Refrigerated & Frozen Foods has hosted a Best New Refrigerated Products Contest since 2013. The first leg this year was in the spring, for frozen foods. Now, the results of the second leg of the annual contest is announced. After a month of online voting throughout September, the top five was set based on vote totals from the public. Our overall winner – Godshall’s Angus Steak Uncured Beef Bacon – was featured on an episode of our From the Cold Corner podcast.
R&FF spoke with each of the winning companies about how their products and packaging fit into a crowded refrigerated foods marketplace, sustainability efforts, plans for 2023, and beyond.
(These interviews have been edited for brevity and clarity).
Godshall's Angus Steak Beef Bacon is shingled in the opposite direction of pork bacon to show off the consistency of the product and highlight the steakhouse seasoning.Courtesy Godshall's Real Wood Smoked Meats.
#1: Godshall’s Angus Steak Uncured Beef Bacon
Total Votes: 6,813
Francis Yupangco, Executive Director of Marketing
R&FF: Congratulations on placing first in our 2022 Best New Refrigerated Retail Products Contest. What does the recognition mean to Godshall’s?
It is a true honor for Godshall’s to be awarded with the 2022 Best New Refrigerated Retail Product. As an Employee-Owned Company, the recognition is an inspiring tribute to all our employee-owners who worked so hard to innovate and produce our new Angus Steak Beef Bacon.
R&FF: What innovative features does Godshall’s Angus Steak Uncured Beef Bacon have that helped it finish first?
The Beef Bacon category has grown by more than 50% over the last two years and Godshall’s was already America’s largest conventional Beef Bacon producer. Traditional Beef Bacon is made with beef Plates, which is an equivalent cut to pork belly from which pork bacon is made.
We conducted extensive category analysis, consumer research and sensory panels during the development of Angus Steak Beef Bacon and took our time to ensure that we launched an All-Natural product that was truly innovative, delicious and healthier alternative to pork bacon.
Angus Steak Beef Bacon is made with premium Top Round Angus Steak which is much leaner and has a more consistent fat to lean ratio. We then chop and form the meat which allowed us to create a craveable new product that has 50% less fat vs pork bacon and only 40 calories per slice. To give the product a truly unique taste, we season it with a savory blend of traditional steak house spices and smoke it using our signature blend of hardwoods. The repurchase rate of Angus Steak Beef Bacon is extremely impressive and the product has built a very loyal consumer base in less than a year.
R&FF: What is unique about Godshall’s Angus Steak Uncured Beef Bacon packaging?
The shape of traditional pork bacon packaging are almost all identical with a boxy rectangular shape and the bacon strips are shingled in the same direction. For our Angus Steak Beef Bacon packaging, we decided to shingle the bacon strips in the opposite direction of pork bacon to show off the consistency of the product and highlight the appealing steakhouse seasoning that it applied both topically and as inclusions into the meat. Instead of the generic looking package we use a scalloped die cut board that has attractive rounded shapes that highlight the plated image and callouts on the package.
R&FF: How many stores is Godshall’s Angus Steak Uncured Beef Bacon in today?
We’ll be in over 2,000 stores within the next month and hundreds more to come early in early 2023.
R&FF: Logistically, how are your products distributed to stores, and does Godshall’s Angus Steak Uncured Beef Bacon have a direct-to-consumer/e-commerce strategy?
We ship our products to retailer distribution centers. We actively advertise on Instacart and it has been very successful for us in addition a couple of authorized online sales sites.
R&FF: What sustainable programs does Godshall’s have today? What areas of sustainability are most important to your company?
Sustainability is one of the cornerstones of our company. Through innovation, efficient use of energy and water, and respect for the land, we have succeeded in going green in five significant areas:
- Solar: Spread out over three locations, Godshall’s has over 4,000 solar panels to generate clean energy. This results in a CO2 offset of over 2,350 tons annually.
- Water Reduction: We use robotic washers to reduce water usage which saves nearly 5.5 million gallons of water per year – that’s enough to fill over 130,000 bathtubs!
- Energy Reclamation: We reclaim waste heat from our refrigeration systems and utilize it to heat water for our factories. This saves over 50 million BTUs per year and reduces 2.7 metric tons of CO2 per year.
- Clean Burning Natural Gas: Our ovens use clean burning natural gas. Natural gas can reduce CO2 emissions up to 60% compared to coal when used to generate electricity.
