Products Reviewed: Asian-Infused Jamaican Jerk Marinade

Packaging/Labeling: The bottle has a simple, attractive, somewhat comical label featuring a likeness of “Judo Joel” himself. The bottle is a standard 12oz glass marinade/sauce-type bottle that allows plenty of visibility of the marinade.

The nutrition facts label and ingredients label are standard, and as they should appear on this type of product. Closer examination reveals that the product is “All Natural,” a big plus with some consumers, which could be more beneficial to emphasize on the front of the label.

There is also a short comical story about Judo Joel, the marinade, and it’s uses on the other side of the label. Interestingly the label states that it makes a great ingredient to use in a Bloody Mary, a use not commonly associated with a marinade, and an added incentive for a different demographic (Bloody Mary lovers) to make a purchase.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: If you are looking for a bold marinade with a lot of flavor and a spicy kick that can be used for multiple meats (and even Bloody Marys) then you have found it. The consistency of the marinade was thick and very chunky, which surprisingly didn’t all slide off while grilling, as is the case with most marinades we’ve encountered.

The product was sampled after marinating for five hours on boneless, skinless chicken breasts that were then grilled. The taste is instantly flavorful with hints of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic on the front end, with a bold spicy habañero pepper “Judo Chop” on the back end. This is a very good marinade, and we recommend the product.

Uniqueness: I can’t think of another marinade that I’ve ever come across that is an “Asian-infused, Jamaican Jerk marinade”. The combination of Asian and Caribbean flavors and ingredients play off one and other in an unlikely harmony, that really brings a unique flavor to the table.

Price Point: At around $5.00 per bottle, the price puts this marinade on the shelf with other more common competitors, and allows it to stand out as a fantastic alternative to the ordinary big name players on the market. Consumers should be pleasantly surprised with this purchase and should continue to come back for more.

Overall ranking: 8.5/10

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Packaging/Labeling: The bottle includes simple instructions for marinating, supplemented by a detailed continuation of guidelines on a small thank-you card included with the product. The URL is included on the bottle, and more extensive contact information is included on the card. It is unclear how this printed piece could be incorporated into retail sales. When delivered, however, the printed collateral was a very impressive addition. A novice behind the grill would benefit from the tips provided by Chef Harold.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: With a perfect balance of garlic and sweetness, boasting tangy undertones, it is created for poultry, beef, pork and lamb. We used the marinade on both a loin top and a round top cut of beef, and we were blown away with how the marinade significantly improved the texture and taste of the inferior cut of meat. The consensus was that we’d rather buy cheaper meat and use this marinade, than eat an expensive steak…hands down.

Uniqueness: While the marinade can be used with poultry, beef, pork and lamb, the brochure accompanying the marinade provided guidelines for preparation of porterhouse, top loin, tenderloin, ribeye and top sirloin cuts. This beef-niche allows it to compete with fewer others. The diversity of beef cuts creates an opportunity for this marinade to shine, as we strongly preferred the lower-quality meat – enhanced by this marinade – over the higher-grade cut of beef. Consumers looking to reach past leading big name brands on the shelf into more gourmet territory can dress up plain-jane beef in a way that mass-produced marinades do not typically perform.

Price Point: $4.99 per bottle makes this gourmet item very approachable, even within the mainstream grocery retail environment.

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Company: Russian River Fine Foods
Products Reviewed: Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Sauce, Chipotle Ketchup, Smoky River Barbecue Sauce.

Roasted Garlic Teriyaki Sauce

Packaging/Labeling: Very nice look-and-feel. Beautiful use of colors. Common bottle, but quality labeling. Does not list company URL on label.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: great garlic taste, with a hint of sweetness. Perfect as marinade for chicken and drizzle sauce over rice.

Uniqueness: in a very competitive, saturated market segment.

Comparables: Stonewall Kitchen, Asian Creations by Linh & Loann, Inc

Price Point: low

Possible Obstacles: great competition, heavy to ship. Retail price leads to believe that only very small margins are possible when selling wholesale and/or when involving brokers and distributors.

Possible Opportunities: high end product for attractive retail price.

Chipotle Ketchup

Packaging/Labeling: Very nice look-and-feel. Common bottle, but quality labeling. Does not list company URL on label.

Taste/Consistency/Quality: very unique ketchup, fresh tasting. Very balanced in flavors.

Uniqueness: very unique product in the large condiment segment. Very little competition.

Comparables: www.millbreaux.com, http://www.ketchapeno.com/id2.html

Price Point: average-low

Possible Obstacles: heavy to ship, need to get people to try for first time.

Possible Opportunities: very unique product that appeals to chileheads and curious shoppers.

Notes: great, unique product. We have seen a few companies come to market with a chipotle ketchup, and it is becoming more and more popular. Push this product hard and stay on the leading edge before it becomes too common of an item.

Smoky River Barbecue Sauce

Packaging/Labeling: Quality bottling and labeling. Beautiful color scheme. Does not list company URL on label

Taste/Consistency/Quality: unique flavor, fresh tasting.

Uniqueness: great unique flavor, but very saturated market. Hard to differentiate product in BBQ Sauce category.

Comparables: Maurice’s BBQ Sauce, Texas Firehouse, Bone Suckin’ Sauce

Price Point: average-low

Possible Obstacles: great competition, heavy to ship. Retail price leads to believe that only very small margins are possible when selling wholesale and/or when involving brokers and distributors

Possible Opportunities: high end product for great price should be attractive to retailers and consumers alike. Beautiful packaging will be appealing on shelves.

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