PASTA PRIMA INTRODUCES FIRST GLUTEN FREE REFRIGERATED RAVIOLI ON THE MARKET

Company also expands with organic offerings and renewable packaging

BENICIA, Calif. – May 24, 2011 – Pasta Prima is bringing innovation to the refrigerated pasta section with two new ravioli lines in earth-friendly packaging. A certified Gluten Free offering, the first of its kind, and a certified Organic variety will hit store shelves this summer.

It took months of testing by Pasta Prima’s culinary team to perfect the melt-in-your mouth flavors and al dente texture of the new Gluten Free refrigerated ravioli line. The same delicious taste and tender bite of traditional wheat pasta has been recreated in Pasta Prima’s new Gluten Free ravioli. A 100 percent natural blend of corn and rice flour replaces the traditional wheat flour.

Certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization, a program of the Gluten Intolerance Group, the line will launch with two flavors:

• Gluten Free Butternut Squash: bright seasonal squash blended with parmesan cheese and sage
• Gluten Free Five Cheese: fresh ricotta and mozzarella mixed with imported parmesan and Romano, and aged Asiago

 

To further cater to the health-conscious consumer, Pasta Prima is also introducing a new USDA Certified Organic line of refrigerated ravioli. Made from organic semolina flour and fresh organic whole eggs, this pasta is offered in three delicious organic fillings.

Certified Organic by the USDA and the California Certified Organic Farmers, the trio of new flavor-filled pastas includes:

• Organic Spinach and Cheese: tender leaves of spinach blended with fresh mozzarella cheese
• Organic Portobello Mushroom: savory mushrooms with garlic, thyme, sweet onions and a four cheese blend
• Organic Butternut Squash: flavorful squash with parmesan cheese and hints of sage

 

“We’ve taken great care to ensure every ingredient we use is of the highest quality. Our culinary team then makes sure they’re perfectly balanced to deliver restaurant quality flavor right at home,” said Pasta Prima President Ryan Tu. “Even in this value-oriented economy, we know consumers continue to seek out organic and gluten free products for their inherent health benefits – that’s why we’re pleased to offer these two new lines, both firsts for the refrigerated filled pasta category.”

New Lines Packaged in Plant-Based Material
To further its commitment to sustainability, Pasta Prima’s newest products will be packaged in 80 percent renewable, plant-based materials called EarthClear. By eliminating petroleum-based plastics, it takes half as much energy to produce the packaging. This is the company’s second green project: in April, Pasta Prima announced the use of 100 percent renewable energy in its production facilities, making the company the first refrigerated pasta brand to take this step.

Like all Pasta Prima’s products, the new Organic and Gluten Free offerings use 100 percent natural ingredients, free from preservatives, GMOs, artificial flavors, fillers and flavor enhancers. All five new SKUs are scheduled to arrive in supermarket deli refrigerated sections late this summer in 8 oz. and 16 oz. containers. The brand’s full line of refrigerated pastas, including 20 SKUs of delicious ravioli and tortellini, are available in retail and club stores across the country. Prices vary from $3.99 to $4.99 at retail and $9.99 to $12.99 at club stores.

About Pasta Prima

Pasta Prima is an independent, family-owned company located nearby the renowned Napa Valley, Calif., with a mission to produce healthy, 100 percent natural foods rich with gourmet flavor. Founded in 1984, the company manufactures premium, high-quality filled pastas, selling dozens of varieties at club and grocery stores nationwide and producing private label brands for fine grocers and restaurants. The Pasta Prima brand of premium quality, hand crafted filled pasta introduced in 1993 has grown into a complete line of 100 percent natural ravioli and tortellini still made in small batches with only the finest ingredients. For more information, visit www.pastaprima.com or www.facebook.com/pastaprimafoods."

 

Contact:

Sarah Lemmon, Maxwell PR

(503) 231-3086, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it