PMA's Foodservice Product Innovation Contest
Innovation
n (1) the introduction of something new; (2) a new idea, method, or device
In spring of 2008, PMA's Foodservice Conference & Exposition looked for produce-related foodservice products that were on the cutting-edge and breaking new ground in the foodservice industry for the second annual Foodservice Product Innovation Contest.
Submissions were first evaluated by a panel of foodservice operators, chefs and distributors, narrowing the submissions down so only the top five remained. They were then judged by two distinct audiences: Foodservice Buyers (Foodservice Operators and Distributors) and the 2008 recipients of the Nucci Scholarship for Culinary Innovation, top students from the Culinary Institute of America and Johnson & Wales University. Voting took place via an electronic survey before the Foodservice Conference & Exposition.
Winners were announced at the Foodservice Conference Saturday Opening General Session. In addition to a complimentary New Products Showcase space at PMA's 2008 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition in Orlando, Florida, winners will receive an engraved plaque, yearround recognition on PMA's Foodservice Conference & Exposition Web site, and more.
Nunhems USA, Inc. Intense™ Tomato Buyers' Choice Winner
The Intense Tomato™ from Nunhems USA, Inc. is a new hybrid seed variety developed to be the ultimate foodservice and fresh-cut tomato. With less gel and more meat, Intense is ideally suited for efficient uniform slicing, dicing and cutting while still retaining its attractive color and texture for a fresh appearance.
Fresh Origins' Petite Edamame™ Students' Choice Winner
Petite Edamame™ was developed from Fresh Origins' interest in healthy eating, and the fact that Edamame has become a popular item well beyond its Asian restaurant beginnings, but consumers have to remove the bean. Petite Edamame™ is the young, just-germinated plant, not the bean, offered in its fresh uncooked form. Petite Edamame™ also provides the option of eating it fresh or cooking it, with better flavor and greater tenderness, without the pod.
Foodservice Product Innovation Contest Criteria
Product submissions must be entirely new since 2007 to the foodservice industry.
Foodservice Product Innovation Contest Criteria
All product submissions must demonstrate:
- Newness to the foodservice industry
- Relevance to produce and foodservice
- Innovation
Questions?
Contact Eboni Wall, PMA Event Director, at ewall@pma.com.