With many recession-weary Americans looking to supermarkets for meals and meal solutions as alternatives to dining away-from-home at restaurants, Omaha, Nebraska-headquartered ConAgra Foods has introduced 23 new restaurant-quality frozen meals and desserts under its Bertolli and P.F. Chang’s labels to appeal to consumers keen on enhancing at-home dining experiences. The extended range is in response to demand for convenient, yet authentic, international flavors while also building upon retailers’ efforts to make supermarkets more global and engaging.
“Dining at home doesn’t have to be dull. With the addition these items, consumers can get the flavors of Italy or Asia at home, ready to enjoy in minutes,” said John Plaso, ConAgra Foods’ vice president and general manager. “These meals for one or two persons and desserts bring more authentic flavors and restaurant-quality choices to the freezer aisle. They’re perfect for pairing with a fresh salad and rice or bread to complete a meal.”
Single-serve Al Dente meals from Bertolli are formulated to deliver rich Italian recipes with sophisticated sauces, savory melted cheeses and pasta that may be steam-cooked in a microwave oven. Available in four varieties selling for approximately $3.59 are: Chicken Florentine Alfredo, Tortellini Margherita, Asiago Ravioli Primavera, and Chicken Carbonara.
Bertolli’s new restaurant-inspired Rustico Bakes Meals for One or Two are promoted as “delivering oven-baked taste from the microwave in minutes.” The generously stuffed pastas come complete with sauces and bubbly cheeses.
Rustico Bakes Meals for One are available in six recipes at approximately $3.59 each, as follows: Chicken Parmigiana & Penne, Ricotta & Spinach Cannelloni, Italian Sausage & Meatball Rigatoni, Chicken Portabella Ravioli, Stuffed Shells Alla Vodka, and Creamy Spinach Rollatini.
Rustico Bakes Meals for Two are available in four recipes, priced at approximately $5.99, as follows: Manicotti Alla Vodka, Stuffed Shells Bolognese, Ricotta & Mozzarella Ravioli, and Ziti Alforno
The popular brand has also expanded its Skillet Meals for Two offering with three new dishes: Pappardelle Bolognese, Ricotta & Lobster Ravioli, and Chicken Margherita & Penne. Each sells for about $5.99.
Bertolli has also expanded into sweet treats with four dessert choices imported from Italy. Selling for approximately $2.99 are Tiramisu, Lemoncello, Triple Chocolate Strata Cake and Cappuccino Strata Cake.
P.F. Chang’s is extending its core line of Skillet Meals for Two with the introduction of two additional recipes: Szechuan Style Shrimp and Mongolian Style Chicken.
All of the new items, now available nationwide, represent the first wave of products launched by ConAgra Foods since it acquired the brands from Unilever in 2012.
