Combining Crusts
Nestlé USA, Solon, Ohio, says new DIGIORNO Thin & Crispy STUFFED Crust Pizza “combines the crispiness of thin crust with the 2.5 feet of hot, melty cheesiness of stuffed crust into one mouthwatering combination.” Three varieties are Pepperoni and Sausage, Margherita, and Pepperoni (MSRP of $8.99). Interestingly, Pepperoni comes with a packet of Mike’s Hot to pour on top.
“As the reigning experts in pizza crust, we pride ourselves on offering the best and most innovative pizzas to our loyal fans and ultimate ‘za lovers,” said Kimberly Holowiak, senior brand manager. “With the continued rise in thin crust as a top crust choice amongst consumers and the ongoing love of cheese, our culinary team wanted to combine the goodness of both to create a new innovation that delivers a crisp crunch with melty cheese that comes straight from your oven.”
Growing to Do Good
This spring saw Newman’s Own Inc., Westport, Conn., expand its line with five new frozen pizza offerings.
Newman’s Own Sourdough Crust is an entirely new line of thick crust pizzas in three varieties: Uncured Pepperoni & Ricotta, Meatball, and Five Cheese. Official says they’re baked in a brick oven for an “airy yet crispy texture.” The company also extended its Newman’s Own Stone-Fired Crust line (imported from Italy) with two new offerings: Italian Salami, and Roasted Garlic & Mushroom Pizza.
Newman’s Own pizzas are available at retailers nationwide for a SRP of $8.69. Officials note that 100% of profits go to “nourish and transform the lives of children who face adversity.”
Nothin’ But Toppings
Palermo Villa, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., extended its Screamin’ Sicilian brand with Nothin’ But Toppings Pizza Bowls. Varieties include Pepperoni, Supreme, Italian Style Meatball, and Multi-Meat.
“Nothin’ But Toppings Pizza Bowls are perfect for pizza lovers who are following a Keto-like diet or looking to cut carbs and enjoy a delicious pizza experience,” said Nick Fallucca, Palermo Villa chief product and innovation officer. “Loaded with premium ingredients, each bowl is high in protein (21g-31g per serving) and offers all the flavor of pizza without the crust! Ready in as little as four minutes in the microwave they are a perfect snack or meal that can be ready anytime a pizza craving strikes.”
Tavern Style
Nestlé USA, Solon, Ohio, said it raised “a glass to its born-in-a-bar heritage with the introduction of TOMBSTONE Tavern-Style Pizza, an all-new take on the zesty, bold taste first introduced nearly 65 years ago in Medford, Wis.”
Two new thin crust varieties are The Primo, with pepperoni, sausage, banana peppers, red onion, zesty tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese; and Let’s Meat Up, with pepperoni, pork belly crumble, zesty tomato sauce, rich cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The new offering are available nationwide at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price $6.99. Taking the tavern theme further, Nestlé teamed up with New Belgium Brewing’s Voodoo Ranger IPA for a limited-edition Voodoo Ranger I(Pizza)A, a limited-edition pizza-flavored beer.
“TOMBSTONE Tavern-Style Pizza taps into our history, while also introducing a new flavor era for the brand,” said Neil Morrissey, marketing brand manager.
Authentic Italy
Distributor Kayco, Bayonne, N.J., used the 2024 Summer Fancy Food Show to introduce Tuscanini Reserve, a premium frozen pizza line. The pizza comes in two varieties, Margherita, and Supermargherita, and clear window packaging lets customers see the product. The pizzas come in 16oz and 17oz sizes and with a suggested retail price of $8.99-$9.99.
“We are thrilled to bring an extended line of Tuscanini specialty products and the authentic taste of Italy to our customers,” said Harold Weiss, chief sales officer at Tuscanini. “Our mission is to provide food lovers with a genuine Italian culinary experience.”
Fun with Flavor
Nestlé USA, Solon, Ohio, said its DiGiorno brand introduced four “wildly inappropriate,” limited-edition pizzas inspired by Marvel Studios’ triology of DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE.
The sweet and salty Wade Special combines pineapple and black olives to “pay homage to Wade Wilson’s pizza in the first movie.” New Gimme Chimi features spicy cumin sauce, beef topping, jalapeno, and cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. A Spicy Wolvie Pie comes stacked with pepperoni, chorizo and bacon. New Maximum Pep comes “piled high” with sliced and diced pepperoni.
“DiGiorno is always looking for ways to tap into mainstream culture by pushing culinary boundaries through unique innovations and flavors, from our recent Thanksgiving Pizza to our all-onion ‘cry-pie,’ and we are now introducing our latest, most chaotic pies yet,” said Kimberly Holowiak, senior brand manager.
