Reames Recipe contest is a major success with the Hen House group in Kansas City
The Marzetti Frozen Pasta brand, Reames Old Fashioned Egg Noodles, was the focus of a recipe contest in Kansas City and the results were outstanding.
Larry Borchardt (Schraad's Business Manager for Marzetti products), Joe Bardwell and Lance Seibert (Marzetti Company), and Peggy Delury (Schraad's Account Manager for Ball's stores) came up with the idea of holding a recipe contest using Reames products. the idea was then sold to the Hen House group of stores in Kansas City. The contest was kicked off in February of 2008 with an ad announcing the contest including prizes for the top five recipes chosen. The contest was also promoted on the Hen House web site and with in-store posters and tear pads.
Five recipes were chosen as finalists and the entrants were invited to a Hen House store for a cook-off and judging on Saturday April 5. Hen House announced the cook-off, had an in-store radio remote with KCMO 710 radio, and the recipes were cooked and judged.
Ethel Reames, who along with her husband Bill Reames founded Reames Foods, traveled from Des Moines, IA and was one of the judges. Joining Mrs. Reames were David Hammerberg and Bud and Connie Chiles, all from Des Moines. David is the VP of Food Service for Marzetti Frozen Pasta and his wife Cindy is Mrs. Reames oldest daughter. Bud is the plant manager for the original Reames plant.
the in-store excitement was tremendous. some children of one of the finalists even brought posters and signs supporting their parents while others cheered. the contest was an overwhelming success!!
Love'n Libby Recipe Contest
This promotion bundled the "Libby Libby" jingle with a consumers recipe contest. Hen House shoppers were asked to send in their favorite recipe using Libby Vegetable products. The top five recipes were selected by judges and then these entrants were invited to prepare them for judges at one of the Hen House stores. A winner was selected from the five finalists.
Hen House ran this promotion for four consecutive weeks. The event was supported with Libby display's in all stores, in-store posters, and weekly circular ads.
Guitar Hero Event Rocked the Hen House Stores!!
This promotion was tied to Malt-O-Meal bag cereal displays. Consumers were asked to submit essays explaining why they are a "Guitar Hero". The top 10 entrees were selected and asked to play the "Guitar Hero" video game at a local Hen House store. The winner received a 42" flat screen TV.
All Hen House stores supported this event with with four weeks of displays, in-store signs, and weekly circular ads. The consumer interest was fanatic and the excitement was felt throughout all stores!
Chef Jasper's "Cooking School" sponsored by Red Gold Tomatoes and New York Frozen Bread
The Red Gold Company and New York Frozen Bread Company teamed up with Chef Jasper to create a live radio remote at a Hen House store. Chef Jasper used the Hen House facilities during his live cooking school broadcast and created several delicious recipes using Red Gold Tomatoes and New York's Ciabatta bread. During his broadcast he interviewed the Red Gold family and promoted their company heritage.
All Hen House stores supported this event with multiple displays, in-store signs, and weekly circular. The stores also competed with each other to receive awards from a display contest. Three stores were selected as display contest winners and the competition was intense.
