market basket 2008-12-01

EDITED BY DIANE RIDGE

MolliCoolz Rocks frozen fruit juice and yogurt beads are available exclusively to schools. This cool new product is just 50 calories per 3-ounce serving and is made using patented technology to produce small, cryogenically frozen, free-flowing beads from 100 percent fruit juice and real yogurt. The cool packaging, with bright colors and round pyramid shape, helps MolliCoolz Rocks stand out in the display case. MolliCoolz Rocks can be stored in regular school freezers and is available in all-natural Strawberry & Vanilla flavor with new flavors to be announced later this fall and early next spring. For information, visit www.mollicoolz.com.

Pioneer Roasted Turkey Gravy Mix from C.H Guenther combines the flavors of roasted turkey, onion, celery, and other seasonings with the visual appeal of meat pieces. It delivers made-from-scratch appearance and flavor, with easy preparation and consistent performance. Serve with roasted or baked turkey and other poultry dishes; top mashed potatoes or rice; use as a base for soups, pot pies, sauces, and casseroles. Pioneer Roasted Turkey Gravy Mix is trans fat free. For information, call 800-531-7912, ext. 6403, or visit www.chguenther.com.

Tyson Food Service helps operators respond to consumer demand for affordable yet delicious menu items with its new Value Chicken Collection. The line includes high-value, low-cost chicken favorites paired with simple menuing ideas and merchandising support. The line includes: Value Chicken — 100% breast meat tenders and patties; Right Size Filets — whole muscle filets available in Homestyle, Southern and Spicy varieties; and Magnum wings — the largest wings available offering better plate coverage and more meat with fewer portions. Call 800-24-TYSON or visit www.attheheartofvalue.net for information, recipe ideas and merchandising materials.

Maximizing bottled water sales is only a “click” away for foodservice operators. Nestlé Waters North America provides operators with resources to become successful bottled water providers. Visit www.sellbottledwater.com and click on one of the many foodservice segments to see firsthand how Nestlé Waters provides operators with not only a portfolio of powerful brands but also the packages, distribution, industry information, pricing and selling tools to meet the needs of all foodservice segments. In addition, merchandising and staff training programs are available.

Boyd Coffee Company introduces Limited Edition Q-Certified Estate Costa Rican, a seasonal single-origin coffee from the Santa Anita Estate near Naranjo on Costa Rica. The medium roast coffee has a unique piquant and “caramelly” flavor and is available in 3.75-ounce and 7-ounce portion packs for foodservice. Harvested from one of the world's premier coffee growing regions, the coffee is 100 percent Rainforest Alliance Certified, requiring that it was grown using sustainable methods that protect soil and water, conserve biodiversity and ensure proper conditions for workers, their families and communities. For information, visit www.boyds.com.

Make a dramatic dessert presentation with the new Red Velvet Cake from Sweet Street Desserts. The cake features brilliant red velvet cake layers stacked four high, spread with deep chocolate truffle filling, then filled and frosted with tangy cream cheese icing. For added flourish, the cake is topped with mini chocolate chips, chocolate ganache drizzle and nonpareil dots. For more information, visit www.sweetstreet.com.

FreedomPay announced the launch of Meal Tracker 2.0, the next generation of meal plan and free meal management for hospitals and healthcare systems which enables department administrators to electronically automate meal programs. Meal Tracker is a web-based, real-time solution that links funds or free meal credits to a FreedomPay tag or employee badge. Other features include plug-and-play readers that allow Meal Tracker to seamlessly function with major POS systems and software packages; immediate and real-time reconciliation that enables clients to manage and control use to the minute; one-time use and reloadable cards, tags or integration with employee badges; and more. For information, call 1-866-323-1869, email [email protected], or visit www.freedompay.com.

Barilla introduces Barilla Whole Grain, a new solution for adding the important nutrients of whole grains and fiber without sacrificing the great flavor and taste consumers have come to expect from pasta. Made with 51 percent whole wheat, Barilla Whole Grain is all-natural and an excellent source of fiber, delivering three times the fiber of traditional pasta. The pasta is available in four shapes — Spaghetti, Penne, Rotini and Thin Spaghetti. For menu bundling options, recipes, and ordering, visit www.barillaus.com/home/Pages/barilla_foodservice.aspx.

