Sponsored By

market basket 2009-02-01

Diane Ridge, Freelance Contributor

February 1, 2009

11 Min Read
FoodService Director logo in a gray background | FoodService Director

EDITED BY DIANE RIDGE

DOLE Foodservice Products packaged and fresh frozen fruits are developed and designed to meet foodservice's unique operational demands and wide-ranging menu needs. Innovative fruit products (Fruit Bowls, Tropical Gold Pineapple, Fresh Frozen Fruits, Smoothie Starters and Chef-Ready Cuts) and user-friendly packaging (IQF fruit in tear-away, resealable pouches; shelf stable, individually portioned snack cups; and frozen, pre-portioned smoothie starters) add fruit appeal and boost menu value. Visit www.dolefoodservice.com or call 800-723-9868.

Cargill Meat Solutions recently introduced an Angus mini beef patty that boasts the dynamite flavor and performance of their traditional TNT patty lineup. The 2 oz. Angus beef patty is made with the same proprietary recipe and process that has made TNT Beef, Turkey and Angus Beef patties a huge success with foodservice operators. In 2007, the TNT Beef Patty won the prestigious American Culinary ChefsBest award for Best Tasting Patty in its category. Call 800-373-6515 for information.

New from Sweet Street Desserts, Crispy Bread Pudding is bringing culinary comfort to on-the-go eating. Custard-soaked bread warm and creamy on the inside contrasted by the perfect outside crunch comes in vanilla or chocolate flavors. Simply fry them and finish with cinnamon sugar, ice cream or sauce. Visit www.sweetstreet.com for more.

It's the next great white fish — new Striped Pangasius from Fishery Products International (FPI). Its light texture, large flake (similar to cod and haddock) and fresh, naturally mild flavor carries sauces and seasonings particularly well. It's produced in a sustainable aquaculture environment and is available at an attractive price point. FPI also offers three unique value-added items — Southern Style, Blazin' and Ale House Battered — as well as easy-to-fix recipe ideas. Visit www.fisheryproducts.com for information.

Designed for offices and businesses, the new Starbucks Interactive Cup epayment brewer provides a premium, freshly ground and brewed coffee experience while maintaining cost and waste control. The brewer accepts credit cards and features easily programmable pricing. Additionally, Starbucks offers a selection of socially responsible coffees and paper products you can feel good about offering employees, customers and guests. For more information, visit www.starbucks.com.

You asked for it, you got it! Computrition's Point-of-Sale (POS) solution is here. Break away from the “traditional” cash register and process your customers' transactions with ease and full integration into Hospitality Suite products and more. Call for more information (800) 222-4488 ext. 250 or email at [email protected].

New York Style introduces new Mini Sea Salt Bagel Chips, perfect for vending or grab-and-go programs in 1.25-oz. bags. These healthier, all-natural, baked snacks also come in Garlic and Cinnamon Raisin flavors. Visit www.nonnisfoodservice.com for information.

Hot Pockets brand Mediterranean-style Chicken Croustade in a Roasted Garlic Crust from Nestle Professional offers restaurant-inspired flavors with fast and easy prep. The open-faced, flaky biscuit is filled with chicken, artichokes and tomatoes in a cheese sauce flavored with spices, onion, garlic and black olives. Also try: Chocolate filling with Raspberry in a Sweet Crust; Spicy Sausage, Egg & Cheese in a Biscuit Crust; Bacon, Egg & Cheese in a Maple flavor Crust. Call 800-243-8822, or visit www.nestleprofessional.com.

Hershey's Food Service has created 10 new recipe cards that are sure to entice customers in every foodservice segment. The recipes feature on-trend flavors and incorporate branded ingredients like Reese's, Heath and Hershey's syrups and chips. Recipes range from decadent treats like Triple Treat Peanut Butter Sundae and Ice Cream S'Mores Pie to lighter options like Hummingbird Cake and Ceviche Fruit Salad with Oatmeal Toffee Cookie. Visit www.hersheyfoodservice.com or call 877-772-3556 for more information.

