market basket 2008-08-01

EDITED BY DIANE RIDGE

Tyson Fully Cooked Charbroiled Beef Burgers are fully cooked for the ultimate in food safety, while the authentic handmade appearance gives the perception of back-of-house preparation. Quick and easy preparation for optimal speed to plate-the burgers are available in an array of sizes from 2 oz. to 4 oz. Offer an everyday indulgence by menuing a “Spicy Feta Burger” to take advantage of the “affordable luxury” trend. For more information and menuing ideas, visit www.tysonfoodservice.com, or call 800-24-TYSON ext. 934.

From beverages through dessert, tropical flavors from emerging cuisines like Caribbean, Peruvian, Thai and Burmese are dominating the menu. Dole Fresh Frozen Fruits bring tropical fruits like mango, papaya, pineapple and banana to your menu in resealable 5-pound bags that optimize convenience (no peeling and cutting) and minimize waste (100% usable fruit). For more information about varieties, styles and packs and trendy recipe ideas visit www.dolefoodservice.com or call 800-723-9868.

Readily available California raisins can be infused with a wide range of flavors and colors: lemon, cinnamon, peppermint, cherry, strawberry, licorice, jalapeño pepper and more. Healthy appeal, rich in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. For more information email the California Raisin Marketing Board at [email protected], or visit www.calraisins.org.

Kraft Foodservice is offering four new refrigerated ready-to-serve Jell-O branded snacks in convenient single-serve cups. First are two new rich and creamy Jell-O Sugar Free Puddings, Chocolate Vanilla Swirls and Dulce de Leche (Vanilla Caramel). Each variety has only 60 calories per serving and a visible layered pudding effect for increased appetite appeal. Second are two new Jell-O Sugar Free Fruit Passions, Peaches in Strawberry Gelatin and Pears in Cherry Pomegranate Gelatin, made with real fruit for a refreshing low-calorie snack. For more information, visit www.kraftfoodservice.com.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP) introduces 12 models (seven uprights, three backpacks and two wet/dry vacuums) to its all-new line of commercial vacuums that offer user-friendly features to improve productivity, protect worker well-being, and facilitate green cleaning. The flagship upright models provide dual motor strength for one pass cleaning (PH15 & PH12 models) and automatic carpet height adjustment which improves worker efficiency by eliminating the need to manually adjust for different carpet heights. All vacuums feature comfort grip handles, easy-to-replace bags, brush rolls and filters and optional HEPA filtration. The upright and backpack models are designated as Green Label certified. For more, visit: www.rcpworksmarter.com.

Fresh Gourmet Tortilla Strips from Sugar Foods add the perfect creative touch to a wide variety of Mexican, southwestern and border fare. Shelf-stable and ready-to-use straight out of their stay-fresh, one-pound foil bags the strips are made from a traditional recipe of corn masa flour, sunflower oil, salt and a hint of lime. With a fresh-made, earthy corn flavor and zero grams of trans fats per serving, these toppings complement countless dishes: sprinkle on omelets, use with chilaquiles, add to salads and wraps, garnish soups and chilis or top off your favorite sides. Available in lightly salted and tri-colored varieties. For more information, visit www.foodservice.freshgourmet.com or call 888-708-2222.

MalloCreme, the flavorful marshmallow cream from Par-Way Tryson, makes preparing cereal bars fast, easy and fun. With a little creativity, there is no limit on the varieties you can create with this high-quality and rich-tasting product. Trans-fat free, it is ideal for creating grab-and-go favorites and increasing your profits. Call 800-642-0088 or email [email protected] for more information.

Hoshizaki America, Inc. announces the new self contained cubelet ice machine with built-in Storage, F-330BAH-C, which produces up to 320 lbs. of ice per 24 hours and has 80 lbs. of built-in storage. The front in and out airflow design allows the machine to fit in tight spaces and compact footprint features a convenient drop down door and stainless steel finish. The unit also features an automatic system flush, a protected evaporator assembly and the HoshiGuard Antimicrobial Agent in the ice making zone and ice bin to prevent cross contamination. Visit www.hoshizaki.com, for more information.

