Biltmore’s licensing division is pleased to announce expansion into the gourmet foods category through a new partnership with Atlanta Cheesecake Company for a line of specialty desserts. In addition, Biltmore salad dressings and marinades are now available in over 1000 retail stores in the Southeast through a partnership with Vita Foods Company. The Biltmore gourmet foods program is a natural extension of the 8,000-acre estate’s culinary heritage and mission to continue operation as a self-sustaining farm. Food lovers can now enjoy George and Edith Vanderbilt's legacy of taste and hospitality through Biltmore wines and chef-inspired foods, perfect for everyday meals and gatherings.

 

“We are delighted that we have the opportunity to offer high-quality desserts inspired by our talented chefs and the Vanderbilts’ love of food and entertaining,” said Tim Rosebrock, Vice President and General Manager for Biltmore’s licensing division. "This extension of our brand, combined with Biltmore’s history as a successful vintner, provides the perfect recipe for cultivating a chef-inspired culinary program." 

 

The Biltmore desserts will be offered in familiar but decadent flavors including Vanilla Bean Cheesecake, Chocolate Fantasy Torte and Crème Brûlée Cheesecake. They will be available at Club stores and in-store bakeries by the fourth quarter of 2010. The dressings and marinades are offered in six varieties including a Soy Ginger marinade and Orange Poppy Seed dressing. 

 

Nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore embodies the vision of founder George W. Vanderbilt and the luxury of the Gilded Age. At its heart stands Biltmore House, completed in 1895, which remains America’s largest home and a National Historic Landmark. In keeping with the Vanderbilt tradition of entertaining in style, today’s estate guests are treated not only to the elegant sights of a 19th century country estate, but to epicurean pleasures reminiscent of the Vanderbilts’ gracious lifestyle. 

 

The property’s agricultural services contribute to overall profitability and preservation of the estate while supplying its six restaurants with fresh produce and fine wines. These restaurants have established a reputation for excellence, featuring estate-raised products and wines.

 

The licensing partnerships between Biltmore, Vita Food Products and Atlanta Cheesecake Company were brokered by The Valen Group. Biltmore plans to continue to expand its line of chef-inspired, gourmet-quality foods into categories including entrees, appetizers, artisan breads and cheeses. 

 

For more information on Biltmore food products please visit www.biltmoregourmet.com.

 

Launched in 1990, Biltmore's licensing division has grown to be a highly recognized brand, drawing on the historical treasures and inspiration found in Biltmore House and gardens. Through Biltmore® For Your Home and Biltmore® Chateau Reserve, consumers are able to experience both the classic designs found in George Vanderbilt's grand collection of art and furnishings, and the relaxed enjoyment of fine country living.

 

Current Biltmore licensees include Amarr Garage Doors, Anderson Hardwood Floors, Artaissance, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Austin, Belk, Burton + Burton, Capel Rugs, Cottage Gardens, ELK Lighting, Ellington Fans, Encore/Sarreid, Fisher Farms, Habersham, Habersham Feathers, Herter Nursery, Indital USA Stair Parts, Larson-Juhl, Manual Woodworkers & Weavers, Moulding Associates, Inc., Netherland Bulb Co., Oriental Accent, Ridgeway Clock Company, ShadeTree Canopies, Southern Living House Plans, Unique Stone, and Vita Food Products.

 

To learn more about Biltmore's licensing division, visit www.bringbiltmorehome.com.

 

The Valen Group is a strategy consulting and licensing firm that advises food, beverage, and consumer product companies on growth and innovation issues. Areas of expertise are growth strategy development, front-end innovation research, new product development, and licensing program execution. They work with clients such as Chili's, IHOP, Rust-Oleum and other well-known brands.

 

Atlanta Cheesecake Company is a subsidiary of Panarama, Inc. It is a progressive and innovative developer, producer, and distributor of “cutting edge” desserts with an enviable reputation for quality and service, at home and abroad. It is through their distinctive style and strong dedication that they have forged their way to the forefront as a leader in the dessert industry.

 

The Company's Vita Seafood division is a U.S. leader in the herring and retail packaged salmon markets, and is engaged in several other food segments, including cream cheese, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce and horseradish. The Company markets and sells these items under the Vita®, Elf®, Grand Isle® and Jim Beam® brands. More than 95% of Vita Seafood's sales are in kosher foods.

 

Vita Specialty Foods, Inc., the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, markets and sells honey, salad dressings, meat enhancements, dessert toppings and salsas. The Company markets and sells these items under the Virginia Brand®, Oak Hill Farms®, Scorned Woman®, Jim Beam®, Budweiser® and Dr Pepper Snapple Group brands.