Kozy Shack Ready Grains is the only ready-to-eat cereal with milk pre-blended into each 7-oz. serving. Made with a variety of whole grains including steel cut oats, rolled oats, brown rice and barley and blended with low-fat milk, the cereal has a slightly sweet taste and hearty texture. Available in three delicious varieties: Original, Strawberry and Maple Brown Sugar, it can be served hot or cold. All three varieties are rich in fiber, a good source of protein and calcium, and certified kosher. Visit www.kozyshackfoodservice.com for more information.

Chefs and operators can instantly liven up their menus with the great taste of POLLY-O Fresh Mozzarella Cheese. Its creamy texture and milky-fresh flavor complement many types of ingredients, and can be applied to any part of a menu, from appetizers to desserts. The cheese is available in four sizes to suit your needs and help you control costs: Ciliegine (13 oz.) and Bocconcino (112 oz.) provide portion control benefits; Ovoline (4- oz.) and the 1-lb. ball are excellent for slicing. For more information, call 888-765-5462.

El Monterey introduces two delicious 4-oz. Chimi Rolls for your Hot-to-Go Program. Authentic Mexican fillings are tightly rolled with special end folds in a chimichanga tortilla for easy on the go eating. Perfect from the microwave, fryer or oven. Serving bags are provided in each case and the rolls will hold up to 4 hours in a warming unit. For more information, visit www.ruizfoods.com/welcome.

Basic American Foods offers national foodservice distribution of the Harry's Fresh Foods brand of refrigerated foods. The line features wholesome soups, chilis, side dishes and sauces. Organic, gluten-free and vegan varieties are available. Harry's products are kettle-cooked in small batches, using scratch methods to retain consistent texture, flavor and appearance. With just-made taste made easy, products are ready to heat and serve in minutes, and hold for extended service times. Products have a refrigerated shelf life of 60 days under normal refrigeration. Products are available in convenient bulk packaging and grab-n-go individual servings. For more information, call 866-749-SOUP, or visit www.baf.com.

Reynolds Food Packaging is pleased to announce the launch of Reynolds Non-Stick Foodservice Foil. This revolutionary heavy-duty foil is cured with a food-safe coating and is designed for efficient and convenient use in foodservice kitchens. The easy to dispense foil provides many benefits including significantly reducing clean up, frozen items separate easily, and it is safe to use in a wide range of temperatures, from -40° to 650°F. Visit www.reynoldsfoodpackaging.com, or call 800-999-9001.

Made with whole grain bread and vegetables, Uncle Ben's new Savory Herb Stuffing Mix with Whole Grains, from Mars Foodservices, has a bolder taste and a hint of lime and cilantro. Recognized by the Whole Grains Council's Whole Grain Stamp, each serving delivers 8g of whole grains. Take stuffing beyond the traditional holiday bird and wow patrons by menuing new comfort-foods-with-a-twist year-round, for every daypart. The stuffing is available in Traditional White Bread, Classic Cornbread, and new Savory Herb with Whole Grains. For on-trend recipe ideas, visit www.MARSfoodservices.com or call 800-432-2331.

Johnsonville is shaking up the sandwich menu with the introduction of new Hand-Held Sandwiches. The two popular and mouth-watering flavors of these easy-to-eat sandwiches, Smokey Cheddar and Smoked Brat, are enrobed in a soft baked roll that maintains its texture because of the product's unique packaging, optimized to deliver superior product from microwave to warmer. Each five-ounce sandwich requires minimal labor — just heat in a microwave and hold for up to four hours in a warmer. For product information, merchandising and equipment solutions, visit www.johnsonvillefoodservice.com.

Land O'Lakes helps operators capitalize on the Queso craze with quick-prep Queso Bravo Cheese Dip. Made with jalapeño and red peppers, the dip is a premium, finished queso that allows operators to menu the popular appetizer in minutes while helping to increase their check averages. It is available in quick-prep, boil-n-serve pouches in both yellow and white versions. Use as-is, or add other ingredients and craft a signature burger, sandwich, entrée, or soup. For recipes and more, visit www.landolakesfoodservice.com or call 800-328-1322.

