In an unusual example of cross-branding, a new
line of frozen foods is taking its name from the venerable “Joy of Cooking”
cookbook. On the 75th anniversary of Irma Rombauer’s classic, publisher Simon
& Schuster has licensed the “Joy of Cooking” name to Bellisio Foods,
Duluth, Minn., producer of Michelina’s and other frozen food brands. The
product categories, which include entrees, side dishes, vegetables and breads,
are identified by color-coded bars and wording. The graphics, designed by brand
consultant
CBX, feature white backgrounds with the distinctive
white-on-red Joy of Cooking circle logo. Side panels include recipes to allow
consumers to customize the dishes, playing off the cookbook theme. Test
marketing of 22 items is under way nationwide, with more items planned for
testing this month.