McLane Company Inc. unveiled HiBird, its new “premium chicken program designed for convenience stores,” per a press release sent to NACS. The announcement was made at McLane Engage, the company’s annual trade show, happening this week July 22-24 in New Orleans.

HiBird, part of the McLane Fresh family of brands, includes chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, potato wedges and white cheddar mac and cheese, plus HiBird’s new signature sauce, “a standout take on comeback sauce that’s creamy, tangy, savory and mildly spicy,” the company said.

McLane said that HiBird provides comprehensive support from implementation and training to merchandising and equipment. “With a long shelf life and the flexibility to be prepared in either a fryer or rapid cook oven, HiBird products offer versatile solutions that adapt seamlessly to various store formats.”

“We’re proud to introduce our latest innovative program, HiBird, designed to help retailers meet growing consumer desire for chicken and demand for high-quality foodservice items,” said Vito Maurici, chief customer experience officer for McLane. “Attendees at Engage will be the first to sample our new offerings, which we’ve developed for rapid implementation and operational efficiency—making it easier for retailers to bring these new products to market quickly and seamlessly.”

Earlier this month, McLane launched its National Commissary program nationwide, an extension of its McLane Fresh programs, offering grab-and-go foods with a seven-day refrigerated shelf life. Central Eats, part of McLane Fresh, provides retailers with prepackaged, grab-and-go cold items, such as subs, sliders, salads and fruit cups, with no artificial additives, the company said. Products are prepared through the nationwide commissary network.