California-based Bolthouse Farms has announced plans to introduce 'refrigerated snacking destinations' to U.S. retail stores, featuring seven products across smoothie, fruit tube and veggie snacker lines.

The Bolthouse Farms Kids line comes from the same company that made baby carrots mainstream in the packaged food sector, and is claimed to have been designed for 'maximum kid craveability' but without the added preservatives of junk food.

"The launch of Bolthouse Farms Kids™ underscores our commitment to continually inspire healthy eating in children through products and flavors that make fruits and vegetables fun," Bolthouse Farms CEO Jeff Dunn said in a release.

"Junk food is winning the war on grabbing the attention of Americans, particularly our kids.

"Our hope is that by introducing a line of products that kids want to eat and moms can feel good about we can drive a lasting love of these foods and a healthier future for the next generation."

The retail destinations will vary by retailer and may include items such as pre-cut fruit, fruit purees and fruit-and-vegetable snack packs, with Bolthouse providing full merchandising systems to implement on-shelf.

The smoothies will include 'Strawberry Meets Banana' and 'Peach Meets Mango' flavors, while the fruit tubes will include 'Meets Banana & Pineapple', 'Strawberry Meets Banana' and 'Blueberry Meets Raspberry With Greek Yogurt.

For the veggie snackers the line will include 'Carrot Meets Ranch' and 'Carrot Meets Chili Lime'.

The new products will be available nationwide and regionally in retailers such as Giant Eagle, A&P, Hy-Vee and more beginning August 11, 2014.

Photo: Bolthouse Farms

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