Ragu Launches New Organic Line

01/04/05 Unilever has introduced a new line of organic sauces under its Ragu brand in the US. Ragu Organic Sauces are 100 percent natural, certified organic and are available in three flavor varieties – Traditional, Garden Veggie and Cheese. All contain a full serving of fresh tasting organic vegetables in every 1/2 cup serving of sauce. The products appear to be particularly targeting children, with the company noting that since most kids prefer their pasta sauces smooth rather than chunky, all the sauces are smooth and delicious.
Virtually all parents (96 percent) recently surveyed by Ragu believe good eating habits are formed during childhood. However, more than half (53 percent) struggle on a daily basis with the challenges of getting their kids to say "yes" to a serving of vegetables.

"We understand that today's parents are concerned with their kids' eating habits more than ever," said Jill Denison, Director, Ragu. "As a result, parents need nutritious food options that their kids will eat and enjoy. Serving Ragu Organic will help appease the often picky appetites of children while helping your kids eat well."

The entire line of Ragu Organic Sauces is certified organic under the strict guidelines of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is approved to carry the USDA seal on its label. Organic food production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Organic foods are processed without artificial ingredients, preservatives or irradiation to maintain the integrity of the food.

"I prefer to buy organic as much as possible, but as a working mom of two highly active kids, I don't always have the time to shop at organic markets. With Ragu Organic sauces now in my local supermarket, I can easily make nutritious meal choices for my family," said Barbara Albright R.D., Nutritionist and food author. "As a nutritionist, I applaud Ragu for introducing this smart and nutritious organic product. As a mom, I'm thrilled because my kids get their veggies in each serving -- it's a win-win with no mealtime whining!"
In the "Healthy Eating" survey, parents of children under the age of 13 were asked about their feelings on their kids' eating habits. Forty-two percent say that getting their kids to eat vegetables is always a challenge and more than two-thirds (68 percent) of those surveyed wish more major food companies would offer organic selections. Seventy-five percent of moms say that pasta and tomato sauce is one of their kids' favorite meals.

Of the current organic foods available, 44 percent of the parents surveyed said they occasionally buy organic, while 12 percent say they buy organic when the choice is available. Fourteen percent stated they want to make a concerted effort to buy more organic foods for their families.

As a testament to how people feel about the importance of organic foods in their diets, 60 percent said they would be willing to pay more for organic food selections. Eighty-one percent feel the USDA Organic Certification is either very important (38 percent) or somewhat important (43 percent).