News

Fast casuals boost produce sales

May 6, 2008

The Packer:Roberta Cook, cooperative extension specialist at the University of California-Davis, said the amount of money spent on the $1 trillion food sector is split about 50-50 in retail versus foodservice, but only about one-fourth of the fresh produce volume is spent in foodservice. She said gains are being made in the fast-casual segment, which includes chains like Panera Bread, Chipotle and Boston Market. The segment shows the highest rate of growth in the restaurant industry, she said.