There is no better time for fresh innovations involving nature’s nearly perfect protein. From the convenience of hard-boiled eggs and deviled egg kits to a breakthrough in egg-based dairy-free dips and yogurts, Tennessee-based HBF Foods has hatched new ways to profit from more eggs. The latest innovation can be tasted during IDDBA at Booth 1866.

Known by retailers as the ‘egg lady’, Faith Ferguson is Vice-President of Sales for HBF Foods. “I’ve been in the egg business for more than a decade and I’ve never witnessed so much interest in the innovation we are bringing to the market by top retailers.  Consumers are eager for convenient protein-rich options and Oolie hits the mark!”

The company’s long-term partnership with family-owned farms to raise Free-Range and Organic eggs is a key differentiator. “Free-Range eggs naturally have higher nutrient values of important omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins compared to conventional eggs. Because our farms are across many states, we have not been affected as much by avian flu outbreaks that raised egg prices so much over the past couple of years. We also use medium-size eggs, typically not sold at retail as fresh eggs.” 

Say Hello To ‘Oolie’, A Dairy-Free Game Changer

Oolie’s high impact packaging is another benefit in driving sales.

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Source: Oolie

Eight years in the making, the Oolie brand landed on store shelves at H-E-B in April. The world’s first egg-based, protein-rich dairy-free brand, the brand’s line of dips and yogurts are changing the game in taste and nutrition compared to plant-based non-dairy brands.

“There are about 152 million Americans suffering from some form of lactose intolerance that has driven the non-dairy category,” Faith explains. “The result is premium-priced products that are inferior in taste and nutrition compared to Oolie.”

Plant-based non-dairy brands are inherently thin in viscosity and flavor, using fillers, artificial ingredients and sugar to mimic the dairy taste experience. Oolie uses hard-boiled eggs that are imperfect in the peeling process as its base. Thus, the eggs are upcycled rather than disposed of. The creamy, flavorful texture is a natural enhancement for better taste and nutrition.

“Our proprietary patent-pending process uses a 50% egg base for a creamier texture and rich flavor,” says Faith. “We also consulted with top chefs to create some deliciously engaging flavors consumers love.” Oolie dips include Spicy Pepper, Garlic & Herb, Yellow Curry, Mediterranean Tomato, and Red Beet Bliss. The dips offer 2 grams of egg protein in each serving with only 50 or less calories. 

Oolie yogurts offer 11 grams of egg-based protein per serving versus two to three grams from plant-based non-dairy products, a significant advantage in nutrition for all ages, including consumers on GLP-1 diets,” says Ferguson. The four yogurt flavors in the patented egg-shaped single serve containers are Vanilla, Berry Blend, Key Lime, and Banana Cream. Additional flavors of Oolie dips and yogurts are planned for later this year.

“We are connecting with top retailers who are very interested in adding the Oolie brand to their store offerings,” says Faith. “Oolie attracts higher income, health-focused consumers who are willing to pay more for products with flavor and nutritional benefits, support higher animal welfare standards, and appreciate sustainable food production.”

The Devil In The Detail Of Deviled Eggs

These deviled egg kits take the hassle and mess out of selling them to shoppers.

| Source: Oolie

Nostalgic and delicious, HBF Foods is bringing convenience and mess-free life to deviled eggs. Pure Provisions Deviled Egg Kits come with trays, lids and retail labels for finishing by retailer staff in store delis. The kits can also be sold directly to consumers for use in home parties or events.

HBF Foods is the only supplier offering clean formulations of the yolk filling in an all-inclusive kit, including decorative-tipped dispensing bags. Kit options include 6, 12, and 24-count trays, each with a 1:1 ratio of white Free-Range egg white halves and yolk filling.  

“Our new deviled egg kits eliminate the greatest barrier for retailers and consumers, the mess and hassle of crafting a great-tasting, fresh deviled egg,” says Faith. “The kit will be a hit for both supermarkets, club stores and even foodservice operators.”

The Hard-Boiled Facts 

Source: Oolie 

HBF Foods offers both Free-Range and Organic hard boiled pre-packaged eggs.

| Source: Oolie

HBF built its business around selling hard-boiled eggs. The company cooks only USDA graded medium Free-Range and Organic eggs. It is the only processor in the U.S. holding to these elevated animal welfare standards.  Additionally, HBF is the only facility including X-ray technology to identify and eliminate shell fragments in the peeling process. “Our cooking standards are a “home-cooked” quality providing hard-boiled eggs with a supple finish without the use of preservatives,” Ferguson explains. The offering includes either Free-Range or Organic eggs in 2 or 6-count packaging.

It All Boils Down To A New Era For Eggs

“Every retailer seeks a supplier that can offer a variety of options beyond shell eggs,” Faith concludes. “The innovation we are bringing to the market offers high-value solutions for store delis and within the refrigerated dairy-free coolers of America’s top retailers. I look forward to sharing our solutions at the IDBBA Show (Booth 1866) or contact me via e-mail anytime at faith.ferguson@hbffoods.com.”