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Knouse Foods Highlights Key Foodservice Trends for 2010

Healthful Options, Labor & Cost Saving Solutions, Comfort Foods and Kid’s Menu Diversity Top the List

Peach Glen, PA, November 30, 2009 - According to the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) forecast and Knouse Foods’ industry expertise, there are several foodservice trends emerging as a result of the recession and changing consumer behaviors. Knouse Foods highlights four trends that foodservice professionals can address to help diversify their menus, save costs and appeal to consumers’ evolving preferences.

Key areas that foodservice chefs and operators can manage to attract diners and become more efficient include: 

• Healthful options
• Comfort foods
• Kid’s menu diversity
• Labor and costs saving solutions

Consumers and foodservice professionals continue to adapt to the changing economic situation. When it comes to menu selections in 2010, comfort foods offered at a reasonable price are expected to drive demand as people look to classic foods and ingredients that are more nostalgic. However, health will be a rising concern, with diners looking to restaurants to take a stronger stance in addressing the need for better eating habits.  

This also extends into kid’s menus, no longer just the standard list of kid friendly staples; kid’s menus are growing to include more diverse meals to appeal to maturing taste. Adding fruit or applesauce boosts flavor and nutritional value while appealing to the younger audience.

“Working with our foodservice partners has positioned Knouse to provide greater insight into what operators can expect moving into next year. Diners are definitely looking for value but good food and wholesome ingredients are the foundation of what consumers are looking for when eating out,” said Todd Michael, Food Service Sales Manager for Knouse Foods. “Incorporating ‘Stealth Health’ techniques like adding real fruit to both sweet and savory meals can help chefs create comforting dishes that are both healthful and full of flavor, benefitting adults and children.”

In addition to meeting consumer demand, operators are equally concerned about moving into 2010 with greater efficiency to reduce labor and costs. Some strategies include leaner purchasing habits, greater waste management, skillful preparation techniques and resourceful labor practices. Knouse Foods® offers a variety of the highest quality fruit and related products under the Musselman’s and Lucky Leaf brands that come ready-to-use and in an assortment of sizes helping operators reduce labor and waste. Products are also available from single-serve cups to bulk packaging and provide consistent flavor, texture and fruit character to every meal.

For more information about products and recipe ideas, visit www.knousefoodservice.com

Knouse Foods is an established grower cooperative and food processor for apple and fruit related products. The cooperative includes fruit growers in the Appalachian region of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the Mid-West. Known for its environmental stewardship, Knouse Foods is committed to ensuring all of its products meet the highest standard for taste, quality and consistency. Product brands include Musselman’s, Lucky Leaf, Apple Time and Speas Farm.