- Recycling: We strive to minimize landfill usage through a robust recycling program and the committed use of sustainable waste management practices throughout our operations.
R&FF: What’s on the horizon for Godshall’s and the Angus Steak Uncured Beef Bacon in 2023?
We have a number of major retailers introducing Godshall’s Angus Steak Beef Bacon in 2023 that will dramatically increase the accessibility for product nationwide. We’re also exploring opportunities in foodservice.
Crafted with non-GMO ingredients and boasting 14 grams of plant-based protein per serving, Plantspired Steak is made from soy protein and features a charcoal-grilled Korean BBQ flavor.Courtesy Nasoya.
#2: Nasoya’s Plantspired Steak
Total Votes: 5,289
Jackie Kim, Product Manager
R&FF: Congratulations on placing second in our 2022 Best New Refrigerated Retail Products Contest. What does the recognition mean to Nasoya?
We’re thrilled to be recognized as a winner of the 2022 Best New Refrigerated Retail Products Contest. We’ve worked hard to create a convenient, accessible and delicious plant-based steak product that meets consumers’ evolving preferences. Since Plantspired Steak launched in March 2022, we’ve received positive feedback from retailers and consumers alike, applauding the charcoal-grilled Asian-inspired flavors and meaty texture. As we continue to innovate into the plant-based meat space, it’s rewarding to receive this recognition and encouraging for future expansions.
R&FF: What innovative features does Nasoya’s Plantspired Steak that helped it finish second?
As more consumers look to seek out healthy, sustainable plant-based proteins, Nasoya’s Plantspired Steak offers a convenient and accessible new option with the great taste and flavors that consumers love. Crafted with non-GMO ingredients and boasting 14 grams of plant-based protein per serving, Plantspired Steak is made from soy protein and features a charcoal-grilled Korean BBQ flavor with a meat-like texture. While current plant-based meat products are more processed, Nasoya’s Plantspired Steak is made with just four core ingredients (water, sauce, textured soy protein and oil. All other ingredients listed are sub ingredients within each ingredient source) and offers consumers a simple and protein-packed plant-based steak option bursting with authentic Asian flavors. Pre-marinated and available in a Korean BBQ variety, the new product is delicately charcoal-grilled and sliced for that “fresh-off-the-grill” taste and tenderness you have to taste to believe. The taste and texture were also given the stamp of approval from young kids who had the chance to try it out at the recent Vegandale Festival in Los Angeles.
R&FF: What is unique about Nasoya’s Plantspired Steak packaging?
Nasoya’s Korean BBQ Plantspired Steak is packaged in a convenient pouch that can be easily microwaved for a quick and accessible plant-based meal, making it a great solution for busy families and working professionals alike.
R&FF: How many stores is Nasoya’s Plantspired Steak in today?
Nasoya's Korean BBQ Plantspired Steak is continuing to gain traction with increased retail distribution and food service partnerships since its retail debut in March 2022. Plantspired Steak has grown its retail footprint to include over 4,000 grocers nationwide, with distribution at Wegmans, Publix, Sprouts, Stop & Shop, Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions and more. Plantspired Steak also continues to make waves in the food service category with products now featured at university dining halls across the country – including University of California Riverside, University of California Los Angeles, The Ohio State University, Georgia State University, University of Minnesota, Rice University, Vanderbilt and The University of Massachusetts Amherst.
R&FF: Logistically, how are your products distributed to stores, and does Nasoya’s Plantspired Steak have a direct-to-consumer/e-commerce strategy?
Nasoya’s products are available at retailers nationwide including Wegmans, Target, Albertsons, Safeway, Kroger, Walmart, Shoprite, Stop & Shop, Hannaford’s, Jewel Osco, Publix and more and online via Instacart.
R&FF: What sustainable programs does Nasoya have today? What areas of sustainability are most important to your company?
For over 45 years, Nasoya – a proud leader in the organic space – has been dedicated to creating authentic, wholesome products with high-quality ingredients. Nasoya’s tofu is organic and non-GMO Project Verified, not exposed to pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Nasoya continues to prioritize sustainable practices, such as recycling production and shipping materials, pre-treating used wastewater and reusing 3.4 million pounds of unused soy annually. Nasoya’s plant-based products also offer consumers a convenient and accessible plant-based protein option, perfect for anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint or incorporate more plant-based proteins into their diet.
R&FF: What’s on the horizon for Nasoya and its Plantspired Steak in 2023?
