Baltimore-based Mason Dixie Foods (masondixiefoods.com) launches what it says are the market’s “first-ever” clean-label Liege Waffles and Liege Waffle Sandwiches. Scratch-made from real ingredients using artisanal techniques, the Liege Waffles blend real pearl sugar crystals into brioche waffle dough so no syrup is needed. Available in both Maple and Apple Cinnamon flavors, the lunchbox-friendly, grab-and-go waffles are thawed and ready to eat by lunchtime or they can be heated in a microwave or oven. The Liege Waffle Sandwiches are crafted with the finest chicken sausage and deliver 10 grams of protein per serving. Available in both Chicken Sausage & Apple and Chicken Sausage & Maple flavors, they’re ready to eat in as few as 80 seconds. All four new items are free from nitrates and nitrites, artificial ingredients, additives, preservatives, colors and flavors. The individually wrapped Liege Waffles come in 8-ounce four-packs with a $6.99 SRP. The 3-ounce sandwiches are sold singly ($3.99 SRP) and in 6-ounce two-packs ($6.99 SRP). All four SKUs are packed 10 to a case.

MAPLE LEAF SALES UP 4.3%
Mississauga, Ontario-based Maple Leaf Foods reported sales up by 4.3% to $1,174.9 million (Canadian) for the first quarter ended March 31. Net loss was $57.7