The Florida Department of Citrus offers the “Culinary Citrus Creations” recipe book and CD with recipe suggestions and information on how to optimize the use of Florida citrus on menus to grow sales and profitability. Juices can be incorporated into savory meals, sauces or drinkable desserts to help meet USDA's recommended amounts of fruit consumption. Many recipes include the use of superfruits such as cranberries, goji berries, yuzu, açai and papaya. Call (863) 499-2455 or visit www.floridajuice.com for information.

Hoshizaki America, Inc. introduces the KM Series Crescent Cuber Ice Machines with built-in storage. The KM-101BAH Crescent Cuber ice machine produces up to 115 lbs. of ice within 24 hours with a built-in storage bin holding 56 lbs. The KM-151BAH unit produces up to 146 lbs. of ice within 24 hours with a built-in storage bin holding 93 lbs. These self contained designs are available as air-cooled models and can easily fit under a counter. For information, visit www.hoshizaki.com.

The R2 Ultra stainless steel bowl from Robot Coupe has been improved to increase its processing capacity and provide enhanced sanitation. Features include 60% increase in liquid capacity to boost your processing load; streamlined bowl design eliminates corners for easier cleaning; easy grip, and ergonomically designed handle. The new bowl is compatible with all existing R2 models (existing blades and bowl lids are also compatible). For more information call 800/824-1646, email [email protected] or visit www.robotcoupeusa.com.

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.

Shoes For Crews introduces PRINCESS for women shoes. This dainty style is built with comfort. Pamper your feet with self-massaging insoles and featherlight anti-bacterial EVA construction. The pivotal strap secures the fit and SFC III slip-resistant outsole ensures your safety. They can be cleaned with soap and water or in the washing machine. Visit www.shoesforcrews.com, for information.

Idahoan products from Simplot offer upscale menu options for every operation, delivering the scratch field-fresh flavor, texture, aroma and appearance consumers seek. Made from 100% Idaho potatoes, Idahoan Premium gourmet products, such as new Idahoan Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Baby Reds and Homestyle, are so authentic that patrons won't even know they aren't from scratch - and all an operator has to do is add hot water. Visit www.simplotfoods.com to view the entire line.

Made with an exclusive patented formula, Crisco Professional Pan Release Spray from Smucker Foodservice is developed to produce less foam and offer more complete and consistent surface coverage and better overall performance. Available in 14-oz. and 21-oz. sizes to fit any foodservice operation need, the spray has been awarded the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Seal of Approval. Call (330) 682-3000 or visit www.SmuckerFoodservice.com for information.

Coffee-loving customers now have one more way to satisfy their cravings — delicious, nutritious Pearl Organic Coffee Soymilk from Kikkoman. Pearl Organic Soymilk is available in six on-trend flavors: Coffee, Original, Unsweetened, Creamy Vanilla, Green Tea and Chocolate. For recipes and information, visit www.kikkomanusa.com.

The season for Hand Grown in California Avocados begins in April and foodservice operators can start planning exciting spring and summer menus around their versatility and appeal. From onsite to upscale dining, from grab-and-go simplicity to the height of elegance, avocados adapt to every menu type and style. Tour the recipe database at CaliforniaAvocado.com/foodservice. New recipes, like this fusion-style Thai Cobb Salad are added throughout the year. Or, call the CAC Foodservice Hotline at 800-370-3782.

Kraft Foodservice is pleased to offer four turnkey promotional programs to boost snack sales. Introducing Pick ‘N Play 2009: an easy to execute, pre-planned promotional calendar from Kraft/Nabisco. Within each program operators can pick from featured product suggestions for each season. Play up your snack rack display with merchandising materials themed to match the promotional time period, as well as Combo Meal ideas for menus. Operators can also earn discounts on featured Kraft/Nabisco products. Visit www.kraftfoodservice.com/2009snackpromo for more.

Tyson Food Service, offers three foodWISE Program Tool Kits — foodWISE Good for Me, foodWISE Made for Me and foodWISE Safe for Me which focuses on school wellness, financial management and food-safety issues for K-12 school foodservice directors. The program provides turnkey resources to help school nutrition directors manage their operation, train their staff and communicate to parents and the community on their top three issues — wellness, food safety and balancing the budget. Visit http://foodwise.tyson.com, call 800-24 TYSON, ext. 782, or email [email protected] for information.

