By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
SNAX-Sational Brands’ premiere popcorn brand has just introduced peanut butter and jam (PB&J) versions of its popular POP line of popcorn snacks.
The new products feature two of America’s favorite food products, those being Smuckers jellies and JIF peanut butter. the line is a partnership between SNAX-Sational and J.M. Smucker, which owns the Smuckers and JIF brands.
The deal was brokered by J.M. Smucker’s licensing agency, Brand Central.
The PB&J POP products will feature either Smuckers Grape and Strawberry jelly flavors, combined with JIF Peanut Butter flavor, debuting this month with a full nationwide retail roll-out.
SNAX-Sational CEO Mike Hagan says PB&J POP brings the timeless flavors of everyone’s favorite childhood sandwich kids lunch staple to consumers in an entirely new way. Each handful blends the smooth, nutty richness of JIF peanut butter flavor with the fruity sweetness of Smucker’s jelly, all drizzled over crunchy popcorn.
“We are excited about the introduction of our latest innovation, PB&J Pop in both Grape and Strawberry,” Hagan said. “The response to our initial seeding through consumer focus groups and commercial clients has been overwhelming, generating anticipation in the category like we haven’t seen in recent times.”
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“Expectations are high, as customers are already reaching out to secure distribution of this unique product across the market,” Hagan added “We listened to our customers and have heard you! SNAX-sational Brands is thrilled to bring this American classic to its customers and continue delivering products that truly resonate with them.”
This delicious throwback to after-school snacks for adults and lunch box memories will see the PB&J Grape flavor initially available in 24oz bags in COSTCO locations across the Pacific Northwest, and additionally the 5.25oz PB&J Grape bag will be available at Stop and Shop & Winn-Dixie.
Kicking off the new year, Burlington and Five Below will carry both the PB&J Grape & Strawberry 5.25oz flavors as well, and the line will also be available at cookiepopcandypop.com for online ordering.
Nicole Massey, VP Marketing, Frozen Handhelds & Spreads at J.M. Smucker, says the company is pleased with the result of the partners’ collaboration.
“We are thrilled to partner with SNAX-sational Brands to help PB&J fans enjoy the flavors of JIF peanut butter and Smucker’s fruit spreads in an exciting new way,” Massey said. “These classic flavors paired with popcorn bring a delicious twist to a perfect anytime snack.”
Frank Florio, Founder/Creator of Cookie/Candy Pop and Chief Innovation Officer of Snaxsational Brands says PB&J POP represents a first for the food and beverage category.
“We are pleased to be the first licensee to collaborate with Smucker’s® and JIF® to create and deliver innovation in the category,” Florio said.