Delicious Essentials reduced-fat cookies and muffins made with 100% whole grain from Otis Spunkmeyer help operators meet the more stringent nutritional guidelines now required by most school districts. Fortified with 25% of the daily value of 10 nutrients, the 1.8-ounce serving size muffin satisfies child nutrition requirements for one bread serving. Varieties include wild blueberry, banana, apple cinnamon, and chocolate chocolate chip. Delicious Essentials cookie dough is ready to bake and serve. Varieties include chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, butter sugar, and carnival. For more information, call 888-ASK-OTIS, or visit www.spunkmeyer.com.

The Signature Touch Topping warmer from Server Products keeps syrups and sauces at the ideal serving temperature. The stylish unit makes it easy to add flair to entrees, desserts and coffee drinks. The warmer includes three 16-oz. plastic bottles and features a pre-calibrated adjustable thermostat for safe and efficient heating. The warmer also features a stainless steel warming base and comes with a handy bottle holder inset. NSF listed and backed by a 2-year warranty. Visit www.signature-touch.com, or call 800-558-8722.

ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston has expanded its Sweet Things sweet potato product line with three new styles to help operators meet rapidly growing consumer demand for sweet potatoes: Sweet Potato Chips, medium-thick Crinkle Cut French Fries, and mildly seasoned Battered Dices. Made from high-quality sweet potatoes and containing zero grams of trans fat, all nine Sweet Things products can help operators update their menus with crowd-pleasing sides or appetizer options. For more information including menu ideas and merchandising support, call 800-766-7783 or visit www.lambweston.com.

Hershey's Food Service has developed 10 new recipes featuring the flavors of the winter baking season. This year's recipes include unique chocolate applications, on-trend flavors and options that work for multiple food service segments. From hearty soups like Ginger Peanut Soup, warm, delectable desserts like Autumn Turnovers, to unique beverage options like Hot Chocolate Mint Tea, Hershey's provides operators with delicious recipes that create exciting menus across day parts. For information, visit www.hersheyfoodservice.com or call 877-772-3556.

Operators can build breakfast participation with new Cereal On-The-Go products from General Mills Foodservice. The portable cereal is packaged in a convenient pouch and available in several popular brands including Fruity Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cocoa Puffs 25% Less Sugar and Golden Grahams. Made with whole grain ingredients, the products meet a one-bread equivalent and also USDA reimbursable meal guidelines providing less than 30 percent of calories from fat, less than 10 percent calories from saturated fat and less than 35 percent sugar by weight. For more information, call 800-882-5252 or visit www.generalmillsfoodservice.com.

Discover Hormel Foods new fully cooked breakfast sausage products. They're fast. They're wonderfully consistent. And they deliver that savory sausage flavor your customers want. The fully cooked sausage is an excellent way to ensure performance, consistency and safety — delivering a smart overall value. Choose from three distinctive foodservice brands to achieve the ideal flavor for your customers: Old Tyme Premium Southern Style, Natural Choice and Fast'N Easy. For more information, call 800-723-8000 or visit www.hormelfoodservice.com.

Finally a solution exists that offers patients a safe and easy mechanism to take control of their meal ordering. As an add-on module to Hospitality Suite, Computrition's comprehensive foodservice and diet office software solution, and in conjunction with a meal ordering system and in-suite TVs/monitors, TouchPoint Dining offers clinically-specified menus displayed directly to patients. For information, call 800-222-4488 ext. 250, or visit www.computrition.com/touchpointdining.htm.

Dole sustainability efforts encompass agricultural, manufacturing, packaging, distribution and office administration practices. With independent certification according to recognized standards and regular audits conducted by third-party experts, ISO 14001 helps companies in a wide range of industries ensure that their activities adhere to a set of enforceable management standards. Since 1998, Dole-owned and Dole Subsidiary farming operations and packaging suppliers in Costa Rica, Thailand, the Philippines, Honduras, Guatemala, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and the Cameroons have qualified for the ISO 14001 certification. Dole invites you to learn more about its Corporate Social Responsibility programs and achievements at www.dolecsr.com.

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.

YoNaturals Inc., recently announced the launch of its new “Direct to Schools” healthy vending program. The program consists of a “no money down” lease program with low-cost 48- and 60-month payment terms. YoNaturals offers 3 different machine options. The “YoZone” for drinks and snacks simultaneously, the “YoThirsty” for drinks only and the new “YoHungry” for snacks only. Visit www.schoolhealthyvending.com for more information.