Solo continues to help operators stand out with their new Symphony design. Using warm, inviting, on-trend colors combined with a sophisticated design, Solo has created single use disposables that will enhance the customer's dining experience. Offering paper cups, bowls, plates and containers, Symphony provides operators with a full range of coordinating pieces. For more information, call 888-488-7539.

Master's Touch Sauce & Gravy Concentrates from Custom Culinary are flavor systems you can rely on to deliver authentic taste to your signature dishes. These sauce and gravy concentrates are made with only the finest, freshest, highest quality ingredients available and offer unparalleled consistency and versatility to keep your customers coming back for more. For more information, call 866-TRUETASTE, or visit site at www.customculinary.com.

Just in time for fall menus, operators can offer three New Soup Supreme Soups from Norpac. Sizzlin' Beef Steak Chili with Beans is a premium chili packed full of rich grilled steak flavor and a hearty selection of black beans, small red beans, and kidney beans. Roasted Yukon Potato Cheese contains generous portions of roasted Yukon potatoes with sautéed onions, celery, and real bacon-all in a creamy, cheesy pork base sparked with a touch of roasted garlic. Cheddar Broccoli soup has tender broccoli florets in a buttery cream base infused with flavor from carrots, onions, rich cheddar cheese and savory seasonings. For information, visit www.norpac.com, or call 800-733-9311.

The extensive line of French Fry potatoes from Simplot meets the needs of virtually every operator in any segment. The core potato line encompasses three premium fry brands: Select Recipe skin-on fries for extra crispiness, Blue Ribbon fries that allow for quick cooking time yet have an “apple-skin” bite and fluffy interior that customers crave, and the Classic product line, made from 100% Idaho potatoes, that comes with a 100% customer-satisfaction guarantee - a promise that not only will operators love the line, but their customers will as well. For more information, call 800-572-7783 or visit www.simplotfoods.com.

Prepare fresh food in front of customers with the Electrolux Dito Libero Line, a series of plug-in appliances for all kinds of cooking and holding applications. The Libro Point, available in two sizes to accommodate either 2 or 3 Libero plug-in appliances is a mobile self-ventilated counter for food preparation and diverse menu options. The following cooktops are easily plugged into and removed for quick changeover: The Hold and Cold Plate, the Induction Wok, the Griddle, the Infrared Cooktop and the Induction Cooktop. A Plug and Cook Mini Combi Oven is also available. For information, visit www.electroluxusa.com/professional.

The Dannon Company introduces DanActive to foodservice. This unique and delicious probiotic dairy drink features Dannon's L. casei immunitas culture. It is clinically proven to help strengthen the body's defenses when consumed daily as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Learn more at dannonfoodservice.com.

Offer an array of worldly tastes with Uncle Ben's Flavored Rice-now reformulated with decreased sodium per serving-and earn points for prizes. Uncle Ben's announces its special Golden Ticket promotion-the first 25,000 cases of flavored rice will contain 20 Golden Tickets. The certificates entitle each winner to 5,000 Uncle Ben's Premium Points coupons. Points can be used toward gifts including electronics, sports equipment, jewelry and more. Sign up today to receive 100 points free. Call 800-432-2331 or visit www.MARSfoodservices.com.

Clear Springs Foods introduces Splash! Crusted Lemon Herb Rainbow Trout Fillets to its Glazed & Crusted Fillet Rainbow Trout line. The fillets are specially marinated with a lemon herb butter sauce and crusted with tangy breading. They are ready to bake or sauté. Log onto www.clearsprings.com or phone 800-635-8211.

Thanks to the magic of popping, Popchips offers a snack so tasty and crispy your customers won't even notice it's a healthier snacking option. Never fried, never baked, Popchips deliver the entire flavor and less than half the fat of traditional fried chips. With fewer calories and none of the trans fat, saturated fat* or fake flavor and preservatives (or greasy fingers) these chips bring new flavor and innovation to snacking. *(Except for cheddar corn.) For more information, visit www.popchips.com.

