This is the sixth story in an eight-part series about the NRA Show
Looking to sign a deal with a new food and beverage vendor? Well, you might be able to learn a thing or two from those exhibiting at the 2006 National Restaurant Association's Hotel Motel Show.
One item you may want to learn about at this year's show is sauerkraut, which was named to the Food Network's "Hottest Foods" list for 2006, and the NRA also identified the resurgence of sauerkraut as an old favorite. Wisconsin-based, Great Lakes Kraut Co. will be exhibiting at booth No. 9635 during the show.
Sauerkraut manufacturer Ryan Downs, co-owner of Great Lakes Kraut Co. in Bear Creek, Wis., said he's looking forward to attending this year's National Restaurant Association show. "The NRA show is a great opportunity for us to showcase our product and let people know that sauerkraut is much, much more than a condiment or a side dish," he said. "Sauerkraut is quickly gaining popularity as a tasty and healthy addition to any meal. Folks are constantly sending us sauerkraut recipes for meals ranging from salad and salsa, to pizza and pork chops, and believe it or not, even dessert."
Even if you're not interested learning about a food manufacturer's product, you can eat it. F&A Dairy products will be displaying its array of cheeses from mozzarella curds to Gorgonzola to provolone. A representative from Winona Foods Inc. will be at the F&A booth, No. 7862, stretching award-winning fresh mozzarella, said Chris Slaveck, vice president of sales and marketing for F&A. The cheese maker also will be sprinkling its popular mozzarella on pizzas and giving away tasty samples.
As consumer demand for tea grows, you may consider adding organic teas to your beverage offerings. Numi Organic Tea will be exhibiting at both No. 4806 to answer your questions on the product. According to a news release, Numi introduced to the U.S. market organic herbs such as Rooibos and Honeybush, full-leaf teas in teabags accompanied by all-natural ingredients. Numi's foodservice program offers a variety of full-leaf premium teas and teasans ( herbal no-caffeine) in loose form or individually wrapped teabags, as well as a larger 1gallon to 3-gallon pouches for an unsurpassed tasting iced tea.
For operators looking to revamp their bakery selection, the Labriola Baking Company will be showcasing its frozen artisan breads and desserts.
At both No. 2286, Grand Cru will offer 13 espressos and six coffees from different origins. Master roaster Michael McCauley will be launching a new product that the company claims is the first of its kind in the American market.
For more information on the NRA Show, visit Restaurant.org.
