Prepared Foodsshowcases new meat and poultry products for foodservice.

US Foods Holding Corp., Rosemont, Ill., introduced its Summer Scoop new product platform themed around the idea that “Dining Out Is In Again.” The launch included 18 products to reduce back-of-house preparation and skilled-labor demands.

Meat and chicken account for five of the new summertime products. Included is a Chef’s Line All Natural Seasoned Beef Brisket Steak Burger (pictured), made with USDA Choice grade brisket and sirloin. It’s seasoned with coarse ground black pepper and naturally hickory smoked sea salt to deliver familiar smoked brisket flavor. Cooked from frozen, these burgers save about two hours of labor savings compared to creating from scratch.

Also new is a Chef’s Line All Natural Italian Sausage Burger made from whole boneless pork shoulder and seasoned with herbs and spices authentic to Italian sausage. On the chicken side, US Foods launched Patuxent Farms Biscuit Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks made with whole muscle breast chicken chunks, rib meat and coated with a crunchy, biscuit-like breading for an upscale version of popcorn chicken.

Other new offerings included Carne Asada Steak Strips and All Natural Uncured Smoked Andouille Sausage

Although the pandemic prevented the National Restaurant Association from hosting its annual convention, it did not prevent NRA from sponsoring its 2021 Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards.

“We are proud to recognize this year’s FABI Award recipients. These 24 products showcase the innovation and creativity that our industry continues to produce,” said Tom Cindric, president of Winsight Exhibitions. “From Free Wave Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA to White Truffle Infused Spray Oil to UNCUT Plant-Based Taco Ground and Beyond Chicken Tenders, these FABI Award recipients are being recognized for inspiring new tastes, flavors, and craftsmanship during a time when it was needed most.”

Tyson Foodservice earned two FABI awards for its Jimmy Dean Sausage Tots and Tyson NAE Fully Cooked Boneless Thigh Wings (pictured). Officials say Jimmy Dean Sausage Tots combine two favorite foods—meat, potatoes—into a savory bite. The product features Jimmy Dean Sausage coated in a crunchy potato breading exterior.

Tyson’s other products is a patented boneless, skinless whole muscle chicken thigh that’s uniquely cut to look and eat like a bone-in wing. It gives consumers the tender, juicy taste of bone-in wings without—without the mess, says Tyson.

This spring saw Sysco Corporation, Houston, include chicken among nine new products in its Cutting Edge Solutions platform.

“Now more than ever, foodservice operators must provide differentiated offerings to succeed in this challenging operating environment,” said Judy Sansone, Sysco’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “Sysco’s Cutting Edge Solutions platform offers our customers unique and on-trend products to stay ahead of their competition and provide chef-tested menu items that are not only innovative, but also provide labor and operational savings.”

Sysco says its Sysco Imperial Shredded Chicken Tenderloins are pre-cooked, versatile and can be utilized in a wide variety of menu concepts. The clean flavor profile accommodates signature sauces and spice blends. This product offers heat-and-serve convenience and saves labor because it eliminates shredding by hand.

Another labor-saving concept involves the Sysco Classic Crispy Milanese Chicken Breast, which is fully-cooked and ultra-thin for fast preparation in any kitchen. “This product is sure to become a go-to item for operators, offering versatility across multiple menu options combined with authentic flavor and crispness,” says Sysco.