Something smelled good across the aisle. It was the Chicken Enchilada Soup by Cugino's. It was deliciously hearty and packaged in a 7.5 oz. clear bag.

Tom, VP of sales, explained that the soup, which includes baked chips in the mix, only takes 15 minutes to make. $3.50 each, and shelf life is one year to 18 months. The 8-cup mix, which is 4.32 oz., is $2.50 each.

They also sell a Garlic Bread Spread in an 8 oz. jar which I didn't think I'd like, but it was quite savory with no overbearing garlic flavor. I tried it on a cracker, but it's also great on potatoes and vegetables. Yummy.

8 oz. glass container is $4.25 each; 8 oz. plastic container is $3.75 each. Other products includes dips, sauces, and marinades.

If some of your clients like it hot, then Blair's Death Sauces and Snacks may sell what they want. What got my attention at this booth were the potato chips packaged in colorful bags emblazoned with a skeleton head. Seems like it would be a great men's product, but ladies also like the heat. All five flavors of chips, packaged in 2 oz. bags, aren't hot as blazes.

There's margarita, jalapeno cheddar, barbecue, Cajun and habenero. I tasted the margarita, which has a pinch of lime flavoring. Exotic and tasty.

Other products within the line are dry spices, hot sauces, candles, dips, and salsas.

The good news is that the potato chips are 66 cents per bag and have a six-month shelf life. The bad news is that there's an eight case minimum. Although this may prohibit you from buying the product, you may want to look for it at local wholesalers where minimums may not blow your budget.

Blackbeard's Rum Company sells rum cakes in large and small sizes, packaged in a box with - guess what - a pirate logo. I tried the traditional cake, which has walnuts added, and the chocolate flavor. Both were very moint with good flavor; no aftertaste. Other cake flavors are coconut, banana, and mango. Six month shelf life. They also sell sauces and spices.

Since Blackbeard's is based in the Cayman Islands, case pricing could be considered as rich as the product's taste. If you pick up a case order from your local airport, the price if $180-$190, depending on the flavor. If it's delivered straight to you, the price is $228-$238. Unfortunately, the company representative didn't fully explain how much product is packaged in a case. Hopefully, the Web site will provide more details.

It's always a joy to speak with a wholesaler who was once a retailer, making that person keenly aware of what retailers want in terms of products and minimums.

Marci of Generation Tea gave me the grand tour of over 40 teas, made in and shipped from China. No "tea blends" here. These are premium, loose-leaf teas in clear, resealable packages. She poured me a cup of Rosebud Tea, and I doubt I'll ever return to a tea bag. The taste was light, filling my nose and mouth with a clean, rosy aroma.

Choose from white and green teas (fresh and light in flavor), Oolong teas (rich and fruity), and Pu-erh teas (deep and earthy).

Generation Tea is packaged in 2 oz. and 4 oz. sizes ($3.25 to $15 each, some teas are more expensive), and Marci packages 1/2 oz. sizes for gift basket retailers ($1.25 to $4.50 each). She also sells teapots specifically for these teas but can be used for any brand of tea.

Most pots are unglazed on the inside, the best type of pot to use with these teas. Another is made from glass and includes a strainer in the center ($4.50). It's attractive and a perfect basket size.

Boxco displayed its new products. They now sell Crinkle Cut shred in 2 oz. bags for $1.00 each. There's also a line of 8 oz. bottles filled with gumballs or jelly beans. Many themes, including baby girl or boy, thanks, get well, junk food, and congratulations (no price on the flyer).

All-occasion 12 oz. ceramic mugs are$4.25. The new holiday ornaments are cute. Most are ceramic, including a jingle bell ($2.50, opens in half), acrylic goblet ($1.75), teapot ($3.50), and snowman candy dish ($2.50).

What was the woman in the Regenie's booth wearing as she offered me a sample of the company's Crunchy Pita bites? A genie outfit, of course. Actually, I didn't notice her attire, as it wasn't revealing and was worn tastefully (excuse the pun).

I tried the Tomato Basil & Parmesan Crunchy Pita. Light, crispy and delightful. There are 11 flavors, including Garlic & Parmesan, Cinnamon Maple Sugar, Sour Cream & Onion, and Bacon & Cheddar. Each 2 oz. bag is 69 cents. It's all-natural, cholesterol free and is made with no preservatives. Six-month shelf life. Two thumbs up from me.

The Ojai Cook (pronounced "o-high") sells snacks and condiments coated with citrus flavors. I tasted the Citrus Snack Pack, a fruit and nut mix (banana chips, cranberries, walnuts, raisins, and more) splashed with orange. Nice and tropical. It's packaged in a 2 oz. clear bag ($1.09), 6 oz. clear bag ($2.49), or 2 oz. pillow pack ($2.30).

There's also a chocolate bark laced with orange flavor (94 cents each), which I believe is sold by the dozen. Two thumbs up for this combination.

The condiment line includes sauces, marmalades, mustards, and Lemonaise, "an all-natural mayonnaise with a strong lemon/mustard infusion."

is fabulous as a gift basket product or as a marketing product for you or your customers.

They sell giant, personalized fortune cookies wrapped in cellophane bags and topped with an elegant bow ($13.25). Each fortune cookie is drizzled or dipped in one of a gazillion toppings, and is delivered to you or drop shipped to your customer.

Fancy Food Show Report Continues -- Page 2

NOTE:
Information in each Show Report provides details on products displayed at trade shows. It does not constitute 1) company or product endorsements or 2) prevailing products or prices.

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