Mrs. Fields Famous Brands is adding a new treat to its store menus with the introduction of its new line of Breezer® smoothies.
To complement the delicious and refreshing smoothies, the product is being served in cups from corn-based NatureWorks® PLA.
As consumers trend toward prepared treats and meal options, products like smoothies are becoming increasingly more popular in the quick-serve market. According to a report by Research and Markets, smoothies grew into an estimated $1.6 billion market in 2005 as a result of consumer interest in fresh fast-food options. This increasing popularity is driving the expansion of smoothies into quick-service restaurants and other chains.
“We make some of the most indulgent and satisfying quick-service products available, but we’re constantly looking for ways to enhance our customers’ experience,” said Dale Thompson, marketing vice president for Mrs. Fields Famous Brands bakery concepts, Great American Cookies®, Mrs. Fields®, Pretzel Time® and Pretzelmaker®. “By using nature-based cups for our new Breezer product line, we’re able to offer our customers high-quality containers that are gentle on the environment and also make good business sense.”
Breezer smoothies served in NatureWorks PLA cups are available in participating Great American Cookies, Mrs. Fields, Pretzel Time, and Pretzelmaker locations throughout the country. Customers can choose from a range of flavors: peach, raspberry, strawberry banana, mocha latte and cappuccino. The new Cookies ‘n’ Cream Chiller, available in participating Mrs. Fields stores, will also be served in NatureWorks PLA cups.
Customers of Mrs. Fields Famous Brands will perceive NatureWorks PLA as an ordinary plastic cup since it looks, feels and performs like traditional plastics. The difference lies in the source, corn.
The NatureWorks PLA cups used by Mrs. Fields Famous Brands are part of the Greenware™ product line from Fabri-Kal. As a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, Fabri-Kal manufactures and supplies seven sizes of premium cold drink cups and lids from NatureWorks PLA to meet a variety of foodservice needs.
