It’s all about the kids.
The fall edition of the United Fresh Produce Association’s Fresh Insights for Foodservice report is titled “The Kids’ Menu Issue.
The 28-page quarterly foodservice publication, now sponsored by Produce Alliance, looks at produce items that appeal to young consumers, according to a news release. In addition, the issue looks at how restaurants are responding to young consumers in their menu offerings.
“Fresh produce trends start in the foodservice sector, with chefs and menu development professionals using fruits and vegetables to bring color and life to their plates,” Melissa Melshenker Ackerman, president of Buffalo Grove, Ill.-based Produce Alliance, said in the release. “Produce Alliance is excited to partner with United Fresh on this research publication. Our shared commitment to increase children’s access, selection, and consumption of fresh produce makes us especially pleased that the first issue in our sponsorship is focused on kids!”
The fall issue includes insights on cauliflower, pears, snap peas and bananas, according to the release. Menu concepts, including pizza and sandwiches, are examined as they relate to kids’ menus.
The release said a new permanent section of the report, called “The Kids Table,” explores produce items and concepts trending on children’s menus.
For the fall issue, the View From Above section of the report looks at K-12 school menus, according to the release, and features an interview with school foodservice leader Jessica Shelly, director of student dining services for Cincinnati Public Schools.
“We’re pleased to add a focus on produce in kids’ menus as a regular feature in the Fresh Insights for Foodservice report,” Andrew Marshall, director of foodservice and foundation partnerships for United Fresh, said in the release. “Foodservice is a crucial channel for introducing children and their families to fresh produce. We know that kids that enjoy produce at schools and restaurants are more likely to ask for their parents to bring home produce from the grocery store. The more opportunities kids have to try new produce items and preparations, the more our industry benefits.”
Web seminar offered
The United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board, Datassential and Produce Alliance will host a web seminar to highlight content from the fall 2019 report, according to the release. The web seminar is set for Nov. 5 at 2 pm Eastern. Registration for the web seminar is available on the United Fresh website. The event will be moderated by Sarah Grady, manager of the U.S. strategic supply chain at McDonald’s Corporation and vice chair of the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board.
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