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ConAgra Mills® and J.M Swank Introduce a New Generation of Whole Grain Pasta
Omaha, NE - July 18, 2010 - Consumer acceptance of whole grain foods, particularly breads, snacks and cereals, has reached an all-time high, but whole grain pastas have yet to achieve mainstream appeal - until now. ConAgra Mills and J.M. Swank are changing consumer perceptions of whole grain pastas with a new line of Ultragrain Pasta based on Ultragrain, the revolutionary whole wheat flour that combines the nutrition of whole grain with the taste, texture and appearance of white flour. Ultragrain-based products pioneered a whole new category of mainstream made-with-whole-grain foods, and now packaged pastas, meals and kits, soups and frozen entrees can be a part of this powerful growth category.
Ultragrain Pastas have a mild flavor, smooth texture, lighter color and no brown specks - the same benefits of traditional refined flour pasta - in addition to whole grain nutrition and fiber. These advantages are made possible by Ultragrain, a proprietary 100% whole wheat flour made from specially selected wheat and milled using a patented process. Today, J.M. Swank is introducing five Ultragrain Pasta varieties: penne, macaroni, rotini and spaghetti, all made with 51% Ultragrain, and a 51% whole 9-grain orzo made with Ultragrain, Sustagrain®, amaranth, quinoa, teff, sorghum, millet and other whole grains.
"Ultragrain was the forerunner in the mainstreaming of whole grains with products like 'tastes like white' whole wheat breads and snacks," says Mike Veal, vice president of marketing, ConAgra Mills. "And now with Ultragrain Pasta there is tremendous opportunity to make whole grain pastas and pasta applications mainstream with look, flavor and texture consumers prefer."
"Customers are extremely excited about menu and product possibilities with Ultragrain Pasta," says Bob Jansen, senior director of ingredient marketing, J.M. Swank. "From foodservice to food manufacturing, increased whole grain content and higher fiber are now possible in any consumer-friendly pasta application thanks to the benefits of Ultragrain whole wheat flour in this new line. Our ability to create custom shapes beyond the initial products, such as bow tie and lasagna, only adds to the line's versatility."
Consumers are hungry for better-tasting whole grain pasta options, and taste panels show they prefer whole grain pastas made with Ultragrain. Not only do they prefer the flavor when compared with traditional whole wheat, but research also shows that the Ultragrain name and logo further increase purchase intent . Royalty-free licensing of the new Ultragrain pasta logo is available and can be used on packaging and promotions.
Ultragrain Pasta can be ordered directly though J.M. Swank by calling 866-717-9265 or sending an e-mail to pasta@conagrafoods.com or through your current distributor. If you are manufacturing pasta and would like to know more about customization or Ultragrain licensing, contact your ConAgra Mills sales representative at 800-851-9618. To learn more about Ultragrain, visit ultragrain.com.
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About ConAgra Foods, Inc.
ConAgra Mills is a food ingredients brand of ConAgra Foods Inc. (NYSE: CAG). ConAgra Foods is one of North America's largest packaged food companies, serving grocery retailers, restaurants and other foodservice establishments, and also supplying a portfolio of ingredients to food manufacturers. Popular ConAgra Foods brands include: Angela Mia, Banquet, Chef Boyardee, ConAgra Mills, Egg Beaters, Gilroy Foods, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt's, Lamb Weston, Marie Callender's, Orville Redenbacher's, PAM, Spicetec and many others. For more information, please visit www.conagrafoods.com.
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