United Fresh foodservice report highlights holidays, back to school
The United Fresh Produce Association’s Fresh Insights for Foodservice fall issue highlights the traditional holiday meal mainstays, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic’s continued effects on the foodservice sector.
“The ongoing pandemic continues to create challenges for foodservice operators and supplier partners, and pivoting to meet the evolving needs of consumers is essential,” Andrew Marshall, director of foodservice & foundation partnerships for United Fresh, said in a news release. “Produce-centric meals are positioned well to meet consumers’ desires for healthier options, as well as meal solutions for the entire family.”
According to the release, the report highlights:
- In Season: Holiday favorites cranberries and sweet potatoes; the report also suggests curry as a cold-weather, globally-inspired way to serve as a vehicle for fresh items;
- On the Horizon: Deep dives into blueberries, celery and fresh fruit tarts, which will be focus of some menu items next spring;
- Chain Report: Explores the latest national account introductions;
- Kid’s Table: How cauliflower is being featured on kids’ menus;
- View From Above: Fall brings a back-to-school focus, and United Fresh features insights from K-12 operators on how they are offering fresh produce, despite current challenges.
“The leadership of school nutrition professionals during the pandemic has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Sarah Grady, manager of U.S. Strategic Supply Chain for McDonald’s Corp. and chairwoman of the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board, said in the release. “We’re pleased to highlight several K-12 operators in the latest issue of Fresh Insights, showcasing their continued commitment to offering fresh fruit and vegetables.”
The report is sponsored by Produce Alliance.
The United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board is offering a web seminar on the report at noon Eastern Dec. 2. Grady will moderate the discussion, which will feature analysis from Mike Kostyo, trendologist at Datassential, and a question-and-answer period.
The seminar registration is online.