With the trend toward healthier foods and habits, Vie de France has launched three new wholesome and hearty breads perfect for wrapping up any sandwich — 4-inch Wheat Sandwich Squares, 4-inch Ukrainian Sandwich Squares, and 7.5-inch 8-Grain Sub Rolls. Vie de France offers a comprehensive line of high quality bakery products for your foodservice operation. To locate your local Vie de France representative please call 800-446-4404, or visit www.viedefrance.com.

Add variety to your appetizer menu with a new twist on an old favorite-Anchor Fiesta Bold Poppers Stuffed Jalapeños from McCain Foods. On-trend Southwest flavor combines with the zesty crunch of a golden breading and the smooth richness of a tangy chili cream cheese filling. Fiesta Bold Poppers join the line of other popular stuffed jalapeño selections including Original Cheddar and Cream Cheese, Nacho Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese and Red Hot Chile Cream Cheese Breaded Stuffed Jalapeños. For more information, a free menu idea booklet or a product presentation, call McCain Foods USA at 866-767-7377 or visit www.mccainusa.com.

The Topping Caddy, the result of a joint collaboration between Server Products and Rich's, makes it safe and easy to dispense delicious Rich's Whipped Topping. The caddy is a cone-shaped whipped topping holder designed to fit into a standard 6-qt. bain marie or any other ice bath. And, the caddy keeps the bag tip protected from countertop contamination. Ideal for operations where volume necessitates keeping the topping chilled or refrigerated, the caddy permits easy single-hand dispensing of a dollop of topping for desserts, beverages, pancakes, waffles and other food items. Visit www.topping-solutions.com, or call 800-558-8722.

Smucker Foodservice introduces new Snack'n Waffles to its family of brands. Students will love these pre-sweetened waffles fully baked with gourmet flavor. Individually wrapped and shipped frozen, they are perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack. They can be thawed and served, heated and served, or microwaved for easy speed to plate. The 2.2-oz waffle meets 2 grains/breads servings per waffle. Available in three delicious flavors-Maple, Cinnamon, and Blueberry. For more information, call 330-682-3000, or visit www.smuckerfoodservice.com.

Hoffmaster Earth Wise is an environmentally responsible line of recycled paper products that are now certified by Green Seal. The products, with 100% recycled content, 65-80% post-consumer content and chlorine bleach free, are tested to endure that they meet stringent environmental leadership standards. Available in beverage, dinner and dispenser napkins and guest towels with the recycled symbol and message printed on each napkin. For orders or information, call 800-327-9774, or visit www.hoffmaster.com.

Chicken of the Sea International introduces two convenient new products, Tuna Salad Cups and Tuna Salad Lunch Solutions. The 2.9 oz. Peel & Eat Tuna Cups contain 16 grams of protein, ½ gram of fat and 90 calories and come in Chunk Light Tuna, Chunk White Tuna and Skinless Boneless Pink Salmon. The single-serve portion can be enjoyed as is or tossed on salads for lunch or as a great snack. Tuna Salad Lunch Solutions contain our great tasting Tuna Salad cup, crackers and a spoon. At 180 calories they are not only good tasting, they're great for you. Perfect for vending, grab-n-go or ala carte. For more information, call 877-THE-MERMAID or visit www.chickenofthesea.com/foodservice.

Adding more variety to your menu is easy with Harry's Fresh Foods Heat and Serve Entrees and Sides from Basic American Foods. Both are created using only the finest ingredients and are never frozen so you can offer your customers restaurant quality and healthful choices without preparation hassles. Entree choices include Heat and Serve and Healthy Bistro Heat and Serve products. Side dishes include All American Macaroni & Cheese, Macaroni & Cheese with Tillamook Cheddar, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Spanish Rice. For more information, call 800-307-7687, or visit www.harrysfreshfoods.com.

Ultra Pan Carriers from Cambro keep food hot, fresh and safe for hours. Gentle heat does not cook food while maintaining moisture, and the units use less energy than three standard 100-watt light bulbs. The transporters can hold a wide variety of food types and textures, such as pasta, bone-in fried chicken and double-crusted pies. Call 800-854-7631 to learn more.

