How we view food can be cyclical. And that is for sure the is the mind set of food companies, I have learned. Each year when I go to the pre-school food shows new products to entice the appetite abound. Some years they focus on cooking techniques geared to the latest health trends. As I remember last year was all about no deep frying and many products were introduced that purported baking instead of deep frying. Also there was a big trend towards smaller servings of surgery beverages. Many times I just meander from booth to booth tasting a cache of similar tastes marketed differently. So what stood out this year.
For someone, like me, that does this every year it becomes more of a game of discounts and gifts. I am given a sample bag as I enter the food show and a discount book that if I use correctly will afford me a nice discount on products that I would buy anyway. But then there are always the surprises that make the trip worthwhile. Last year my faves were a company that marketed fresh fruit for buffets that were delicious and labor friendly. When I catered I yearned for this convenience and quality. Very nicely done; but the shelf life prohibited it for my current application. And then another company popped out; they manufactured packaged corned beef that was tender, delicious and the perfect portion for a Reuben. Good job! But my favorite new product application was the pot roast! Amply sliced portions of beef seasoned to perfection that melded with gravy and accompanied mashed potatoes and vegetable flawlessly. You go foodies I'm loving it!
This years first show was a bit less memorable. The only memorable items were the frozen fruit bars imported from Mexico. The coconut was my favorite with chunks of fresh coconut in every bite. Delicious!
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