JTM Food Group, Harrison, Ohio, used the School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) 2014 Annual National Conference (ANC) in Boston this July to showcase 12 new products, including healthy breakfast options, flavorful vegetarian dishes and allergen-free proteins. One example is a clean label Steel Cut Oatmeal with Brown Sugar that contains only three ingredients.

“The School Nutrition Association represents more than 55,000 professionals from across the nation responsible for the meals served to students nationally,” says Brian Hofmeier, JTM Food Group’s vice president of Education Sales. “Exhibiting at the ANC gives JTM the platform to present our vegetarian, whole grain rich, allergen free, and clean label products to a number of these decision makers, while demonstrating to them menu solutions that will help them meet the needs of the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs.”

JTM officials expected more than 3,000 foodservice professionals at the annual convention. JTM Executive Chef Robert Lafond also was there to present recipes and applications such as JTM’s allergen-free Mushroom Enhanced Beef Patty; Egg, Potato and Cheese Breakfast Burrito Filling (pictured); and Mediterranean-Style Hummus.

“We’re also excited to introduce the My Way Café concept,” says Hofmeier. “This simple concept is based around three of the top trends in the foodservice industry: customization, demand for more ethnic flavors and an increase in demand for options that utilize fresh (locally sourced) ingredients. We will demonstrate to attendees how to use a set of core JTM proteins and sauces, fresh ingredients and common whole grain-rich bases—like wraps, brown rice and pastas—to turn the standard serving line into a destination that gives students options on how their finished wrap, sandwich or bowl is served.”

JTM showcased as many as 30 new offerings including:

  • Steel Cut Oatmeal with Brown Sugar
  • Egg, Potato & Cheese Breakfast Burrito Filling
  • Bean and Cheese Burrito Filling
  • Mediterranean-Style Hummus
  • Extra Creamy Whole Grain Rich Mac & Cheese
  • Whole Grain Rich Pasta Primavera with Mushrooms
  • Premium Turkey Burger (allergen free, no caramel color)
  • Mushroom Enhanced Beef Burger (allergen free, no caramel color)
  • Premium Pork Sausage (allergen free, no caramel color)
  • Reduced Sodium Marinara Sauce
  • IQF Diced Beef (allergen free)
  • Mushroom Enhanced Beef Meatball