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Robert Garrison

Bob Garrison came in from the cold. A founding editor of BNP Media's Refrigerated & Frozen Foods (R&FF) Bob has profiled industry-leading companies, explored corporate strategies and covered food product development trends at more than 150 leading private and CPG companies since 1989. He has chronicled the histories of leading brands and businesses, including Gorton's, ConAgra Frozen Foods (Banquet) and Swanson's frozen TV dinners. He also has interviewed or profiled such food industry leaders as Mike Harper (ConAgra), Don Tyson and frozen bagel icon Murray Lender.

Articles

ARTICLES

2018 Spirit of Innovation Award Winners Lead by Example

Prepared Foods recognizes the work of food and beverage product developers across categories

Robert Garrison

October 30, 2018

For its part, Prepared Foods believes new product development is a team sport and PF's 16th annual "Spirit of Innovation" (SOI) awards honor those food and beverage manufacturer teams collaborating and creating distinct new products that stand out in their respective markets.

Sauces, Spreads and Dressings Address Exotic Tastes, Clean Label Trends

Of the 36 NRA Food and Beverage Awards (FABI) issued this year, eight winners were new sauces, spreads and dressings

Robert Garrison

August 27, 2018

Of the 36 NRA Food and Beverage Awards (FABI) issued this year, eight winners were new sauces, spreads and dressings and nearly all those of featured an ethnic twist—particularly with Indian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.

Sandwich with Chicken of the Sea Yellowfin Tuna Slices

Prepared Meat, Poultry, Seafood Items Address Consumer, Operator Trends

Meat, poultry and seafood processors continue to innovate and evolve offerings to address consumer and foodservice operator needs

Robert Garrison

August 21, 2018

Despite the rise in interest in plant-based or lab-grown protein, market researcher Packaged Facts finds that actual consumption is very low compared to demand for beef, pork, chicken and turkey.

Beverage Trends on Display at Annual National Restaurant Association Show

A list of this year's FABI beverage award winners and product descriptions

Robert Garrison

August 20, 2018

From coffee to "crafted" and floral to functional, this year's National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show featured a wide variety of foodservice beverage trends.

Dairy Products Deliver Added Flavor, Function, Texture on Menus

Milks, cheeses, cultured products and frozen desserts provide a basis for foodservice menus

Robert Garrison

August 17, 2018

When it comes to foodservice menus, it's clear that milks, cheeses, cultured products and frozen desserts carry function, flavor, texture and on-trend tastes.

Versatile Bakery Foods Address a Multitude of Menu Trends

Bakeries help restaurant operator customers—and consumers—address concerns related to clean label, health and ingredients sourced responsibly.

Robert Garrison

August 15, 2018

Here's an example of flour power. When the National Restaurant Association (NRA) announced its 2018 annual Food and Beverage (FABI) award honorees, nine of the 36 winners were bakery products and/or baking companies.

Appetizers, Soups and Side Dishes Step Up to the Plate

An increasing number of new products are helping operators add tasteful, nutritional appeal.

Robert Garrison

August 14, 2018

Although they often take second billing on menus, it's clear that appetizers, soups and side dishes represent a main course of new product development in foodservice.

Foodservice Manufacturers, Operators and Partners Collaborate for Innovation Best Practices

Executives from approximately 42 organizations will meet four times on 2018 to share best data and insights, best practices and more

Robert Garrison

August 10, 2018

When it comes to improving foodservice new product success—it truly does help to solicit input from all sides. That's exactly what’s happening this year with a Collaborative Innovation Best Practices board .

Foodservice: New Face, Pace of Innovation

Celebrating the women and men working at food and beverage manufacturing companies

Robert Garrison

August 1, 2018

Our past industry overviews featured menu and operator segment trend reviews to give you more customer insights. This year, we’re actually covering more of your new product activities as highlighted at the annual National Restaurant Association (NRA) Show and the annual International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association show.

Retail State of the Industry | Pizza

2018 Pizza Trends: Growing—Through Thick & Thin

Pizza keeps growing thanks to new crusts, toppings, snacks and more.

Robert Garrison

March 16, 2018

Driving retail pizza sales are a host of new frozen products embracing all trends—different tastes, premium new toppings and healthier new options. Likewise, retailers appear to be allocating more shelf space and expanding the category with new pizza snack options.

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