Snacks manufacturer Snyder’s-Lance Inc., Charlotte, N.C., marked the first anniversary of its research and development center. Located near one of the company’s largest bakeries in Hanover, Pa., the new site already has fueled several new product introductions that are both innovative and in line with consumer trends, officials say.

Snyder’s-Lance says new product-driven revenue in 2014 has been double that of new products in 2013 (a new record for the company). They say it demonstrates the critical importance of research and development and an innovation pipeline. Meanwhile, the company’s new product efforts have spanned its entire core brand portfolio including Snyder’s of Hanover, Lance, Cape Cod and Snack Factory.

“The opening of the research and development Center last summer was part of our company’s transformation, and now our effort is proving itself in the market,” said Rod Troni, chief marketing officer for Snyder’s-Lance. “Snyder’s-Lance is focused on aggressively creating innovative and better-for-you snacking options for our customers, executing new product launches that surprise them, and being nimble enough to remain at the center of trends that evolve with their eating habits.”

By using detailed product and quality comparisons, sensory evaluation and lab tests at the Research and Development Center, Snyder’s-Lance employs a consumer-centric approach to develop products that are in sync with consumer trends. The top new items for Snyder’s-Lance this year come from each of the company’s core product lines, including:

• Lance BOLDS sandwich crackers, which include such new flavors as Buffalo Wing Blue Cheese, Pizza and Bacon Cheddar
• Snyder’s of Hanover Sweet and Salty Pretzel Pieces, which feature bold combinations of Cinnamon Sugar or Salted Caramel with a big crunch
• Cape Cod popcorn, which has boost popularity with new flavors of White Cheddar, Kettle Corn and Sea Salt
• Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps Minis, which meet consumer demand for wholesome, bite-sized snack options.

“The first year of using the research and development center paid dividends for Snyder’s-Lance and—after acquiring the capabilities of Baptista’s Bakery—the company has even more tools in its arsenal to innovate,” says Troni. “Expect big announcements and new products in the coming year that will drive future growth for our company.”

Snyder’s-Lance products include pretzels, sandwich crackers, pretzel crackers, potato chips, cookies, tortilla chips, restaurant style crackers, nuts and other snacks. Its products are sold under the Snyder’s of Hanover, Lance, Cape Cod, Pretzel Crisps, Krunchers!, Tom’s, Archway, Jays, Stella D’oro, Eatsmart and O-Ke-Doke brand names along with other brand names and third party brands. Snyder’s-Lance has manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Georgia, Arizona, Massachusetts, Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin.