United Fresh foodservice report eyes kiwi 

The winter 2020 United Fresh Produce Association Fresh Insights for Foodservice report takes a close look at kiwifruit and watermelon radishes, along with new plant-based menu trends.

The report, sponsored by Produce Alliance, is available free on the United Fresh website for members and at a $50 charge for non-members, according to a news release.

The release said the winter 2020 issue looks at winter menu trends and spotlights watermelon radishes, kiwifruit, and how burgers (including plant-based options) continue to evolve on restaurant menus.

The “On the Horizon” section of the report looks ahead to summer menu trends, showcasing the latest trends and data in hot peppers, finger limes, and ice cream, according to the release.

“This edition of Fresh Insights for Foodservice highlights innovative ways that produce is being featured with two ever-popular foods, burgers and ice cream,” Andrew Marshall, United Fresh’s director of foodservice and foundation partnerships, said in the release. “As winter’s gray skies and cold temperatures encapsulate most of the country, watermelon radishes and kiwifruit add a pop of color and tropical flare to entice and delight diners in a variety of foodservice concepts.” 

The report also features a new “Kids’ Table” section which highlights creative applications for fresh produce on restaurant kids’ menus, according to the release. The winter report considers how apples are being used on kids’ menus.

“Going forward, the ‘Kids’ Table’ section will be an opportunity to shine a light on how fresh produce is being presented to our youngest consumers,” Sarah Grady, manager of the U.S. strategic supply chain for McDonald’s Corporation and co-chair of the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board, said in the release.

“With families choosing to eat outside the home on a more consistent basis, we will be looking for opportunities to elevate, and interact with, foodservice operators that are making fresh choices more easily accessible to children and families.” 

A web seminar about the report is scheduled for Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. Eastern and will feature a speaker from Datassential, according to the release. Registration is available online.

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