OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Customization, bold flavors and optimized merchandising are some of the themes gleaned from the foodservice winners in CSP’s Retailer Choice Best New Products Contest.
The winners of the eighth annual contest took innovation to new levels this year, representing the latest in what’s unique in c-stores and other retail-foodservice operations.
The contest included products in 34 categories released between Aug. 1, 2010, and July 31, 2011, with the candidates narrowed to a list of three in each category, chosen by retailers over the course of two weeks in online voting. Following are the foodservice winners. See the January issue of CSP for the complete roster of winners.
Heated Zone Merchandiser, Hatco Corp.
Category: Foodservice Equipment—Hot
Hatco Corp.’s new Heated Zone Merchandiser line features the company’s Spot On technology, which turns on overhead heat when product is placed in the display area, unlike merchandisers that remain at full power whether or not product is present. The line includes single- and dual-shelf configurations with opening widths available in 6-inch increments from 24 to 60 inches to suit any application.
Model C314 Frozen Carbonated Beverage Freezer, Taylor Co.
Category: Foodservice Equipment—Cold
The Model C314 frozen carbonated beverage freezer is the next generation in Taylor Co.’s Crown Series. The modular countertop freezer dispenses carbonated slush products in a convenient, pressurized or optional nonpressurized system. Operators can serve four flavors, featured in well-lit, clear plastic dispensing doors to help drive impulse sales. Direct-drive motors keep the product mixed while freezing for consistent quality and flavor.
Spinner Sauce Display Rack, Chester’s International LLC
Category: Foodservice Equipment—Dispensers/Display
Chester’s Spinner Sauce Display Rack provides an added value for operators to merchandise sauces. The rotating rack allows high visibility when counter space is limited, and it holds up to six different sauces. The graphite-colored rack is 8.75 inches wide by 26.69 inches high. Each rack includes a product-header sign and graphic wrap (featuring menu images with sauces), a price-decal sheet with several pricing options and necessary hardware.
International Delight Flavor Shots, WhiteWave Foods
Category: Condiments
The new International Delight Flavor Shots from WhiteWave Foods Co. are cost-conscious alternatives to bottled syrups. They can deliver the beverage customization patrons demand, with 12 sugar-free flavors for both hot and cold beverages. In addition, the products’ branded flavor-delivery system, the CreaMiser FD100 dispenser, can help operators save money and mess while adding a burst of flavor to beverages with the simple push of a lever.
Original Home-Style Lemonade, Sunny Sky Products
Category: Dispensed Beverages
Sunny Sky Products, a manufacturer of specialty dispensed beverages, has introduced its premium Home-Style Lemonade program. The lemonade is made with real lemons and sweetened with imperial pure cane sugar. It is packaged in six half-gallon bottles with a 5-to-1 mix ratio. It is also available in a bag-in-box option for existing fountain equipment.
Hot Pockets Buffalo Style Chicken Stix, Nestle Professional
Category: Heat & Eat
Nestle Professional launched Hot Pockets brand Buffalo Style Chicken Stix to bring spice and flavor to foodservice operators. The Chicken Stix are made with diced chicken and Buffalo-style sauce and wrapped in a crust for wing lovers who want to keep hot messes to a minimum while on the go. They are 3 ounces each for a convenient lunch, dinner or snack, without the need to add hot sauce or extra napkins.
FTO Cinnamon Rolls, Rich Products Corp.
Category: Breakfast
For breakfast and all-day snacking, Rich’s Fresh ‘n Ready freezer-to-oven (FTO) rolls make baking a batch of fresh cinnamon rolls simple. There is no thawing or proofing, and with just 18 minutes in the oven, your establishment is filled with an aroma that can help drive impulse purchases. Bake just what you want, when you want. Icing sleeves are included with specific product codes for a finishing touch.
Freschetta Buffalo Style Chicken Flat Bread, Schwan’s Food Service
Category: Sandwiches/Wraps/Burgers
Freschetta Buffalo Style Chicken Flat Bread from Schwan’s Food Service cooks like a pizza, then is folded over and put into packaging for placement in a merchandising case. It contains fresh chicken, mozzarella, a sprinkle of parsley and a kick of Frank’s RedHot Sauce for a hint of spicy flavor. According to the company, the product holds in a warmer much longer than traditional pizza and is operations-friendly.
Egg Sausage with Maple Flavor Tornados, Ruiz Foods
Category: Roller Grill
Like the classic breakfast combo with eggs, sausage and flapjacks, this flavor of Ruiz Foods’ Tornados provides the flavors of eggs, meat and maple-syrup sweetness. Tornados are made with oven-baked flour tortillas rolled around a variety of fillings, then dipped in seasoned batters and lightly fried. They can be heated via roller grill, microwave, oven, fryer or pan-frying. Serving bags are even provided for on-the-go eating of the portable handheld product.
Thermo Grip Insulated Hot Cup, LBP Manufacturing Inc.
Category: Serving Items
The Thermo Grip Insulated Hot Cups from LBP Manufacturing Inc. are double-wall hot cups that create a 360-degree air chamber. The patented design keeps the outside comfortable to hold, eliminating the need for double-cupping or protective sleeves. Made with 25% post-consumer fiber content, they are available in 8-, 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-ounce sizes.
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