(Modesto, Calif., June 5) Cran-Almond Treasures, an indulgent, nutritious snack developed by students at Pennsylvania State University, captured the top prize in the Almond Innovations Contest sponsored by the Almond Board of California (ABC).

In keeping with current health food trends, this years contest theme, 200 Calorie Small Indulgences, challenged students to create original, nutritious and indulgent almond products containing 200 calories or less.  The contest provided an opportunity for students to formulate a product ripe for todays market: In 2006, almonds were featured in almost a quarter of all new nut-containing products introduced in the U.S. 1

The team of food science students at Pennsylvania State University came up with a concept that wowed the panel of judges: a flavorful almond-flour based cookie studded with almonds and dried cranberries, and dipped in dark chocolate.  Each cookie contains 105 calories, with no trans fat and no cholesterol.

The winning formulation is a great example for product developers and foodservice operators of how almonds can work in multiple ways to add nutrition, texture and flavor to snack foods, said Harbinder Maan, Manager of Food Service and Industrial Marketing at ABC.  Cran-Almond Treasures taste and feel luxurious, and they naturally contain antioxidants, vitamin E, calcium, fiber, magnesium and potassium, a rarity for most indulgent food items.

The top student team received $5,000 in cash and will showcase their Cran-Almond Treasures at the Almond Board of California booth at Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) 2007 Food Expo in July 2007 (booth number 3476).

We developed Cran-Almond Treasures with todays health-conscious adults in mind.  Very few snack foods on the market today contain our products healthful combination of almonds, cranberries, and dark chocolate, said team representative Alicia Holt.  Were excited to attend the IFT Food Expo to share our treats with attendees and get their feedback.

The contest provided an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate university students studying food science, culinology and related majors to gain hands-on experience in product development.  This years contest, which called for almond products containing a maximum of 200 calories per serving, aligns with consumers growing interest in almonds2 and demand for guiltless indulgences.  

According to ABCs latest independent survey, the top reasons consumers purchase almonds are taste and nutrition.  The judges kept this fact in mind when evaluating the entries, and also considered the awareness and preferences of Jane, a personification of the Almond Board of Californias primary target consumer.  

Jane, who is 35 years of age and older, is one of 42 million consumers with a healthy demand for foods with almonds.  She also profoundly influences those around her on topics of food and health.  Jane is the real-life manifestation of todays health-oriented, food-involved, convenience-seeking consumer, and she would be just the type who would crave small indulgences like Cran-Almond Treasures, Maan said.

ABCs research on Jane also shows that:
* Janes consumption of almonds accounts for nearly 43 percent of almond pound growth from 2001-2004.

* Sixty-five percent of Janes report that almonds are a nut they choose to eat on an ongoing basis.

* More than two in three Janes (68 percent) agree that almonds are packed with nutrients that support good health.3

* The great majority, 91 percent, of Janes agree that foods with almonds are better nutritionally.2

All contest submissions were required to include at least one nutrition statement in accordance with current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.  The entries were judged on a 100-point scale, with 25 percent awarded to use of almonds, 20 percent for marketability, 20 percent for originality, 20 percent for feasibility and 15 percent for nutrition.
 
For more information about the Almond Innovations Contest, visit www.AlmondsAreIn.com/studentcontest.

Research Sources:
1 Mintel Global New Products Introduction Report, 2006.

2 The Sterling-Rice Group, Boulder, Colo., 2006.  U.S. Consumer Attitudes, Awareness and Usage of California Almonds.

3 Porter Novelli, Washington, DC. 2006.  Consumer Styles Data.

Attention, Media:
Please contact Molly Spence at (312) 856-8843 or Max Martens at (310) 444-7084 for more information, or for the formulation or an electronic color photo of Cran-Almond Treasures.

The Almond Board of California administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.  Established in 1950, the Boards charge is to promote the best quality almonds, Californias largest tree nut crop.  For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit www.AlmondsAreIn.com.