of all they deliver ready to use convenience. No preparation time is needed and yield is 100%.

Fresh Gourmet Crunchy Toppings now available in Foodservice include:

• Fresh Gourmet Crispy Onions add the perfect accent to burgers, sandwich wraps, pizzas, hearty salads, sides and more. Premium sliced onions, lightly flour-dusted and gently fried using a unique patent pending manufacturing process deliver a product with a sweet natural onion taste, 0 grams trans fat, a consistent crispy, crunchy texture and toasty golden color. They are available in colorful fresh-lock resealable 10 oz. bags and single serve offerings.
• Fresh Gourmet Tortilla Strips add the perfect creative touch to a wide variety of Mexican, southwestern and border fare. A traditional recipe of corn masa flour, sunflower oil, salt and a trace of lime delivers a product with an authentic fresh-made earthy corn flavor, 0 grams trans fat, a natural pebbly texture, vibrant colorful appearance and consistent crispy crunchy bite. They are available in colorful 1-pound bags and single serve offerings.

• Fresh Gourmet Wonton Strips add perfect harmony to a wide variety of Asian inspired, Pacific Rim and fusion cuisines. Traditional and simple ingredients, including the highest quality vegetable oil, deliver a lightly salted flavor, 0 grams trans fat, a traditional crispy bubbly texture and crunchy bite. They are available in colorful 1-pound bags and single serve offerings

For serving ideas or for more product information, operators may call 1-888-708-2222 or visit www.freshgourmet.com.

About Sugar Foods Corporation: Sugar Foods Corporation, a recognized leader in the food industry, provides an extensive line of quality food products featuring some of America’s most recognized brands and serves virtually every segment of the food business throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company, founded in 1948, is privately held and headquartered in New York, New York. It has manufacturing locations in Sun Valley, CA, City of Commerce, CA, Villa Rica, GA, and Mazatlan, Mexico. Through its Core Values and Team Principles, Sugar Foods is committed to its Mission Statement—The Customer is King.

For Sugar Foods Corporation:

Andrea Brule, 212-753-6900

abrule@sugarfoods.com