Thanasi Foods Launches Heinz Salt & Vinegar Flavored Sunflower Seeds

BIGS Sunflower Seeds, which launched in the U.S. in April 2009, features jumbo-size, fire-roasted sunflower seeds and an award winning product line-up made with America's favorite co-branded flavors.

4 Oct 2012 --- Thanasi Foods LLC, the revolutionary developer and supplier of branded snack foods, is proud to announce the addition of BIGS - Heinz Salt & Vinegar flavored sunflower seeds to the BIGS line.

Heinz North America, a division of H.J. Heinz Company, L.P., is the leading producer of malt vinegar in the United States, distributing vinegar to foodservice and retail establishments worldwide.

BIGS Sunflower Seeds, which launched in the U.S. in April 2009, features jumbo-size, fire-roasted sunflower seeds and an award winning product line-up made with America's favorite co-branded flavors. BIGS remains the fastest growing brand of sunflower seeds in the United States and Canada.

"It's evident through strong salt & vinegar flavored chip and other salty snack sales that consumer demand for salt and vinegar flavored foods is high," said Justin Havlick, Thanasi Foods President and Founder. "More importantly, salt & vinegar is the number one requested BIGS sunflower seed flavor from our loyal and fast-growing fan base and we're proud to answer their hungry request with a Heinz vinegar flavored seed."

"Heinz's legacy in the vinegar category and deep-seated American heritage makes for a great collaboration," said Havlick.

"BIGS is an obvious licensing partnership for us given their significant and sustained product growth and the great momentum behind the brand," said Richard Donahue, H.J. Heinz Company Brand Manager, "We've got a winning combination here and the Heinz team is excited about it."

The BIGS - Heinz Salt & Vinegar Sunflower Seeds will be available in October 2012 for distributors and retailers in the U.S. and will ship in 5.35 oz., resealable bags available in 12-count cases, 12-count clip-strips, and BIGS variety pack display configurations. This new item joins the BIGS line-up of award winning Sunflower Seeds including:

   BIGS - Hidden Valley Ranch
    BIGS - Vlasic Dill Pickle
    BIGS - Bacon Salt Sizzlin' Bacon
    BIGS - FRANK'S REDHOT Buffalo Wing
    BIGS - Sea Salt & Black Pepper
    BIGS - Salted & Roasted Original

Given solid consumer appetite and demand, the BIGS - Heinz Salt & Vinegar Sunflower Seeds will be an essential addition to retailers carrying the BIGS line. Currently, BIGS can be purchased in more than 50,000 retail outlets in channels such as c-stores, grocery, club, drug, military, concessions, specialty, and sports venues throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Marketing support will include a national sampling and events tour, retail promotions, on-pack couponing, sports marketing, Minor League Baseball team partnerships, grassroots individual and team sponsorship and social activity.