Dive Brief:
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78 Brand introduces “cleaner” mustard to join two ketchups. Two varieties of each product are GMO and gluten-free and without High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS).
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“We are proud to make products that not only taste great but are better for you," said Patrick Pilewski, a co-founder. "They’re healthier ketchups and mustards. And they are affordable."
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The founders, who have a background in foodservice, food production, brand development and marketing, began building their business from the trunk of their car by selling ketchup to restaurants in the Chicago area. 78 Brand plans to develop more products for the condiments market.
Dive Insight:
78 Brand is latching on to the trend of eliminating GMOs from food and to attack HFCS, viewed by some as a potential health hazard, despite reports from the Mayo Clinic and other groups that there is no evidence to show that it is less safe or healthy than some other substitutes.
78 Brand's website declares its intention to change the ketchup and mustard marketplaces, which it says have remained unchanged for more than 100 years. Other condiment makers probably disagree with that assertion. Different kinds of mustards have distinct characteristics, and new varieties reflecting changing tastes like one with Jack Daniels whiskey in it have been introduced. Even ketchup maker Kraft Heinz produces a version of its iconic condiment without GMOs or HFCS.
Condiments aren't the only segment of the food market overhauling its products to remove artificial ingredients and colors, GMOs, and other inputs that cater to the public's preference for less processed, simpler, more authentic food. A 2014 study by Nielsen revealed more than 60 percent of U.S. consumers cited a lack of artificial colors and flavors as an important factor when making food purchases at the store. General Mills has removed artificial flavors and colors from some of its cereals and Campbell Soup has committed to remove artificial colors and flavors from its North American products by the end of 2018. Many more food manufacturers have announced similar efforts.
Clearly, there is a market for these products and a consumer willingness to buy them, especially for those who value these characteristics. Food manufacturers will continue to find ways to make their products as natural as they can, as long as shoppers keep buying them.