Make your holiday meal complete with Nabisco Crackers from Kraft Foodservice. The complete database of recipes includes entrees with the rich buttery taste of Ritz Crackers, and decadent desserts with the unforgettable touch of honey in Honey Maid Graham Crackers. Complete meal suggestions and mouth-watering recipes from Kraft Foodservice help you make a meal complete from start to finish in almost no time. These and other great recipes can be found at www.kraftfoodservice.com.

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.

Idahoan Potatoes from Simplot allow operators to prepare high quality holiday classics at a low cost. The new product line features Idahoan Premium, Idahoan Real and Idahoan Naturally. From a variety of mashed potatoes to potato casserole options, all products include the homemade flavor, texture and aroma of 100 percent Idaho potatoes with closest-to-field freshness. These comfort foods can suit the desires of any consumer seeking a from-scratch holiday meal. For unique holiday recipes like Butternut Squash and Bacon Scalloped Potatoes or Potato Au Gratin with Sausage and Chèvre, visit www.simplotfoods.com.

Enhance your seasonal dessert menu and drive profits with the luscious made-from-scratch flavor of Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk from Smucker. Perfect for adding luxurious quality and consistency to festive treats, Eagle Brand Sweetened Condensed Milk lets you create speed-scratch desserts on premise. Give your customers the homemade menu items they desire during the holidays. Call foodservice sales at 330-682-3000 or visit www.smuckerfoodservice.com.

Fishery Products International (FPI) is introducing a new line of FPI fully cooked, ready to use branded crab products. The new line includes Snow, Rock and Atlantic crab products specifically designed for foodservice operations. Snow crab, with its sweet, delicate taste is ready to serve and perfect for profitable appetizers and entrées. A variety of Snow crab products are available from hand picked meat to clusters, legs and cocktail claws. FPI brand Rock crab is available as a combination of leg and body meat or as a ready to use salad meat. The Atlantic crab product has that mild flavor and smaller flake that give it a truly unique and preferred texture for a wide range of culinary applications. Visit www.fisheryproducts.com for more information.

Dreyers/Edy's introduces a new soft serve program for foodservice. The full line includes tart yogurt, low fat and non-fat frozen yogurt, ice cream and frozen custard — all backed with traffic-driving branded POS materials. The “Custom Flavor System” enables operators to serve a wide variety of frozen yogurt flavors, simply by adding any one of 15 flavorings to a single yogurt base. The shelf-stable flavorings are packed in unique, portion-controlled bottles so there's no waste, spill or mess. For more information, call 800-531-CONE.

Moore's new Vidalia Battered Onion Rings from McCain Foods, have year round consumer appeal. With 93% consumer brand name awareness, Vidalia onions are known throughout the world for their sweet, mild onion flavor. The rings are made from 38”-thick, fresh Vidalia onion slices covered in a delectable batter for a sweet flavor and crispy bite. For more information or a product presentation, call McCain Foods USA at 866-427-3924, or visit www.mccainusa.com.

Football and Fresh Hass Avocados pair well together. So it's not surprising that over 45 million pounds of Fresh Hass Avocados are consumed during the Big Game day; from fresh made guacamole to slices on sandwiches and dices in salads. The cool, creamy texture of avocados complements hot dishes and the nutty flavor adds a dimension of interesting taste and texture when stuffed and deep-fried in an Avocado Egg Roll. When adding Fresh Hass Avocados, menus are creative, innovative and fun. For an exciting Big Game promotion, call the Hass Avocado Board at 800-370-3782, or visit avocadocentral.com/foodservice.

Farmland Foods recognizes the demand for pork produced with health and the environment in mind with the introduction of All Natural Pork Chops. This product comes from single-source pork producers with selected and qualified genetics who follow strict production guidelines. The pork chops are produced without added hormones or artificial ingredients and with minimal processing. Visit www.farmlandfoodservice.com for more information.

Crunch Pak goes to diced from sliced! After setting the pace for years in the sliced apples business, Crunch Pak brings prediced apples to the food service market. With a dependable 21-day shelf life, these sweet or tart diced apples are perfect as a salad or fruit bowl ingredient. The apples are available 365 days a year. They are in easy to handle bags from 1-5 pounds, just open and add to your menu. For more information, email [email protected].

Perdue has the chicken, turkey and sliced meats to complete any healthy menu. Perdue poultry is lower in fat than other proteins and contains zero grams of trans fat. Select products are made with all natural ingredients. To find out more about the full line, visit www.perduefoodservice.com.

“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.