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MA-ME! (pronounced “mah-may”), the Tasty SnackBean, is an exciting ready-to-eat soybean snack food introduced to the American market in 2005 by Bright Future Foods, LLC, of Cincinnati. MA-ME! is Bright Future Food’s brand name for edamame. As a tasty on-the-go snack, it’s extremely versatile. It can be served on a platter or in a bowl at parties, as an appetizer or side dish, and is perfect for munching in front of the TV. And the best part is that MA-ME! not only tastes great, it’s good for you, too. A serving of Ma-me only amounts to 110 calories. Low in fat, high in fiber, MA-ME! is also 100% cholesterol free. The marketing campaign for MA-ME! is themed by “I want my MA-ME!” Fittingly, the MA-ME! website is www.iwantmymame.com. Most soy products now on the market take the form of a substitute for traditional foods, like burgers and milk products. Bright Future Foods believes sales results to date are a validation of growing consumer demand for foods that are both healthy and tasty. Soy-based products, which meet the latter requirements, especially are enjoying significant sales gains in supermarkets health food stores and online. MA-ME! is expected to be available for purchase online soon. MA-ME! is available in small, transparent, ready-to-serve packets that can be microwaved for easy home snacking. For those on the go, it’s ideal for packing in lunch boxes, purses or briefcases. Then just shell the beans from the pods, toss the pods into the bag, and enjoy! MA-ME! will be found in the fresh produce section and the frozen foods aisle (shelled and in pod) of the supermarket. Bright Future Foods was inspired by a trip taken by founder Anne Chambers to China while completing the adoption of her daughter, Annie Chang. During the trip, she enjoyed a vegetarian diet which included mostly tofu and other soy products. Once back home, Anne looked for great tasting soy products, and she found edamame. “I got hooked on it right away,” says Anne, “and I saw an opportunity to offer people a snack that was actually good for them.” Anne decided a product that good should be introduced to the mainstream market. The company name was inspired by Annie, whose Chinese name, Chang, means “Bright Future.” According to Anne, naming the company Bright Future Foods keeps her focused on the dual missions of the company, which are first, to help create healthier futures by introducing people to the health benefits of soy, and second to call attention to adoption as a wonderful way to create a family. That’s why a generous portion of after-tax profits of MA-ME! goes to adoption related causes such as the Bright Future Adoption Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing children and prospective parents together through adoption. In addition to her Bright Future Foods management responsibilities, Anne serves as the CEO of RED, a Cincinnati-based marketing communications company. At RED, Anne developed the concept of the Quality Aware Consumer, who understands and believes in the brand. Because they have been provided with more complete information about the product, Quality Aware Consumers can correctly identify key product benefits prior to purchase. “Sometimes the path you choose can take you in another direction,” says Anne. “A trip to China not only turned me into a mother, it also sparked an interest in maintaining a healthier diet.” “I am sure those who try MA-ME! will enjoy it as much as my family and I do.” |
