National Launch of Annie’s® Fruit Friends™ in Whole Foods, Kroger, and Retailers Across the U.S.

HOUSTON, TX – Oct. 11, 2024 – Chief Outsiders is thrilled to congratulate its long-time CPG client, Charles & Alice®, on their new strategic co-brand partnership with General Mills’ beloved Annie’s® brand. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both companies as they introduce Annie’s Fruit Friends™, a line of organic fruit pouches, now available nationwide.

“Since 1935, Charles & Alice has been a trailblazer in producing premium quality chilled fruit purees in France,” said Art Saxby, CEO of Chief Outsiders. “Their innovative Fruit Friends™ brand, launched in the U.S. in 2020 and manufactured in Lancaster, PA, has quickly achieved national distribution at Walmart. We are delighted to see this exciting partnership unfold.”

In their announcement this week, Jim Schneider, President of Charles & Alice North America, shared, “New Annie’s Fruit Friends are now available nationwide at Whole Foods, Kroger, and regional retailers across the U.S.”

Giulia Quattrone, Sr. Brand Manager, Natural & Organic Brand at General Mills, added, “Annie’s Fruit Friends fruit pouches are a welcome addition to our brand portfolio and exemplify the values of our Promise for Better. Made with organic fruits and vegetables, these pouches are filled with yummy goodness and made with purposeful ingredients that families will love. “These pouches are organic, non-GMO, have zero added sugar, and are gluten-free, with about 50 calories per pouch.

“At Charles & Alice, we’re committed to enhancing global health,” Schneider continued. “Our vision is to provide easy access to the natural benefits of fruit worldwide, offering convenient, nutritious options for active lifestyles. Through shared values and partnerships, we’re dedicated to producing high-quality fruit products responsibly, supporting families, and making a positive global impact.”

Joe Gordon, VP of Sales at Charles & Alice North America, stated, “Annie’s Fruit Friends is a disruptive entry into the category, creating new growth opportunities for retailers. You’ll find Annie’s Fruit Friends in the fruit squeeze pouch section, available in a convenient 10-pack of 3.2oz pouches, in five delicious flavors: Apple, Apple-Strawberry, Apple-Spinach, Apple-Banana, and Apple-Carrot.”

Evan Eckman, VP of Marketing, announced, “We’re excited to launch our back-to-school campaign, ‘Make Friends with Fruit Friends.’ Our campaign will feature impactful content to build awareness and promotional incentives to generate trials. We’re thrilled to unveil our new TV ad, crafted by Red Tettemer O’Connell & Partners, highlighting how Annie’s Fruit Friends, made with wholesome ingredients, can spark new friendships.”

About Chief Outsiders

Chief Outsiders, the nation’s leading Executives-as-a-Service firm, helps CEOs identify and deploy the fractional marketing and sales executives they need to accelerate growth. The firm’s cohesive team of more than 120 fractional executives act as Strategic Operators™ to achieve results. They blend insight, strategy, and execution to deliver revenue engines that drive long-term profitable growth for businesses. 

Having served on the executive teams of more than 2,000 client companies, including more than 60 CPG companies, Chief Outsiders’ fractional executives drive growth strategy and execution plans by offering instant access to talent with highly customized and flexible engagements. Each Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Sales Officer has led marketing or sales at a diverse set of large corporations, including many Fortune 500 firms. Inc. Magazine has recognized Chief Outsiders for ten consecutive years as one of the 5,000 fastest growing privately held companies in the US. The company was also recognized as a Forbes Small Giant in 2019.

“The Growth Gears: Using a Market-Based Framework to Drive Business Success,” is an Amazon #1 best-seller for business owners and CEOs co-authored by Chief Outsiders’ CEO Art Saxby and Principal Pete Hayes. For additional information about the companies and CEOs who trust Chief Outsiders as their premier source for business growth acceleration, visit us at www.chiefoutsiders.com.

CONTACT: Sterling Wilkinson, SWilkinson@ChiefOutsiders.com