WASHINGTON, DC - Scroll through any social media site, and you’ll see video upon video of new twists and innovative food pairings trending amongst consumers. A big focus as of late, though, is the utilization of fresh produce. United Fresh is taking the guesswork out of foreseeing trends with its Winter 2020 issue of Fresh Insights for Foodservice, highlighting on-trend applications for fresh produce in restaurants, at retail, in meal kits, and more.

“This edition of Fresh Insights for Foodservice highlights innovative ways that produce is being featured with two ever-popular foods: burgers and ice cream,” said Andrew Marshall, Director of Foodservice and Foundation Partnerships. “As winter’s gray skies and cold temperatures encapsulate most of the country, watermelon radishes and kiwifruit add a pop of color and tropical flare to entice and delight diners in a variety of foodservice concepts.”

According to the press release, the Winter 2020 issue provides insights into the latest In Season winter trends, spotlighting watermelon radishes, kiwifruit, and how burgers continue to evolve on restaurant menus, both with plant-based options and unique produce accompaniments. The On the Horizon section looks ahead to summer, showcasing the latest trends and data in hot peppers, finger limes, and ice cream. Additional sections of Fresh Insights for Foodservice include the Chain Report, which explores the latest produce introductions at national restaurant accounts, and the View From Above section, which includes a focus on grab-and-go concepts that cater to consumers’ increasingly busy lifestyles. The issue is rounded out by the new Kids’ Table section, which highlights creative applications for fresh produce on restaurant kids’ menus. This quarter’s report focuses on apples, a perennial kids’ menu favorite and versatile fruit.

“Going forward, the ‘Kids’ Table’ section will be an opportunity to shine a light on how fresh produce is being presented to our youngest consumers,” said Sarah Grady, Manager for U.S. Strategic Supply Chain, McDonald’s Corporation, and Co-Chair of the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board. “With families choosing to eat outside the home on a more consistent basis, we will be looking for opportunities to elevate, and interact with, foodservice operators that are making fresh choices more easily accessible to children and families.”

The United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board will be hosting a webinar scheduled for Thursday, February 27, at 2:00 p.m. EST/11:00 a.m. PST, to provide the industry with an opportunity to engage in conversation about the report. At the webinar, a guest speaker from Datassential will highlight the notable statistics from the report, as well as provide an opportunity for produce professionals with an interest in foodservice to ask questions and gain a broader understanding of what may be driving current trends. Registration for the webinar is available on the United Fresh Website.

Fresh Insights for Foodservice is available free of charge for United Fresh members ($50 for non-members) here.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we bring more updates in the fresh produce space.

United Fresh Produce Association