Prepared Foods showcases new crafted, artisanal food products hitting restaurant and foodservice channels in September 2020.

After creating an award-winning Falafel Scoop & Go product line, Mediterranean Brands Inc. (MBI), Glenview, Ill., applied the same concept to its new Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Fritter. Officials say the goal is to help customers easily prep and serve a fresh and flavorful bite-size snack or appetizer.

“Our R&D team of chefs were inspired by the amazing flavors and taste of the Italian street food, Arancini,” says Richard Hicks, owner and CEO. “Our Lemon Parmesan Asparagus Fritter product is a pre-formed, 1oz, disk-shaped bite of delicious spring time flavor! We combined simple ingredients of Arborio rice, asparagus, mozzarella and parmesan cheese with the tanging finish of lemon zest into a tasty recipe.”

MBI’s product ships frozen. Officials note that in-store deli departments also would find the product easy to serve and prepare.

Kabobs Holdings LLC, Atlanta, earned one of the National Restaurant Association’s 2020 Food and Beverage (FABI) awards for the company’s Roasted Cauliflower Au Gratin.

Officials say the product is a side dish accompaniment alternative to starches (potatoes, rice, etc.). It features fresh cauliflower florets combined with rich heavy cream, gruyere and cheddar cheeses. Then it’s accented with fresh garlic and offered pre-roasted, for a rustic visual presentation.

“There is no other product like it on the market. We couldn’t be more honored to be among the top foods recognized this year,” said Steve Law, president of Kabobs.

Kabobs is a market leading manufacturer of hors d’oeuvres, side items, ethnic and breakfast products. Law says the company has state-of-the-art operations nationwide and is part of Gourmet Culinary Partners LLC, founded by AUA Private Equity Partners.

As modern diners seek bolder flavors, new menu experiences and flexible dietary substitutions, adding new items to the menu and elevating the classics with on-trend ingredients is critical to maintaining a competitive advantage. That’s why US Foods, Rosemont, Ill., introduced as many as 22 new products earlier this spring, including Chef’s Line Toasted Coconut Pineapple Flavored Ice Cream.

US Foods says the product combines coconut and pineapple flavored ice creams, toasted Philippine coconut pieces and a pineapple variegate. Officials note that (1) toasted coconut is a unique flavor with growing popularity on menus; (2) the product can be easily incorporated into dessert, beverage and cocktail menus; and (3) this premium ice cream with high butterfat provides an indulgent experience.

US Foods notes that the clean label ice cream meets criteria for its “Unpronounceables List.”