Salsa Brand Expands in Sauce 

MegaMex Foods LLC, Orange, Calif., established its HERDEZ brand in salsa but continues to extend it into sauces. This October saw the company introduce shelf-stable, HERDEZ Habanero Hot Sauce.

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"We're always looking to expand our portfolio and offer new and unexpected ways for consumers to experience the authentic Mexican flavors they love, and believe we've delivered the perfect, everyday condiment for almost any food," said Giselle Olson, HERDEZ brand manager. "Our hot sauce line expansion with the new Habanero Hot Sauce offers a delicious, bold kick that works with any cuisine or occasion, from breakfast to dinner and every bite in between."

HERDEZ Habanero Hot Sauce joins HERDEZ Avocado Hot Sauce and a range of foods including salsas, taqueria sauces, dips and guacamole. The new sauce is gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, and will be sold in 5oz(MSRP $2.78-$3.39) and 12oz (MSRP $5.38-$6.49) bottles.

New Private Label Line 

This fall saw The Kroger Co. introduce Kroger Mercado, a Hispanic-inspired brand joining the retailer's “Our Brands” roster of products exclusively sold at Kroger Family of Stores. Kroger Mercado's assortment includes more than 50 products, including fresh meats, beverages, snacks, sides and desserts.

"Kroger Mercado embraces Hispanic culinary heritage with the quality and innovation our customers have come to know and expect from Our Brands," said Juan De Paoli, vice president, Our Brands for Kroger. "We are thrilled to offer authentic products that are accessible and exceptional in quality, creating a brand that fills a void for some customers and creates a cultural experience for others.”

Dairy offerings include Queso Fresco, Queso Panela and an Oaxaca Cheese Ball. Meats include Chorizo Ground Sausage, Thin Sliced Beef Strip Steak, Pork Stew Meat and Chicharrones en Tiras Pork Cracklin Strips (Original and Red Pepper varieties). Drinks include Agua Fresca (Tropical Mango, Watermelon Guava) and Sodas (Crisp Apple, Watermelon, Tropical Pineapple Guava, and Mango). Also included are Ready-to-Cook Flour Tortillas (refrigerated) and Pre-Cooked White Corn Meal.

Fire Roasted Flavors

Actress Francia Raísa partnered with MegaMex Foods LLC to create two limited-time products branded as LA VICTORIA Salsa Crafted by Francia Raísa. The new offerings are a Fire Roasted Salsa and a Fire Roasted Salsa Verde.

“We were thrilled when Francia approached us with her vision. Her passion to bring to life her grandmother's recipe—inspired by her passion for cooking and experience growing up in Los Angeles—resonated with our own commitment to bringing to consumers the flavors of Mexico raised in LA,” said Diana DeLoza, LA VICTOIA director of marketing. “…Together, we created a salsa that celebrates the rich heritage of Los Angeles and brings it to tables everywhere.”

For a limited time, LA VICTORIA Salsa Crafted by Francia Raísa will be available nationwide on Amazon and MexGrocer.com. The LTO will be sold as a two-pack and priced at $16.64 MSRP.

Seasonal Treat

Just in time for Día de los Muertos, Nestlé USA, Arlington, Va., brought two of its best well-known brands together in a special collaboration—creating Coffee mate ABUELITA Mexican Hot Chocolate Flavored Creamer. Officials say the sweet chocolate creamer is crafted with notes of cinnamon spice and cocoa.

"We're thrilled to reunite with Abuelita, a beloved Mexican hot chocolate brand, to celebrate a key moment when Mexicans in the US embrace their own heritage," said Leonardo Aizpuru, Nestlé vice president of brand marketing for the Beverage Division and Business Unit. "By launching ABUELITA Mexican Hot Chocolate Flavored Creamer during Día de los Muertos, a time when family, roots and traditions are both remembered and celebrated, we hope to make fans' cafecito moments even more heartwarming."

Meat Your Next Meal

MegaMex Foods LLC, Orange, Calif., extended its HERDEZ Mexican refrigerated entrées line with Barbacoa Shredded Beef in Sauce. It debuted at Meijer and Walmart stores in October, with additional retailers expected later.

“Fans have been raving about HERDEZ Brand Mexican Refrigerated Entrées since we launched the line early this year, so we're pleased to deliver a new variety to satisfy their flavor cravings and enable them to put food on the table quickly and conveniently,” said Giselle Olson, HERDEZ® brand manager. “We're always looking to provide people ways to enjoy the bold and authentic flavors they crave, and our new Barbacoa entrée takes your tastebuds on a trip to Mexico while giving at-home cooks a hearty, yet easy-to-prepare option that works for any quick meal or occasion, from breakfast tacos to protein bowls.”

Officials say Barbacoa Shredded Beef in Sauce (SRP $9.99-$10.99) is a slow cooked entrée featuring tender beef mixed with orange and lime juice, a Mexican-inspired spice blend and paprika. Available in 15oz packages and ready in less than 10 minutes, the new entrée offers 11g protein per serving. It joins the existing HERDEZ Chicken Shredded in Mild Chipotle Sauce and HERDEZ Carnitas Slow Cooked Pork.

LT Foods Americas, Cypress, Calif., extended its line with Royal ready-to-heat White Queso & Jalapeño Seasoned Basmati Rice. Officials say it features a blend of white cheddar cheese and a kick of jalapeño combined with extra-long grain Basmati rice. The 8.5oz serving has 2g sugar, 5g protein, only 220 calories per serving.

“This culinary blend brings together the best of two worlds, mirroring the tapestry of cultures and tastes that define the many flavors of you,” said Andrew Cops, senior vice president of sales, marketing and product development. “We hope consumers will savor the experience, enjoy the fusion of flavors, and celebrate the unique and diverse flavors that Royal has to offer."

Royal's latest Ready-to-Heat Queso White Queso & Jalapeño Basmati Rice flavor is available in Walmart stores and will feature the brand's new packaging. The ready-to-heat product line is available in 12 different flavors including its best-selling flavors, White Basmati, Cilantro Lime, Yellow Rice and Mexican Street Corn.

Health Meets Horchata

Zurvita, Irving, Texas, extended its Zeal nutritional supplement drink line with a new Horchata flavor, just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month.

“Horchata is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity, emerging as a highly sought-after flavor not only in beverages but also in ice cream and functional foods,” said Dr. Scott Vanlue, chairman of the Zurvita Scientific Advisory Board.

Officials say Zeal Horchata is slightly creamy and sweet with a taste of cinnamon. Each Zeal drink mix is vegan, gluten free and includes stabilized rice bran with more than 56 whole food nutrients and over 120 vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This energy drink mix come in on-the-go stick packs and 30-serving canisters