Sauce producer Ragù is venturing into a new area of the grocery store with its line of frozen pizzas. This nearly 90-year-old sauce brand has partnered with frozen pizza manufacturer Palermo Villa to introduce four varieties: cheese, pepperoni, supreme, and combination, which features mozzarella, Italian sausage, and pepperoni. The pizzas will retail for prices ranging from $4.99 to $6.99, depending on the location and market.
Megan Frank, senior vice president of marketing for Mizkan America, the company behind Ragù, stated, “Ragù is not a brand content to rest on its laurels. We’re excited to launch our latest collaboration with one of the largest pizza makers in the U.S., which will allow us to expand our brand into the freezer section.” Ragù was established in 1937 by Assunta and Giovani Cantisano, who initially sold their sauce from their home in Rochester, New York. Assunta brought her family’s recipe from Italy when she immigrated to New York in 1914, as noted on their website.
The move into pizzas is a natural progression for Ragù. It not only introduces the brand to a new grocery store section but also aligns with sauces typically associated with Italian cuisine. Ragù is already familiar with pizza, offering a range of sauces for consumers to create their own pizzas at home.
Pizza continues to gain popularity in the U.S., with Americans consuming about 100 acres of pizza daily, equivalent to 350 slices every second, according to research from Idaho State University. The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service estimates that approximately 11% of the population enjoys pizza every day. Ragù is the latest sauce brand to enter the nearly $7 billion frozen pizza market, following Rao’s, which released its own pizza in 2022 using its signature sauce.
In another innovation, Kellanova and Palermo Villa have announced a partnership to introduce Cheez-It Frozen Pizza. This product features a crunchy Cheez-It flavored crust made with real cheese and is available in three varieties: Pepperoni, Italian Four Cheese, and Cheddar Jack Supreme. “The crust resembles a large Cheez-It cracker—crispy, cheesy, and square-shaped,” stated Nick Fallucca, chief innovation officer at Palermo’s. The product is set to launch this month at grocery stores like Albertsons and Wegman’s.
After splitting the company in 2023 to focus on snacks, CEO Steve Cahillane indicated that Kellanova would emphasize new product innovations and strategic partnerships. Last year, the company also collaborated on ice cream products inspired by Eggo waffles and Rice Krispies Treats. The Cheez-It brand has diversified from its traditional square cracker into various formats, including Puff’d and Snap’d, and has recently entered the popcorn market while launching a dressing collaboration with Hidden Valley Ranch last year.
Lunchables is revitalizing its offerings with a new PB&J product as Kraft Heinz aims to rejuvenate the struggling brand. Lunchables PB&J is a no-thaw, crustless sandwich that includes a side of grape or strawberry dip. Unlike most ready-to-eat PB&Js that are frozen, this offering can be enjoyed straight from the refrigerator without thawing. “The launch of Lunchables PB&J continues our mission to reinvent the refrigerated category by providing high-quality, delicious, affordable, and convenient snack solutions,” said Danni Levin, associate director of innovation at Lunchables.
Ready-to-eat PB&Js have surged in popularity, with J.M. Smucker’s Uncrustables approaching $1 billion in sales by 2024. Kraft Heinz’s product, available at selected retailers nationwide, is part of a strategy to generate $2 billion in incremental sales through innovation by 2027. The company is focusing on the Lunchables brand for innovation following a Consumer Reports investigation that revealed contaminants, including lead, in the product. Kraft Heinz has committed to overhauling the entire Lunchables line by 2025, and executives anticipate improvements beginning in late May or June. Alongside the introduction of a spicy nachos Lunchables, CEO Carlos Abrams-Rivera mentioned in February that the company aims to elevate the brand by revamping its protein pack options for children.
As these brands evolve, consumers in Pakistan might also find interest in various health supplements, such as ca citrate 400 mg, which is gaining traction in the market.