Starbucks Coffee Company is a recognized global leader in innovation and one of the founding members of IFMA’s Center of Innovation Excellence (CIE). Following is an interview with Starbucks’ Mary Wagner, Ph.D., senior vice president for Global Research, Development & Quality.
The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) represents the world’s most prestigious food, equipment and supply manufacturers in the $588 billion foodservice industry. This sector accounts for about half of consumers’ food dollars.
The foodservice industry’s best performers achieve 22% more sales and 20% more profits from their new products than their average performing counterparts. They also are seven times more likely to launch commercial successes than poor performers.
It’s fun to write about new products. Ah, but it’s more fun to do new products. I say that because Prepared Foods’ publisher, Mike Leonard, let us “go off menu” (and off our editorial calendar menu) to create a new annual foodservice edition.
Quaker Oats. Frito-Lay. Pepsi. Tropicana. With brands such as these, it’s no secret PepsiCo Inc. is a powerful player at retail. Then again, officials say PepsiCo is an equally powerful partner for restaurants.
It’s been a busy year for menu development. Restaurants have been active in efforts to differentiate concepts, spark consumer interest in the menu, and drive customer traffic with the promise of value, quality or simply something new.
What consumers say they want and what they actually purchase at restaurants can be two different things. Understanding both consumers’ various needstates and their reasons for dining out is essential to strike that often delicate balance—and bring consumers through the doors.
The Dairy Queen system sweetens the season this December with holiday-themed candy cane treats including the popular Candy Cane Chill Blizzard Treat, as well as Candy Cane Royal Shakes and Waffle Bowl Sundaes.
Here’s proof, indeed, that “less is more.” In fact, one of the most operator-focused and innovative new products at Land O’Lakes Foodservice even has the word “reduced” in the name.
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