New Natural Energy Bar Hits the Road with Dieters & Athletes Alike

08/02/08 What began as a healthy family recipe for a cookie has turned into a healthy energy bar for people of all ages. Triathlete Erin DeMarines, founder of 10-year-old e-Fit Foods, launched the new 3Bar brand in early 2006. 3Bar might have gotten its start with DeMarines' "friends and family" circle in her triathlon circuit, but the bars are now available in over 200 retail stores including Publix & Sweetbay Supermarkets and Radiant Convenience stores.

Early sampling at the prestigious St. Anthony's Triathlon in April 2005 led to demands for the product. The concept of a specialty bar with high energy attributes and unique healthy ingredients seemed to hit the mark among some of the most critical users in the market --- the triathlete. DeMarines said, "We are committed to delivering balanced and nutritionally sound bars to athletes and busy people alike. Our distributor network is now capable of supporting national sales and we are being pressed to add offshore resources as the demand continue to grow."

Focused originally on the competitive athlete, sales have aggressively grown as the pool of users moved to mainstream health conscience consumers. Tony Gray, a consultant to the project, acknowledged, "We have learned that the recreational athlete is very interested in a healthy stimulating bar product. Snack food is giving way to 'healthy' energy treats with benefits built in. These bars are the only wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, kosher, organic, and low sugar bar on the shelves today. And people who try them, love them!"

Creative Energy Foods, of Oakland, Calif., manufactures the 3Bar, which comes in three flavors -- cocoa crunch, which is the best-selling and DeMarines' favorite; tropical tri, which was inspired by DeMarines' love for Almond Joy candy bars as a kid; and blueberry blast. The bars are priced in the range of $1.99-2.69 or a box of 15 for about $30.

DeMarines has a hit and the prospects for acceptance as an international health bar standard continues to emerge. "It really is different. People taste the difference and appreciate the care we take in delivering a special product made for demanding, health conscious people."