In far northwest Washington, just a few miles below Canada, rural Lynden, Wash., produces approximately 90% of the nation’s annual frozen red raspberry crop. Geographically, it’s a world away from downtown Chicago—the striking contrast of Mount Baker towering over green farm fields to Chicago skyscrapers towering over a broad metropolitan area.

Prepared Foods editors looked for cocoa ingredient alternatives during this year’s Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) annual expo. Interestingly, one solution came from a seemingly unlikely source on the show floor: POM Wonderful Specialty Ingredients. Following is a conversation with POM Wonderful’s Jason Horvath, sales manager for Specialty Ingredients. 

Blue Diamond has crafted a unique, festive treat that combines the flavors of rich chocolate and creamy frosting with the signature crunch of almonds creating an holiday snack.

Simplot Maple City Waffle line transforms popular menu entrée into a versatile, on-the-go option for operators, consumers.

As the dust settles on this deal, the company is also ushering in the next generation of Trainas to the helm. This expansion and succession demonstrates Traina Foods' commitment to keeping the fires of traditional Italian sun-drying burning bright.

The study, conducted at the University of Georgia, compared the cumulative impact of daily pecan eating versus not eating pecans on changes in fasting cholesterol levels and responses to a meal higher in saturated fat (meeting 35% of total daily calories). Findings show notable reductions in cholesterol levels with pecan consumption, as well as lower post-meal triglycerides. 

Bush, a graduate of Manchester Business School and INSEAD, is an experienced international CEO with nearly 40 years of experience, working across grocery retail. 

"We're so excited to bring a flavor that is loved by so many to our Blue Diamond snack portfolio," said Maya Erwin, vice president, Marketing & Innovation, Blue Diamond Growers. "We’re always looking for new ways to incorporate trending flavors into our products, and with Ranch, we hope our customers feel inspired to take their taste buds to a new level of deliciousness.”

Dr. Farhat will spearhead the company’s vision to develop groundbreaking ingredients, derived from both Fresh Del Monte’s portfolio and other agricultural products.

Prepared Foods gets the inside scoop on foodservice new product development in an interview with Michael S. Zeller, Senior Corporate Executive Chef, R&D, at Simplot Food Group.