To Meet Growing Demand for Less Sodium, McCormick For Chefs® Broadens Product Line with Lawry’s® Seasoning Mixes
Classic Entrée Flavors with a Modern Approach to Sodium Ideal for Professional Chefs’ Menu Needs
Hunt Valley, MD, June 25, 2012—With more than 53% of consumers concerned with the amount of salt/sodium in their diets, the foodservice industry is taking clear steps to address this growing demand. In fact, 69% of operators have lowered or plan to lower sodium in key menu items because of the percentage of Americans who take in sodium from processed and prepared foods at home and at restaurants.
McCormick For Chefs®, the Food Away From Home Division of McCormick & Company, is proactively addressing this initiative by introducing a full line of Lawry’s® Classic Entrée Seasoning Mixes that contain 500mg of sodium or less per package recipe serving. Products will begin shipping in July 2012. The products are designed specifically for foodservice chefs and operators seeking better-for-you versions of traditional seasoning favorites and help meet consumers’ desire for great-tasting food while reducing sodium.
All of the Lawry’s® popular seasoning mixes have no artificial flavors or colors, 0g trans fats per serving and no added MSG except those naturally occurring glutamates. Available in operator-friendly pouches for large batch cooking, the Lawry’s® mixes that now have 500mg of sodium or less per package recipe serving include:
• NEW! Chili Seasoning Mix, Lower Sodium (500mg)
• NEW! Fajitas Seasoning Mix, Lower Sodium (431mg)
• NEW! Mexican Rice Seasoning Mix, Lower Sodium (437mg)
• NEW! Sloppy Joe Seasoning Mix, Lower Sodium (489mg)
• Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning Mix (426mg)
• Taco Seasoning Mix (389mg) - available in three sizes
• Stretch Taco Seasoning Mix (362mg)
For the K-12 industry specifically, the Lawry’s® lower sodium mixes meet the requirement of the USDA’s recently issued Nutrition Standards for sodium guideline amounts in school lunches for 2014–2015, as well as at the strictest level being implemented for the 2022–2023 school year.
“Taste trumps health any day, every day. We recognize and respect this challenge operators face as they seek to reduce sodium in popular dishes,” said Ian Wesson, Director of Marketing, McCormick For Chefs®. “By ensuring flavor always wins, McCormick For Chefs® is committed to leading the way with lowering the sodium of products that help chefs continue to serve menu favorites patrons will enjoy again and again.”
Each seasoning mix offers menu versatility as it can be used to create numerous recipes, including chili macaroni, meatball stew, BBQ or submarine sandwiches, taco casserole, nachos, Mexican lasagna and more. For additional product information and menu application ideas, visit www.McCormickForChefs.com/Lawrys.
About McCormick & Company—The Flavor Expert:
Founded in 1889, McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor with the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of spices, herbs, seasonings, specialty foods and flavors to the entire food industry—retail outlets, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. McCormick For Chefs®—McCormick’s Food Away From Home division—provides unrivaled solutions to the distinct needs of professional foodservice with its McCormick Culinary™, Lawry’s®, OLD BAY®, Thai Kitchen® and Zatarain’s® products. Chefs and operators can be confident that McCormick brings more sensory science experience, product innovation and flavor expertise for quality taste experiences. For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.McCormickForChefs.com. Follow-us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mccormickforchefs or find us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/McCormick4Chefs.
CONTACTS:
Susan Gunther
Marriner Marketing
410-715-1500 x140
susang@marriner.com
Ian Wesson
McCormick & Company, Inc.
410-771-7333
ian_wesson@mccormick.com
Sources: Healthy Profits Study Datassentials 2009, Mintel Report January 2012