Starbucks rolls out a new line of super-premium ice creams, NABI names Jim Ryan chairman of the board, the Melting Pot picks a provider for mobile-messaging campaigns, and more.
SEATTLE - Starbucks Coffee Co. and Englewood Cliffs, N.J.-based Unilever have launched a super-premium ice cream line based on some of Starbucks' popular beverages. The line, which will be available in supermarkets this spring, includes Caramel Macchiato, swirled coffee and vanilla ice cream flavored with caramel; Mocha Frappuccino, swirled coffee and chocolate ice creams; Java Chip Frappuccino, coffee ice cream with dark chocolate chunks; and Coffee, swirled coffee and espresso ice creams.
CHICAGO - The National Association of Beverage Importers has elected Jim Ryan chairman of the board. Ryan is executive vice president of corporate communications for Crown Imports LLC, which is based here. He previously was head of NABI's executive committee from March 2007 to March 2009. As chairman he will be responsible for overseeing that NABI's mission is carried out and members' interests are protected.
AUSTIN, Texas -- The Melting Pot Restaurants in Massachusetts, Ohio, Oklahoma and Minnesota have selected DMX to be the exclusive provider for mobile-messaging campaigns. The fondue chain is based in Tampa, Fla. Mark Chapman, owner of two Melting Pot locations in Oklahoma, said the arrangement would "extend our communications with our customers."
WASHINGTON -- United Fresh Produce Association named Ray Gilmer vice president of communications. In his new capacity Gilmer will be responsible for United's communications outreach to news media, emphasizing the association's position on food safety, labor, transportation and supply chain issues. Previously he had been with the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, where he headed up communications and public affairs.
PORT CLYDE, Maine -- Linda Bean's Perfect Maine, a vertically integrated shore-to-table group of companies specializing in Maine lobster, named the current Maine Lobster Chef of the Year, Margaret Salt McLellan, as the group's executive chef. Bean, who is the granddaughter of retailer L.L. Bean, said she and McLellan "will be working together to create new markets and excitement for both Maine lobster and wild Maine shrimp." McLellan said she would be opening two seasonal dipnet and lobster restaurants for the company this summer, as well preparing a new retail and foodservice line of frozen Maine lobster and shrimp specialties.
BURABY, British Columbia -- Epson, the manufacturer of point-of-service technology, presented Squirrel Systems with an award for innovative technology for its Squirrel in a Box solution. The award was presented at Epson's Annual Strategic Partner Executive Conference March 9-12 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Squirrel in a Box features a small footprint, bundled software and integrated credit card processing, in a PC-based Microsoft platform. Squirrel is a full-service provider of point-of-sale solutions for the foodservice industry.
HANOVER, Pa. -- Pretzel specialist Snyder's of Hanover is partnering with the National Cattleman's Beef Association for a Cinco de Mayo promotion. From now through May 5, customers who buy two bags of Grande or Snyder's of Hanover Tortilla Chips will receive an instant redeemable coupon for $2 off any cut of beef.