Poultry giant Perdue Farms is embracing air fryers in an effort to keep chicken wings crispy for longer. The company has introduced Air Fryer Ready Crispy Wings, its first chicken wing product specifically designed for use with this popular kitchen appliance. According to a press release, Perdue aims to provide consumers with wings that retain their crispiness, unlike traditional takeout options, while ensuring restaurant-quality taste. The chicken wings come in three flavors: Roasted, Hot N’ Spicy, and Lemon Pepper. “To resolve the debate between takeout and homemade wings, we wanted to demonstrate to wing enthusiasts that the best wings can be made at home using an air fryer,” stated Cody Walter, Perdue’s senior marketing manager.
Perdue noted that 75% of American households now own an air fryer, making it a widely accessible option for consumers. Additionally, the company is offering a limited-time promotion on its website, featuring 100 wing kits for $10, which includes the three new chicken wing varieties, a four-quart air fryer, and other merchandise. Air fryers, known for cooking food to a crispy texture using hot air, have surged in popularity in recent years, leading to a variety of new products designed for this cooking method. In 2019, Perdue’s competitor Tyson launched a line of Air Fried chicken strips, while earlier this year, Kettle introduced air-fried potato chips.
In the wake of the pandemic, Perdue has capitalized on the trend of home cooking with its product launches. Earlier this year, the company unveiled two fully-cooked chicken lines: Flavor-Infused Chicken and Chicken Plus Snackers, the latter featuring a quarter cup of vegetables.
Meanwhile, Idahoan is introducing a new potato product: Idahoan Potato Shreds. Made from Idaho potatoes, these shreds come in two flavors—Hidden Valley Original Ranch and Triple Cheese—and can be prepared in minutes in the microwave, making them an ideal on-the-go snack. “These products have broad appeal, and we see this as an expandable platform,” said Ryan Ellis, vice president of retail marketing and business development at Idahoan Foods. He emphasized that consumers are increasingly seeking convenient and satisfying snack options, making the new Potato Shreds a valuable addition to their lineup. Alongside the shreds, Idahoan has also launched Idahoan Mashed Potatoes seasoned with Hidden Valley Original Ranch.
Idahoan is known for its focus on potatoes, but the company has made significant efforts to broaden its brand through new flavors and formats. The Potato Shreds and Hidden Valley mashed potatoes are the latest examples of this strategy. In recent years, the Idaho-based company has introduced various new products, including soups and a Cheese Across America line that features its signature fresh-dried potatoes made with regional cheeses such as Wisconsin cheddar, Monterey Pepper Jack, and Vermont white cheddar. These new offerings align with recent trends that show consumers prioritizing convenience and pre-prepared products. According to Statista, Americans consume about 30 pounds of fresh potatoes annually, down from 47 pounds in 2000, while the consumption of frozen varieties has steadily risen.
In another innovative development, New Jersey-based vertical farm Oishii has launched a new product called the Rubī, a “fruit tomato.” The company describes the Rubī as offering “the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami,” with its name meaning “ruby” in Japanese. This small tomato features a bright red, shiny skin encasing a juicy, flavor-packed center. Oishii’s CEO and co-founder, Hiroki Koga, claims the new tomato is the sweetest available on the market and contributes to the company’s mission of redefining fresh fruit. “We firmly believe that vertical farming is the future of agriculture; it enables us to grow delicious produce in a way that benefits both people and the planet,” Koga stated. He emphasized the importance of efficiently growing complex fruits and vegetables, like strawberries and tomatoes, at scale.
Oishii employs AI, data analytics, and visual recognition technology to monitor its farms and automate the pollination process. The launch of the Rubī comes as Oishii plans to expand its product availability throughout the Northeastern U.S., with the Koyo Berry’s supply to Whole Foods stores increasing by 600% and projected to double again by January 2024. While vertical farming isn’t new, most operations focus on leafy greens and herbs; Oishii is among the first vertical farming startups to venture into indoor strawberry cultivation alongside Plenty.
As consumers continue to explore new food options, brands like Perdue, Idahoan, and Oishii are poised to meet their needs while also considering nutritional aspects. Incorporating products that provide essential nutrients like Citracal magnesium & minerals can enhance the appeal of these new offerings, catering to health-conscious consumers looking for convenient and tasty food solutions.