AMSTERDAM, N.Y., April 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Beech-Nut Nutrition and Goya Foods, Inc. have forged an unprecedented partnership to launch a new line of authentic Hispanic flavored baby foods made with Hispanic moms in mind. The joint announcement was made today by Beech-Nut President Jeff Boutelle and Bob Unanue, President of Goya Foods.
“Our research shows that Hispanic moms have been waiting for just such an offering, which combines the authentic, traditional Latin flavors Goya is famous for with Beech-Nut’s nutritious, natural ingredients free of preservatives,” said Mr. Boutelle. “Our products are as close as possible to home-made, and that’s very important to Hispanic families.”
“The Beech-Nut/Goya line of baby food offers mom the best of both worlds,” Mr. Unanue said. “Hispanic moms, influenced by their abuelitas, oftentimes believe that healthy, traditional baby food can only be made at home using fresh ingredients. Their challenge is that they simply don’t have the time to cook from scratch the way their grandmothers did, and that’s where Beech-Nut/Goya comes in: Our new line of baby food is the perfect union that bridges Hispanic mothers’ desire for healthy, traditional baby food with their need for convenience and nutrition in today’s hectic world.”
Mr. Unanue added that Goya’s partnership with Beech-Nut forms part of the company’s continued commitment to nutrition and support for the My Plate/ Mi Plato nutritional initiative launched by the White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, last year.
Why the emphasis on Latin-flavored baby food? Mr. Boutelle explained that “one fourth of all births in America today are to Hispanics, so that any company hoping to grow their business must take their needs and tastes into account.” He added that because Hispanic families are also larger than non-Hispanic families, their purchase of baby food is 15 per cent higher than for other demographics.
That said, a study recently commissioned by Beech-Nut revealed that two thirds of Hispanic moms are not satisfied with the choices they presently find in baby food, and wish there were more appropriate flavors from which to choose. The new Beech-Nut/Goya brand offers them 22 specially developed Latin flavors and combinations that support a baby’s oral development through the feeding cycle, 19 of which are eligible for WIC.
The full line includes everything from wheat, corn, oatmeal/bananas and rice/mango cereals, to Stage 1® beef and chicken with broth, and Stage 2® jarred baby food in the following flavors: Guava, Mango, Apple Mango, Banana Strawberry, Peach Mango, Squash, Banana Pear, Apple Guava, Banana Peach, Carrots & Peas, Carrots Corn, Pear Guava, and a Vegetable Medley with Sweet Potato, Carrots & Squash. In the Stage 2 ½® category with increased texture, the offerings are banana/apple/plum, pear/apricot and rice pudding with raisins.
The new Beech-Nut/Goya line is expected to be available in stores throughout the country by the end of June.
About Beech-Nut Nutrition
Beech-Nut Nutrition is held by Hero Group, a family-owned food company headquartered in Lenzburg, Switzerland. Hero is a leader in the Infant Nutrition category with operations in more than 30 countries based in Europe, North America, Middle East/Africa and Turkey/Central Asia. Beech-Nut is committed to three core principles; providing better access to good nutrition, generating category growth through innovation and being a responsible steward of the environment. Beech-Nut is headquartered in Amsterdam, New York and has recently opened a $124 Million energy efficient manufacturing facility which has been granted Silver Level LEED certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design). For more information on Beech-Nut and Beech-Nut/Goya products, visit http://www.beechnut.com .
About GOYA:
Founded in 1936, Goya Foods, Inc. is America’s largest Hispanic-owned food company, and has established itself as the leader in Latin American food and condiments. Goya manufactures packages and distributes over 2,200 high-quality food products from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. Goya products have their roots in the culinary traditions of Hispanic communities around the world; their combination of authentic ingredients, robust seasonings and convenient preparation make them ideal for every taste and every table. For more information on Goya Foods, please visit http://www.goya.com .
SOURCE Beech-Nut Nutrition