Pan-Sear Selects is an innovative line of value-added seafood from Fishery Products International. These lightly seasoned fillets are a seafood industry breakthrough in their taste profile, total flexibility in cooking preparation methods and versatility across the entire menu. To learn more, visit www.fisheryproducts.com.

Bush's Best introduces Homestyle Chili in a 96-ounce batch-size pouch. Loaded with the finest kidney and pinto beans, premium beef and zesty vegetables in a rich, flavorful sauce, the chili is match-for-scratch delicious. As an entrée, soup or side, it's ready to serve and ready to wow customers. For a free sample and $4 off every case, call 800-251-0968.

Celebrate health, wellness, and fun with the 2008 Otis Spunkmeyer O-lympics program. The O-Zone O-lympics program designed exclusively for schools has the tools you need to organize and promote a day of good-natured outdoors athletic competition. The O-Zone members hosting a field day will receive one entry in a drawing for a chance to win one of three $2,500 prizes for use toward the foodservice department's development/educational funds. Plus, purchases of select products earn points that can be redeemed for fitness-related prizes. To call 888-ASK-OTIS or visit http://www.spunkmeyer.com/business/school_ozone.aspx.

Starbucks Coffee Company has introduced the new Serena Organic Blend to foodservice. Cafe Estima Blend and Organic Shade Grown Mexico are also part of the conservation and Certified Coffees available to operators. For more information on these and other products, visit www.starbucks.com.

Hobart's new Enzyme Factor cleaning products are specially developed to help restaurants and commercial kitchens fight grease. Blended with organic enzyme formulas, the cleaners work on floors, drains, grease traps and other equipment. Visit visit www.hobartcorp.com to learn more.

New Pierce Boneless Wing Dings and Wing-Zings are designed to appeal to guests who might not normally choose chicken wings. Wing Dings have a golden breading and mild, versatile flavor, while Wing-Zings offer a peppery taste. Both are made from solid-muscle breast meat and are fully cooked. Call 800-336-9876 or visit www.poultry.com.

PanSaver, from M&Q Packaging Corporation, achieves 50% source reduction with new ECO friendly packaging. Through the utilization of a clever folding pattern, M&Q has managed to reduce the size of their 100 Count Cases and 10/100 Master Cases by 50%. The new ECO Friendly package will be designed into more than 40 SKUs, which will generate substantial savings, not only in source reduction, but also shipping expenses and warehouse space. Learn more at www.pansaver.com.

Turkey adapts well to virtually any recipe, from spicy, savory stir-fries to subtle, simple soups. Hormel Foods offers operators a full range of turkey products in four quality tiers designed to match any application and budget. From oven-roasted skin-on to smoked mesquite, Hormel's products give operators a true Superfood to use as a base for creating their own super foods. For more, call 800-723-8000 or visit www.hormelfoodservice.com.

Hatco Corp. has added a third shelf to Glo-Ray Merchandising Warmers, allowing the units to hold much more product with the same footprint. Like all of Hatco's warmers, they hold hot food safely using prefocused infrared heat. The warmers are ideal for holding nachos, boxed pizza, wrapped sandwiches and more. Call 800-558-0607 or visit www.hatcocorp.com.

A healthier, less expensive alternative to beef, Butterball's Turkey Pot Roast is a whole new way to look at meat and potatoes. It's 98 percent fat free and naturally low in sodium and saturated fats, yet brings exceptional flavor to your menu. The pot roast includes a demi-glaze sauce packet and optional chopped vegetables. For more information, call 919-658-6743.

All-day snack solutions are easy with Kellogg's Daily Jump-Starts. Packaged with a trio of consumers' favorite cereal flavors, these breakfast and snack kits drive increased incremental revenue and profits in a neat, portable package. Available in two varieties, the Daily Jump-Start kits contain branded Cereal-in-a-Cup, two snack items, as well as a napkin and spoon. Kellogg's Shape Management Kit contains Special K Red Berries Cereal-in-Cup, a Special K Strawberry Cereal Bar and Special K Strawberry Snack Bites. For details, visit www.kelloggsfoodawayfromhome.com, or call 877-511-5777.

