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Hodgson Mill Plans Major Product Line Extension of Legacy Brand Kentucky Kernel

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The popular Kentucky Kernel brand has existed for decades, but limited to only two SKU’s

EFFINGHAM, IL – Kentucky Kernel, a subsidiary brand and product line owned and manufactured by national whole grain foods producer Hodgson Mill,  has announced plans for a significant boost in its national profile and growth for the product line.  Four new flavors of Kentucky Kernel seasoned coating mixes will be launched in the first quarter of 2018, with more new products to follow.

The new products mark a significant company investment in the expansion of the popular Kentucky Kernel brand, which has to date mainly offered only two distinct products: the famous Seasoned Flour with its “secret blend” of 10 herbs and spices, and Sweet Cornbread Baking Mix.

The new products have been developed to complement the same brand personality of the original seasoned flour, focused on the comfort-food flavors of the American south and southern cooking traditions.  The new mixes will feature a variety of delicious flavor combinations, drawing from regional tastes and traditional cuisines such as Louisiana and the deep south.

The products will be distributed through leading national grocery distributors, with initial product availability through direct consumer online sales. Online sales for all new products will be available as of February 15th, 2018.

“Our signature Kentucky Kernel Seasoned Flour has been consistently strong in sales for a very long time, and our company made a strategic decision to grow the line and build off that consumer loyalty and strong brand equity,” said Jonathan Thomas, VP of Sales & Marketing. “Distributors and retailers should know that we expect the rollout of these new products to benefit from consumer awareness of the already well-established brand name and reputation for quality. We’re also fully committed to helping spur sales, and are supporting the launch with a full-court marketing and PR program throughout 2018 and beyond.”

Thomas noted that the proactive marketing campaign will start with a bespoke promotional and advertising campaign with the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, leveraging one of the product’s key consumer demographics and its own historical southern roots.

In addition, the company will launch a brand new website specifically for the Kentucky Kernel line of products (www.KentuckyKernel.com) where consumers can find recipes, tips, coupons and other rewards. The company plans to leverage the website and social media to team up with influencers strong in the Southern Food tradition throughout 2018.

The new SKU’s will come in standard 7 oz. package sizes, and will carry an MSRP of $2.59.  All of the new mixes feature genuine herbs, spices and flavors, with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavorings, no MSG, and no added sugar.

The company encourages distributors and retailers who are interested in learning more to contact a Hodgson Mill sales representative.

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About Kentucky Kernel
Kentucky Kernel celebrates the Southern Traditions of great flavor, family-style cooking, and satisfying comfort food. Kentucky Kernel is a privately held subsidiary of the popular natural foods company Hodgson Mill. The Hodgson Mill product family includes Stone-Ground Flours and Corn Meal, Bread and Baking Mixes, Hot Cereals, Pastas, Gluten-Free products, and much more. Since 1882, Hodgson Mill has applied the ‘premium quality, nothing added, nothing taken away’ philosophy to all its deliciously healthy foods. For more information visit www.HodgsonMill.com

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