The Queen's Choice Awards shine a spotlight on the extraordinary talents and innovations of product developers and marketers who use honey as a sweetener, flavor and functional ingredient. These brands also embraced the opportunity to market honey in different ways, and through these interviews, representatives from Beekeeper Coffee, Bimbo Bakeries and Step Change Innovations share what sets them apart.
Beekeeper Coffee, Cold Brew Lattes and Coffees — David Creech, Co-Founder
It is very important to us that our formulations give us the opportunity to be differentiated in terms of our brand, our ingredients and our taste. Light amber honey allows us to elevate the ingredient panel while also giving us a noticeable upgrade on taste. Our mission is to fuel a generation that craves better taste, and we believe the honey in our coffee plays a critical role in making that a reality. We are also very drawn to the community-centric nature of honey bees, and building community is a core value of our brand.
Bimbo Bakeries USA, Sara Lee Honey Butter Half Loaf, — Nick Pitone, Senior Brand Manager, and Ernesto Martinez, Senior Director R&D
Honey provides a unique flavor, enhances sweetness and delivers an appealing crust color. This combination provided a differentiated and delicious product within our new Sara Lee Half Loaf product line. Consumers are prioritizing products with a sweetness that comes from sources they recognize and understand. They are looking for something that feels a little more premium and differentiated.
Step Change Innovations, pep™ Daily Longevity Bars — Brooke Bains, Operating Partner
Honey is one of nature’s best sweeteners. Honey is also a prominent ingredient in all three flavors of pep bars — Honey Nut, Berry Bliss and Chocolate Fudge. Its delicate flavor blends well with nuts and other ingredients in our daily longevity bars. In addition to its delicious taste, honey is a natural binder, so our pep bars can maintain their soft texture and clean label. To deliver functionality and flavor with high label appeal, honey was a logical choice to enhance our pep bar line.
Read more about the Queen’s Choice Award winners.