NEW PRODUCTS SNACKS Pushing the flavor BOUNDARI FRUIT AND VEGGIE SNACK MAKERS CONTINUE TO COME UP WITH MORE FLAVORFUL OFFERINGS By Melanie Epp Contributing Writer DRIVEN IN PART by the global pandemic, as well as interest in adopting a more plant-based diet, new and creative fruit and vegetable products have gained ground. We've selected a variety of recently launched products that have piqued consumer curiosity. Fruit and veggie jerky on trend Each year, a Whole Foods trends council of more than 50 members compiles a report outlining food trend predictions. The 2021 report reveals the intriguing ways the food industry has responded to the pandemic. " There have been radical shifts in consumer habits in 2020, " said Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, chief marketing officer at Whole Foods Market. " For example, shoppers have found new passions for cooking, they've purchased more items related to health and wellness, and more are eating breakfast at home every day compared to pre-COVID. " One of Whole Foods predictions for 2021 was the rise of fruit and veggie jerky that include everything from jackfruit to mango to pineapple. In line with this trend, Giorgio Foods Inc. announced the release of two new flavors to their Savory Wild Portabella Mushroom Jerky lineup: Smokehouse Bacon and Hot & Spicy Cajun Style. " Consumer interest and understanding around the culinary and nutritional benefits of mushrooms continue to grow and we are striving to bring new ways to consumer Peekaboo ice cream has lower amounts of sugar than most ice cream and comes with " hidden " vegetables to help make them more palatable to young eaters. Photo: Peekaboo 6 MARCH/APR I L 2 021