SupplySide News

4Kids Entertainment Helps Retailers Build Bigger Brands

A new exhibitor at PLMA this year, 4Kids Entertainment and 4sight LicensingSolutions are an industry leader in the licensing of character, entertainment and branded properties appealing to a broad range of demographics. Their high-profile collection of classic brands offers added-value to a wide range of product categories. From evergreen hits like Cabbage Patch Kids and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles–to the imaginative and inspiring graphics of Jim Henson Designs, with over 50 years of brand awareness–to lifestyle brands like the American Kennel Club; 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. has the brands to take your products to the next level.

Stop by 4kids Entertainment’s booth at the PLMA 2007 trade show and see how to put their characters to work for you.

For more information about 4kids Entertainment, visit www.4kidsentertainment.com.

SIAL Montreal–Now Annually

The shareholders of Expo Canada France, SIAL SA, Agri-Food Export Group Quebec-Canada and the A.D.A (Association of Quebec Food Retailers) have announced that SIAL Montreal will now be an annual event. The next show is planned for April 23 to 25, 2008 in Montreal’s Palais des Congrès convention center

With today’s pressure on professional food buyers to find products that help differentiate them from the competition, SIAL Montreal is likely to make ripples in the marketplace. The 2007 edition gathered 608 exhibitors of which 42% were international suppliers from 34 countries. On average, each exhibitor met 414 visitors and made 65 business contacts. Total visits equaled 13,372 with a 64% increase in visitors coming from the U.S. and a 30% increase in visitors coming from outside of Canada.

Since the first show in 2001, SIAL Montreal was held biennially. It has served as a productive business platform for the different players in the North American food market. U.S. buyers discover a new panorama of international food & beverage products, while avoiding the trouble and expense of an overseas buying trip. International buyers discover the latest in American and Canadian food & beverage products.

The exhibit profile of SIAL Montreal 2007 includes food ingredients; dairy and egg products; meat products; seafood products; fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits; confectionery, breads and pastries; grocery products; frozen and ready made products; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; catering products; natural, soy-based, organic and dietetic products; baby food; pet food; professional services and federations.

For more information on the SIAL trade exhibitions, contact Rebecca Long at IMEX Management, tel: 704-365-0041, fax: 704-365-8426; email: danielled@imexmgt.com; website: http://www.sialmontreal.com

New Non-Diacetyl Flavors at Edlong

After several years of research, flavor scientists at the Edlong Corporation’s Chicago, Illinois headquarters have successfully developed flavor technology that eliminates the need for added diacetyl in dairy flavors.

This new line of non-diacetyl dairy flavors is aptly named ED-Vantage. The mouthfeel, aroma and buttery flavor that are characteristic of diacetyl-containing products are now represented in these non-diacetyl dairy flavors. Evaluation of the ED-Vantage flavors in microwave popcorn, cookies, sauces, dips and beverages has proven successful. Edlong will soon offer several cheese, milk, cultured and sweet dairy flavors as well.

The ED-Vantage line could be developed to be allergen-free, non-gmo and also more cost-stable than those subject to the current ever-escalating dairy commodities market.

Edlong Dairy Flavors, founded in 1914, is the expert in dairy flavor technology. Edlong has manufacturing and flavor development offices in the U.S., UK, and Mexico, along with agents worldwide. For more information visit www.edlong.com.

Disc Graphics’ Multiple-Award-Winning Design

Disc Graphics, is proud to announce it has received a packaging Excellence Award from Package Printing Magazine and two awards from the New Jersey Packaging Executive Club for its innovative Divvies 4-Piece Convertible Cupcake Kit.

The package incorporates a 1-piece mailer design and 3 internal components to provide structural integrity and a functional internal platform needed to support both the frosting and the sprinkles. Disc designed a liner that prevented moisture breakthrough, and allowed the internal circular-perforated trays to be inverted, creating a display tray for decorated cupcakes.

A leading producer of specialty packaging for the pharmaceutical, vitamin, health & beauty, multi-media and other consumer markets, Disc produces folding cartons, commercial printing, and flexographic labels under ISO and CGMP standards. Disc is FSC Chain-of-Custody Certified and is an EPA Green Power Partner. For more information visit www.discgraphics.com

Appointments New Head of PL at Wal-Mart

Andrew Rubin, who as vice president of corporate strategy and sustainability at Wal-Mart Stores helped the retailer influence consumers and suppliers to act on sustainability and environmental concerns, will be moving to a new position as head of corporate brands. Ruben will be replaced by Matthew Kistler, currently senior vice president for marketing at Sam’s Club, according to The New York Times, which based its report on a company memo. Rubin will work on developing sustainable products to sell at Wal-Mart stores, the report added.