The company has secured listings for its pea protein crisp on the German retail market – with supermarket chain EDEKA Südwest and REWE Süd, among others – as well as on all national and international Lufthansa-operated Eurowings flights.
As a flight attendant and part of the Cabin Management Team of Germanwings (now Eurowings), PaPicante cofounder Nadja Schoser wanted to create a savory and healthy counterpart to sweet cereal bars and other calorific snacks served on board.
“Frequent travellers, particularly, complained about the lack of healthy snack alternatives to crisps or peanuts,” Schoser told BakeryandSnacks.
“First evaluations show that our snack bars are well received in the BEST area (equal to Business Class), and sold frequently in the BASIC area as a light snack on Eurowings.”
Taking flight
Schoser revealed that PaPicante has been invited by Lufthansa Catering LSG Sky Chefs to be part of its Brand Catalogue 2018. The brand also featured on the cover of the WingsBistro menu.
Now the PaPicante partners – Schoser, who is also in charge of marketing & communications, and Tobias Zinßer, who looks after sales & distribution – are hoping to introduce PaPis to the UK market.
“According to our market research, the British like savory snacks and are open for innovative, healthy products,” said Schoser, adding the Stuttgart-based startup is looking for an experienced distributor to assist it in this regard.
Clean label superfood
PaPis are available in three flavors - American Style, Mediterranean Style and Asian Style – made from naturalingredients – like pea protein crisps, rice syrup and puffed quinoa – sourced from European suppliers.
The branding has recently undergone a facelift, with new packaging and display boxes “designed to reflect the healthy heartiness and premium quality of the brand at first glance,” says Schoser.
“Our clean label bars are a high source of protein and fiber, are gluten- and GMO-free, contain no preservatives or flavour enhances, and are suitable for vegetarians and vegans (depending on the flavour,” she added.
Quality Eater vs Mobile Eater
She also noted that PaPis meet current food trends and are positioned to appeal to two unique target groups.
Quality Eaters appreciate quality, sustainability and health. According to a study conducted by Nestlé in 2015, one in four Germans is considered a Quality Eater, often being nature lovers, figure- or nutrition-conscious people and, in many cases, flexitarians, vegetarians and vegans.
Conversely, more Europeans are becoming Mobile Eaters who regularly eat several small snacks instead of three classic meals.
Both groups demonstrate a growing tendency to turn away from sweet flavors toward savory snacks.
“PaPis fit into a busy, mobile lifestyle and offers a novel snacking experience with a clear conscience,” said Schoser.
PaPis have a RRP between €1,79 and €1,99 in delis and speciality food stores, and €2.90 on Eurowings.