Customer Profile:
How Calcium Chews and Our Almonds Help Women
According to the USDA’s dietary guidelines, an estimated 60 percent of American women aged 19 and older do not get enough calcium, which can lead to weakened bones, osteoporosis, and heart issues. One problem with the standard treatment for calcium deficiency is that it often involves swallowing large synthetic calcium pills, which can be difficult and intimidating to consume, and cause gastrointestinal side effects in about 20% of the women who take them.
We chose CJ Dannemiller because they have a great product, and we have a wonderful relationship. Their people are very congenial and pleasant, and shipments always arrive on time.
Rethinking Calcium: A Better Way to Absorb Essential Nutrients
Two friends—one with very rare pre-menopausal osteoporosis and the other with a family history of calcium deficiency and resulting bone breakage—decided they had to find a better way to get enough calcium. That might sound like a pipe dream until you realize that Adrienne Bitar and Dr. Jennifer Han are uniquely qualified to tackle the problem.
Adrienne Bitar has a PhD in food studies, while Dr. Jennifer Han is a clinical pharmacist (PharmD). Together, they brought scientific rigor and technical knowledge to the challenge. They envisioned supplements with only a handful of ingredients and called them Calcium Chews. After a year of R&D, they settled on four REAL foods that supply highly bioavailable calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, magnesium, and protein—all targeted toward better bone health.
The Power of Simple, Nutritious Ingredients
The first three ingredients are organic dates, an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants; milk minerals, which provide calcium and aid bone absorption without the calories and fat of milk; and white button mushrooms, which naturally produce vitamin D to boost calcium absorption.
Finding the Perfect Crunch: The Almond Challenge
The fourth ingredient is almonds, which have the highest amount of natural calcium in the tree nut family. Almonds provide a satisfying “mouth feel”—the sought-after crunchy texture and flavor they wanted for Calcium Chews. So, adding chopped, roasted, unsalted almonds to Calcium Chews was a no-brainer—until they attempted to find a source of unadulterated almonds. They tasked an intern with finding a source for “clean” almonds, with no salt, oils, sugars, or other additives. After analyzing over 30 different sources, the intern found only one company that sold the chopped, roasted, and unsalted almonds they wanted: C.J. Dannemiller.
A Supplier You Can Trust
Any first-year economics major could tell you that dealing with the only supplier of a product can be highly risky, since your vendor has “too much” negotiating power. Instead, Calcium Chews found itself in a supply relationship that works. “We’ve been extremely happy with Dannemiller,” said Adrienne Bitar, “with the service, the quality, the packaging. We chose CJ Dannemiller because they have a great product, and we have a wonderful relationship. Their people are very congenial and pleasant, and shipments always arrive on time.”
Any chance of switching to another supplier if you find one? Adrienne paused and said, “One time we were talking with our co-packer, and he recommended his almond source, and we said, ‘No, we’re keeping this relationship! We’re happy with the customer service, the reasonable cost, and the product.’”
Word of Mouth: How Satisfied Customers Drive Growth
Calcium Chews have been a market hit, meeting pent-up need among women for a better calcium supplement. “I think women have been searching for a calcium solution that doesn’t cause GI side effects, is lactose safe, and tastes good,” said Adrienne. “And it does not involve swallowing bulky ‘horse pills.’”
Calcium Chews has partnered with several medical providers who have spread the word. “Virtually all our marketing has been word of mouth,” said Adrienne. “We don’t run ads.”
Discover the C.J. Dannemiller Difference
To learn more about C.J. Dannemiller and our unmatched selection of tree nuts, seeds, popcorn, and other treats and concessions, call (800) 624-8671 or contact us.
About The C.J. Dannemiller Co.
C.J. Dannemiller is dedicated to delivering the freshest ingredients, quickest turnaround and best experience. See how we’ve impacted other retail businesses and food manufacturers. And contact us when you’re ready to connect with a bulk wholesale nut supplier that always puts the customer first.