ConAgra Foods Lamb Weston has expanded its Sweet Things sweet potato product line with two new bake-able styles to help schools offer side items that are both nutritious and delicious — medium-thick Crinkle Cut French Fries and mildly seasoned Battered Dices. Made from high-quality sweet potatoes and containing zero grams of trans fat, the full line of Sweet Things products can help schools instantly update their menus. Call 800-766-7783 or visit www.lambweston.com.

The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) has six new recipe/instructional CD's themed “Imagination.” The short video recipe demos are packed with prep tips and tricks to help the noncommercial chef push menu expectations. Recipes include Idaho Potato Knishes, Idaho Potato and Squash Hash, a Baked Idaho Potato Casserole, Idaho Potato Bread Pudding with Crème Anglaise, Idaho Potato Lasagna and a colorful Trio of Idaho Mashed Potatoes. Download the videos at idahopotato.com/fspro, or email [email protected] for a PDF brochure.

Put a unique spin on popular protein appetizers with new Brew City Buffalo Chicken Bites from McCain Foods. The bites feature whole muscle chicken breast pieces dipped in Buffalo hot sauce and coated with crispy beer batter. Poppable and profitable, Buffalo Chicken Bites are a good way to drive appetizer sales and increase beverage sales. To receive a special limited-time trial offer, call McCain Foods USA at 1-866-427-3924 or visit www.brewcityusa.com.

Phillips Foods, Inc. now has available Steamer Creations steam-in bag technology that creates perfectly cooked shrimp for the onsite market. Simply microwave in just five minutes. The pre-portioned 8.5-oz bags can be used as an appetizer or entrée. The 31/40 count shrimp are peeled and deveined with the tail on. Available in Honey Chipolte, Garlic herb and Steamed Spiced flavors. Call 888-234-CRAB or visit www.phillipsfoodservice.com

Kellogg's helps satisfy your customers' growing demands for flavorful sugar free snacks with Murray Sugar Free cookies. Murray is America's #1 sugar free cookie brand and is available in single serve and bulk formats. Don't miss this Grab n' Go sell opportunity. For more details call 1-877-511-5777 or visit www.kelloggsfoodawayfromhome.com.

El Monterey introduces a new Breakfast Quesadilla. We wrap fluffy eggs, real cheese and savory sausage inside an oven-baked flour tortilla to make a delicious and satisfying 4-oz. breakfast-on-the-go. Simply heat in the microwave or oven and serve in provided sleeves. For more information visit www.ruizfoodservice.com/welcome or email [email protected].

WastePro Systems from Hobart can result in savings of up to 88% on waste volume for foodservice operations while cutting water costs, improving employee productivity, improving sanitary conditions and reducing the waste impact on landfills. The system handles food waste, paper, cardboard, milk cartons, straws, napkins, polystyrene ware, aluminum foil and styrofoam. Processing between 1,250-3,000 pounds an hour measurably reduces hauling costs and labor costs. Visit www.hobartcorp.com for more information.

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.

Cambro's new pizza dough box offers a great value for storing, transporting, proofing and cooling dough. Made of polypropylene, the box is durable, lightweight and break resistant. Dough will not stick to the surface, and the chemical resistant material is dishwasher safe. The dough box fits on the Camdolly CD1826PDB for easy transport. The cover can also be used as an 18" × 26" tray. For more information, call (714) 848-1555.

Known for its large line of durable, stainless steel portion control pumps, Server Products recently introduced the newest and smallest offering-the BP ¼ and ½ bottle pumps. They deliver ¼ and ½ oz. portions respectively. These petite stainless steel pumps are ideal for dispensing syrups for slush, cocktail and coffee based drinks and beverages These rugged pumps are NSF listed and backed by a 2-year warranty. Visit www.syrup-pump.com or call 800-558-8722.

Procter & Gamble Professional introduces the new Dawn Shining Stars Club, a celebration of Dawn's 30 years in foodservice. Club members may access “Moments of Shine” submitted by foodservice professionals from across the country, and can submit their own insights and success stories. Join at www.dawncelebrations.com or call 800-817-6710.

About the Author

Diane Ridge

Freelance Contributor, Food Management

Diane Ridge is a former staff food editor and current freelance contributor to Food Management.

Subscribe to FoodService Director Newsletters
Get the foodservice industry news and insights you need for success, right in your inbox.