We’ve already received such positive feedback on the Korean BBQ flavor of our Plantspired Steak, and we’re excited to continue innovating. We’re planning to bring in a new (and equally delicious) Asian-inspired flavor: Gochujang Plantspired Steak will hit store shelves in the spring of 2023.
Jongga Kimchi uses a patented packaging technique to protect and preserve its fermentation.Courtesy Jongga Kimchi.
#3: Jongga Kimchi
Total Votes: 4,386
Miki Kim, Senior Brand Manager
R&FF: Congratulations on placing third in our 2022 Best New Refrigerated Retail Products Contest. What does the recognition mean to Jongga?
In the Korean tradition, recipes are passed down from generation to generation, and this is called “Jongga.” As the first brand to commercialize packaged Kimchi globally, Jongga has been the No.1 Kimchi brand in Korea since 1987. With its continuous innovation, Jongga has released a variety of plant-forward, gluten-free, probiotic-rich Kimchi products for different global consumer lifestyles, so that Kimchi can be enjoyed by everyone in the world. The recognition of our first U.S.-made kimchi line further confirms the increasing demand for traditional Korean food, especially kimchi, a gut-healthy superfood.
R&FF: What innovative features does Jongga Kimchi that helped it finish third?
Kimchi is low-calorie and high in fiber, and it’s a perfect side dish to any meal. Our premium kimchi is certified gluten free, vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified and full of live probiotics. Kimchi probiotics are derived from plants which have stronger acid resistance than ones derived by animals.
R&FF: What is unique about Jongga Kimchi’s packaging?
We’ve always chosen recyclable plastic over glass. Glass tends to build up pressure and then will overflow when the consumer opens it, and this affects the fermentation characteristics and flavor profile. We have patented a packaging technique that slowly releases pressure over time so that it does not overflow and maintains a balanced fermentation.
R&FF: How many stores is Jongga Kimchi in today?
Jongga Kimchi is in select Walmart stores, and regional natural and specialty stores.
R&FF: Logistically, how are your products distributed to stores, and does Jongga Kimchi have a direct-to-consumer/e-commerce strategy?
We mainly use a combination of specialty and produce distributors as well as direct distribution into larger retailers’ own distribution system.
R&FF: What sustainable programs does Jongga have today? What areas of sustainability are most important to your company?
Daesang – the company behind Jongga – is based on the core vision of “creating a happy future through a healthy food culture.” As a corporation that’s committed to creating sustainable values for consumers, society, and our planet, Daesang transparently discloses information on environment, society, and governance according to the ESG classification system. Customers are our number one stakeholder and are the most important factor to consider when conducting business activities. From production to transportation and consumption of products, companies’ business processes generate numerous environmental impacts. Daesang takes up active and preemptive measures against climate change and addresses packaging issues that are closely related to the food industry through early reduction and active participation in the ESG initiatives, the use of new and renewable energy, and the establishment of an eco-friendly packaging ecosystem.
R&FF: What’s on the horizon for Jongga and its products in 2023?
As a brand that’s constantly innovating and making Korean staple more accessible to the consumers here in the U.S., we are not only offering the traditional style of kimchi, but also new kinds that suit local palates, such as Beet, White, and Radish Kimchi that is less spicy but still provide the similar health boosting benefits.
Belgian Boys French Toast is ready in about one minute, for an indulgent breakfast that's easy too.Courtesy Belgian Boys. #4: Belgian Boys Brioche French Toast
Total Votes: 4,195
Anouck Gotlib, CEO
R&FF: Congratulations on placing fourth in our 2022 Best New Refrigerated Retail Products Contest. What does the recognition mean to the Belgian Boys?
Thank you! It’s truly an honor for Belgian Boys’ new Brioche French Toast to be recognized for this award. This product is very special to us, as it truly evokes a nostalgic feel that brings us back to childhood weekends, but now it’s so quick, easy and mess-free that it can be enjoyed any day of the week. We’ve also gone to lengths to make the taste extra delicious—it’s definitely an upgrade to that childhood French toast! This was our first product we launched and sold in the refrigerated aisle, next to other fresh breakfast staples (rather than the frozen section like most of our competitors).
R&FF: What innovative features does Belgian Boys Brioche French Toast that helped it finish fourth?
