Taste of Nature, Inc. has partnered with Famous Brands International to license and produce Mrs. Fields-branded prepackaged cookies, the companies announced Monday.
 
Starting Jan. 1, Taste of Nature, which also produces cotton candy, Cookie Dough Bites and other novelties in Santa Monica, Calif., will be responsible for the manufacturing, sales and distribution of the shelf-stable cookies  to virtually all classes of trade. They’ll also be sold at grocery and retail locations throughout North America and more than 20 countries.
 
Mrs. Fields, known for its freshly baked cookies, opened its first store in 1977 and currently sells products at more than 300 retail locations globally, as well as licenses its trademarks, logos and recipes to third parties for distribution. 
 
Through its partnership with Taste of Nature, Inc., Mrs. Fields is well-positioned to continue its sales growth within the retailer channel and enhance its industry-leading brand awareness, the companies said in a news release.
 
"We are delighted to partner with Taste of Nature, Inc. at this exciting phase in our company's growth," said Dustin Lyman, ceo of Famous Brands International, Mrs. Fields' parent company. "We are confident this collaboration with Taste of Nature, Inc. will help Mrs. Fields reach an expanded retailer customer base, and we look forward to working with a proven industry leader with a 25-year track record of success."
 
Scott Samet, president and co-founder of Taste of Nature, Inc., said his company is thrilled to add Mrs. Fields to its portfolio.
 
"We recognize Mrs. Fields' commitment to providing delicious, high-quality products to their customers, and look forward to growing the brand with our retail partners as part of a long-term partnership,” he said.