ALLENDALE, N.J. -- The Promotion In Motion Cos. Inc. (PIM), manufacturers and marketers of candy and fruit snack brands for more than 30 years, has announced the appointment of Rick LaRue as the company's vice president of international sales.
In this role, LaRue will spearhead PIM's growth efforts internationally across a broad range of their portfolio of products.
LaRue brings more than 25 years of experience in confections and cookies, having previously been vice president of sales with Lambertz USA, a division of the fifth largest cookie company in the world as well as with Goetze Candy and The American Chicle Co.
"We are very pleased to have Rick join our team" said Michael Rosenberg, president and CEO of PIM. "He brings with him considerable industry experience, knowledge and a commitment to help propel strong international growth for our company".
In addition to his role at PIM, LaRue is currently vice chairman of the Sweets & Snacks Expo, the largest confectionery and snack food trade show in North America, and is a member of the Candy Hall of Fame.
In other company news, PIM has launch of Juicefuls, which are fruit snacks made with real fruit and filled with 100% real fruit juices in the center. Developed using a patent-pending process and launching nationwide in May 2012, Juicefuls will be available in three flavors: Fruit Wave, Berry Mania and Strawberry Blast!
A new "better-for-you product" in the fruit snack category, Juicefuls contains 100% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C and 25% of Vitamins A and E, fat free, gluten free, containing no preservatives and 80 calories per pack.
"We are thrilled to be bringing a product to the fruit snacks category that contains real fruit and real fruit juices, and is also delicious," said Josh Shapiro, PIM's vice president of marketing. "As families become increasingly interested in smarter snack alternatives, we continue to drive outstanding innovation to meet their needs. This product shows our continued dedication to creating better-for-you snacks that are delicious, fun and the whole family loves."
In addition to the eight-count box with suggested retail of $2.99, the brand launch will also include a 4.25-oz. peg bag for $1.99 and a 1.75-oz. pouch for 89 cents. The product will be available for purchase nationwide from club stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores, convenience stores, movie theatres, vending machines and other retailers.
Allendale, N.J.-based PIM's proprietary and licensed brands include Welch's Fruit Snacks and Fruit 'n Yogurt Snacks, Sun-Maid Milk Chocolate Raisins, My M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies, Fisher Milk Chocolate Peanuts, Tuxedos Chocolate Almonds, Sour Jacks Sour Candies, Nuclear Sqworms Sour Neon Gummi Worms, Gummy Factory Gummi Candies, Toggi Fine European Chocolate Wafers, Bake Shoppe Cookie Dough Miniatures, Juicefuls Juice Filled Fruit Snacks and more.
Its subsidiaries and affiliates include Promotion In Motion Canada Inc., Promocion en Mocion Mexico, Grupo de Alimentación Promotion In Motion Iberia SA de CV, Promotion In Motion UK Ltd., Farmer's Choice Food Brands and PIM Brands LLC.
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