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New Hampshire’s Own “Chronicle” Empanadas Make Their Grand Entrance
In a modest press release that came to life on WMUR’s website on April 2, 2025, a surprising partnership between the long‑running New Hampshire Chronicle newspaper and the regional food distributor PR Food announced the launch of a new line of empanadas that the paper is now selling under its own brand name. The product launch—called the “Chronicle New Hampshire Empanadas” in the article—has already generated a flurry of local interest, as the paper’s loyal readers and foodies alike are eager to taste the first batch of these pocket‑sized, savory treats.
A “Newspaper” That Eats
The Chronicle New Hampshire (CNH) has long been known for its crisp journalism and community coverage. The latest initiative, however, shows the paper branching into a completely different domain. According to the WMUR article, the partnership was born out of an informal conversation between the paper’s managing editor and a senior product‑development manager at PR Food. “We realized that our brand already carried a sense of authenticity and community pride,” the editor told the station. “Why not bring that to the kitchen?”
The article makes clear that the product is not a gimmick: PR Food has a reputation for sourcing high‑quality ingredients and delivering fresh, ready‑to‑eat foods to grocery stores and convenience shops across the state. By combining CNH’s brand equity with PR Food’s logistics expertise, the duo aims to create a local, convenient snack that reflects New Hampshire’s culinary sensibilities.
The Empanadas Themselves
The launch line‑up features five distinct flavors, each crafted to capture a different facet of New Hampshire’s regional palate:
- Classic Chicken & Cheese – A blend of tender shredded chicken, Monterey Jack, and a subtle tomato‑based sauce.
- Red Bean & Spinach – A vegetarian option that pairs red kidney beans with sautéed spinach, spices, and a hint of smoked paprika.
- Beef & Ale – Ground beef braised with local ale, onions, and a medley of herbs.
- Smoked Salmon & Dill – A more upscale offering that blends smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill, and lemon zest.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter – A sweet, dessert‑style empanada that has already been flagged as a potential best‑seller during the “Sweet Treats” section of the paper’s annual holiday issue.
According to the WMUR piece, each empanada is hand‑folded, baked to a golden crust, and then flash‑frozen for distribution—meaning that the flavor profile remains intact no matter how far the product travels. The article cites the production facility’s compliance with USDA and FDA regulations, noting that the foods are non‑GMO, gluten‑free, and have a shelf life of up to 14 days at room temperature.
Packaging That Tells a Story
The packaging design is another talking point highlighted in the article. “We wanted the box to look like a newspaper front page,” the designer from PR Food said. The front side of the card stock box features a stylized headline that reads, “Chronicle New Hampshire Empanadas – From Our Kitchen to Your Plate.” The inside of the box is adorned with a mini‑article about the ingredients, paired with a QR code that links to the paper’s own website. The QR code, the article notes, was generated using a free online tool and directs readers to a dedicated “Empanada Spotlight” page on the Chronicle’s site—complete with a behind‑the‑scenes video from the PR Food kitchen.
Where to Find Them
The WMUR article gives practical guidance for consumers eager to taste the new product line. The empanadas will be available at all of the following outlets starting mid‑May:
- Target – The “Northwest NH” store in Grafton, which houses a food‑service aisle that has become a popular spot for local specialties.
- Walmart – The “Northampton” store’s bulk‑food section.
- Bashas’ – A handful of locations across the state, particularly those that cater to the Latino community.
- Local Grocery Chains – Such as “Shops & Co.” in Laconia and “Crawford’s” in Concord.
In addition to the in‑store availability, the product is also listed on the Chronicle’s own online store, which offers a subscription box option that includes a free empanada with each monthly delivery of the newspaper.
Marketing the Moment
The article emphasizes that the launch is timed to coincide with the New Hampshire Chronicle’s 100‑year anniversary. “We thought this was the perfect way to celebrate a century of reporting with a century‑old culinary tradition,” the paper’s editor explained. The marketing plan includes a series of social‑media posts featuring “Empanada Recipes of the Week” that encourage readers to share photos of the product while using the hashtag #ChronicleEmpanada.
PR Food’s marketing manager, who is also a food blogger, highlighted a strategic partnership with local influencers. “We’re working with chefs from the Granite State Culinary Institute and food‑review sites like ‘NH Eats’ to create buzz around the launch,” she said. The WMUR piece even links to a video interview on the Chronicle’s YouTube channel, where the influencer demonstrates a quick, one‑minute “Empanada Assembly” tutorial.
A Wider Vision
While the article focuses on the initial rollout, both parties hint at a broader long‑term vision. “We’re hoping to see these empanadas on the shelves of major retailers outside New Hampshire in a few years,” the editor revealed. “Our goal is to bring a taste of our state to people everywhere.”
The article also notes that the partnership is structured to allow for product‑line expansion. Potential future offerings include a “Holiday Sampler” bag of assorted flavors and a “Salsa Trio” with three different hot sauces. PR Food is also testing a “ready‑to‑heat” version that can be microwaved in 90 seconds—ideal for college students on campus or office workers in need of a quick lunch.
Bottom Line
The Chronicle New Hampshire Empanadas initiative represents a novel convergence of journalism and gastronomy, offering a tangible product that carries the paper’s reputation for quality and community focus. WMUR’s coverage, complete with links to the Chronicle’s dedicated product page and an accompanying video, invites readers to join in the celebration and to taste a slice of New Hampshire’s culinary heritage—one empanada at a time.
Read the Full WMUR Article at:
[ https://www.wmur.com/article/chronicle-new-hampshire-empanadas-pr-food/69001000 ]