“Exploring the World of U.S. Rice,” a new educational DVD from the USA Rice Federation in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America, provides detailed product information, training videos and inspiring recipes. The DVD is designed to support foodservice operators as they develop innovative culinary creations and on-trend menu items, and culinary schools as they train future chefs on how to use rice to meet the demands of today's customers. Call 800-888-RICE for a copy.

Campbell's Healthy Request soups, created from recipes using high-quality ingredients, are now seasoned with lower-sodium natural sea salt. The six varieties — minestrone, vegetable beef, tomato, chicken noodle, cream of chicken and cream of mushroom — are now also certified by the American Heart Association. To learn more, visit www.campbellawayfromhome.com or call 800-879-7687.

Make snacking fun with new Yoplait Fizzix yogurt snacks, now available to foodservice operators from General Mills Foodservice. The fizzy yogurt-in-a-tube snack comes in Strawberry Watermelon Rush and Blue Raspberry Rage flavors. Fizzix, a cool and edgier version of Go-GURT, combines the goodness of yogurt with a fun fizzy taste and texture. At 70 calories per tube the yogurt delivers a good source of calcium, is one-half meat equivalent and meets many K-12 à la carte guidelines, including 15-10-35. For more information, call 800-882-5252 or visit www.generalmillsfoodservice.com.

Computrition's Hospitality Suite Foodservice Operations Management software does everything from recipe and menu inception to postmeal costing and analysis. With optional ASP?hosting and full technical support, it's also easy to set up. Visit www.computrition.com or phone 800-222-4488.

The Rave Review, the Idaho Potato Commission's quarterly foodservice newsletter, will no longer be sent via snail mail. To ensure a place on the distribution list, IPC asks operators to visit idahopotato.com/fspro, click on “Newletters“ and subscribe electronically. The newsletter offers brief articles highlighting current topics and trends and offering tips and culinary inspiration for working with Idaho Potatoes.

Allens introduces an exciting new line of more than 30 breaded specialties and breaded vegetables. The choices of fry favorites include appetizers, side dishes and snacks in varieties like apple crescents, cheese sticks, hush puppies, cut okra, onion rings and squash.

Cargill Meat Solutions offers a new line of high-quality proteins for midscale and casual dining operations. The Cedar Canyon Meats brand provides on-trend, center-of-the-plate solutions with premium products such as a Prime Rib Burger, Sirloin Carving Steak, Fully Cooked Savory Pork Loin and Asian-style Beef. Visit www.cargillfoodservice.com to learn more.

The new Mary Jane design from Shoes for Crews features premium full-grain leather, a compressed foam midsole and a cushioned, stitched-down outsole for maximum comfort. The SFC-III Slip-Resistant Outsole is the best part. Phone 877-NO-SLIPS or visit www.shoesforcrews.com to learn more.

The California Strawberry Commission introduces its new recipe brochure, “California Strawberries. Sweet. Savory.Surprising,” designed to help foodservice operators meet customers' growing demands for unique menu applications using strawberries. Information about availability, nutritional benefits and safe storage and handling practices are also included. Visit www.calstrawberry.com for more information.

Expand your menu and multiply your profits by picking the fries that will benefit your operation most. ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston's exclusive ampliFRY Multi-Fry Menu Concepting Program helps you calculate the fry types preferred by customers in your market. It pairs your current fry offering with those fry styles most preferred by your customers, allowing you to see how adding a second or third fry style can maximize your menu's ability to reach new customers, increase customer satisfaction and build fry sales. For more information, call Lamb Weston at 800-766-7783 or visit www.lambweston.com

Master's Touch Sauce & Gravy Concentrates from Custom Culinary are culinary flavor systems you can rely on to deliver authentic taste to your signature dishes. Crafted by a team of culinary professionals, these sauce and gravy concentrates are made with only the finest, freshest, highest quality ingredients available. Master's Touch Sauce & Gravy Concentrates offer consistency and versatility guaranteed to keep your customers coming back for more. For more information, call 1-866-TRUETASTE, or visit www.customculinary.com.