First Ever North American Foodservice Grand Prix New Product Awards™

The winners of the first ever
North American Foodservice Grand Prix New Product Awards™ were
announced this past January in Washington, D.C.

The winners of the first ever North American Foodservice Grand Prix New Product Awards™ were announced this past January in Washington, D.C.

The awards were presented by IFDA Chairman J. Michael Roach, president of Ben E. Keith Foods, the Grand Prix Jury Chairman Chef Marcus Von Albrecht, and jury member Doug Petruzzi, executive chef at Pocono Produce Company. The competition, which is a joint effort of the Canadian Council of Grocery Distributors (CCGD) and the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA), recognizes new foodservice products of exceptional value to operators and end consumers.

The winners of the 2004 North American Foodservice Grand Prix New Product Awards™

“Our jury compared and analyzed a wide variety of new and innovative products developed for the foodservice market across North America. One thing is certain, manufacturers are working to make the operators’ life as trouble free as possible by developing labour-saving products with high standards of quality,” said Jury Chair Marcus Von Albrecht, corporate chef of Binner Marketing and Sales Inc., and chairman of the British Columbia Chef’s Association.

Winners were announced in 11 of the competition’s various product categories. Two special awards were also presented, including a “Best of Show Award” given to the finalist entry that achieved the highest overall score in the competition, as well as an “Innovation Award” which was presented to the highest-scoring product in the “Innovation and Originality” criteria area.

The 2004 Best of Show was awarded to Rich Products Corporation for Rich’s® Niagara Farms™ Premium Blended Whipped Topping. The product offers operators a great-tasting dairy product with the convenience of an easy opening decorator pastry bag.

The non-propellant format delivers significantly higher yield than common aerosol cans. Judges noted that the product was creamy, rich tasting, had good flavour, and real cream taste. Judges also felt the product has superior stability on the plate and found the pasty bag packaging convenient and easy to use.

The 2004 Innovation Award was presented to McCain Foods U.S.A. for McCain’s Babycakes™ Homestyle Mini Potato Pancakes. The product looks like it was made in the back of the house, but with none of the labour. Judges commented that the product had “great taste, authentic flavour and appearance.” They also felt the product was convenient to use. Stated one judge, “the product did everything that the manufacturer claimed. Good potato and onion flavour, loose texture, tender, and moist.” Stated another judge, “it does have a homemade look and would appeal to all different demographic groups. This is the type of menu ingredient that would have patrons coming back for that signature potato item.”

“New products are one of the most important ways that the foodservice industry responds to new operator and consumer needs,” said Mark Allen, president and CEO of IFDA. “This program helps to identify the best of these new products and focuses on the important contribution of new products to our industry.”

“We are pleased to be able to showcase the innovation of the food distribution market in this way,” said Nick Jennery, president of CCGD. “Innovation is the lifeblood of the industry and this gala event gives real focus on outstanding work by our industry. All the products are winners in my opinion!”

Foodservice products introduced in Canada or in the United States between November 1, 2003 and October 31, 2004 were eligible to participate. Products were entered in nine food and four non-food categories.

Entries were prepared and analyzed at a test kitchen at the Institut du Tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) in Montreal last November, 2004.

Winners of the 2004 North American Foodservice Grand Prix New Product Awards

Bakery Products

• Gourmet Baker Divine Centers Muffins, Multifoods Foodservice and Bakery Products

Beverages (Hot And Cold)

Condiments, Sauces & Spices

• Heinz 375 Ml. Upside Down Ketchup, Heinz North America

Dairy Products

• Baked Brie, Damafro Inc.

Desserts, Snacks, & Confectionary

• Rich’s Niagara Farm’s Premium Blended Whipped Topping, Rich Products Corporation

Fruits And Vegetables

• Lamb’s Supreme® UltraMashed, ConAgra Foods

Paper, Plastic And Foil

• Xpressnap Napkins & Dispensing Systems, SCA Tissue

Poultry, Meat, Seafood & Eggs

• Ready-to-Cook Crossfires™ GrillMarked Chicken Breast Fillet, Tyson Foods, Inc.

Prepared Soups & Entrees

• V8™ Inspired Soups, Campbell Companyof Canada

Tabletop

• Roseware® Foam Hinged Bowls, PACTIV

Innovation Award

• McCain Homestyle Baby-cakes Mini Potato Pancakes, McCain Foods USA, Inc.

Best of Show

• Rich’s Niagara Farm’s Premium Blended Whipped Topping, Rich Products Corporation