To achieve such amazing taste, we bake our French toast instead of frying it, and we use ingredients consumers would find in their own kitchens. Pure taste is what sets Brioche French Toast apart from others in its category. Belgian Boys’ priority was to fill the empty space between healthy-first options, which sometimes lack in taste, and taste-first options, which are often highly processed and full of preservatives. The fluffy brioche bread is baked to a golden perfection with just a touch of sugar, which makes it truly delicious and evokes feelings of breakfast nostalgia.
Additionally, it takes what used to be a messy, time-intensive weekend pleasure and turns it into a quick and easy any-day breakfast. The product is toaster-ready, making it a convenient option that doesn’t fall short on luxury for consumers who are short on time. This breakfast is ready in a minute or less, so that families can prep less, smile more and indulge better.
R&FF: What is unique about Belgian Boys Brioche French Toast packaging?
Belgian Boys mission is to spark happiness, and that journey begins with its bright, bold packaging that stands out on-shelf and that gives consumers a peek of what’s inside with drool-worthy product photography.
R&FF: How many stores is Belgian Boys Brioche French Toast in today?
About 1,000.
R&FF: What’s on the horizon for Belgian Boys and its products in 2023?
In the past year, we have been pioneering a new refrigerated breakfast section of the store alongside our retail partners, and we want to continue changing consumer behavior to make buying breakfast refrigerated—right alongside other breakfast staples like eggs, orange juice and bacon—the norm, liberating ready-to-eat breakfast foods from the freezer. The goal for Belgian Boys in the next three years is to become the go-to brand for quick, easy and delicious breakfast. We have an exciting new product launching in the first quarter of 2023, so keep an eye on the refrigerated breakfast section!
#5: Forager Project’s Organic Kids Cashewmilk Yogurt
Total Votes: 4,150
Stephen Williamson, Co-founder and CEO
R&FF: Congratulations on placing fifth in our 2022 Best New Refrigerated Retail Products Contest. What does the recognition mean to Forager Project?
It is an honor to receive this recognition for our first kid-focused product line. We put a lot of thought and heart into this product to ensure it’s the best it could possibly be. We even had my 3-year-old granddaughter test a few of the iterations to make sure they were up to her standards—because she’s a touch critic! So to hear that our kid’s line is resonating with people the way we’d hoped is all we could ask for.
R&FF: What innovative features does Forager Project’s Organic Kids Cashewmilk Yogurt that helped it finish fifth?
We created a plant-based snack made especially for kids that they’ll genuinely enjoy eating. Knowing that there are minimal kid-approved vegan options on shelves, we set out to fill this gap in the market and hope to make a lot of families happy in the process. Every flavor of the kid’s yogurt is absolutely delicious (and loved by adults just as much as kids!). Plus, each serving is packed with probiotics, calcium, and essential vitamins D, A and B12.
R&FF: What is unique about Forager Project’s Organic Kids Cashewmilk Yogurt packaging?
The Kids Yogurt is packaged in 3.2-ounce pouches that allow families, even those with strict dietary restrictions, to take organic on the go. They’re squeezable and easy for kiddos to eat, and result in minimal mess too.
R&FF: How many stores is Forager Project’s Organic Kids Cashewmilk Yogurt in today?
All three flavors (Berry Berry, Strawberry and Mango) of our Organic Kids Cashewmilk Yogurt are available at over 5,000 stores including Whole Foods nationwide and at Wegman’s, Giant Carlisle, Mom’s, Central Market, Market Basket, Fresh Thyme and other leading grocers across the country.
R&FF: Logistically, how are your products distributed to stores, and does Forager Project have a direct-to-consumer/e-commerce strategy?
Our Kids Cashewmilk Yogurt products are distributed direct to retailers or through distributors. We don’t have a direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel at the moment. However, our products are sold on many retailers online such as Instacart, Good Eggs, Imperfect Produce and Peapod.
R&FF: What sustainable programs does Forager Project have today? What areas of sustainability are most important to your company?
Since our inception, we’ve been on a mission to craft dairy-free organic foods that are kind to the planet. That’s why we make sure our hero ingredient – the cashew – is ethically sourced and sustainably farmed. By working directly with farmers in Cambodia, the Ivory Coast, and Vietnam to source the cashews we use, we have a more sustainable proposition as well as a more community-focused approach. I created this company out of a passion for organic food, and I guarantee that nature will always lead the way.
R&FF: What’s on the horizon for Forager Project and its products in 2023?
We are always foraging for new products to amaze our consumers. Stay up to date on all of the latest from us by following us on social (@foragerproject) or visiting our website at foragerproject.com.
