Food & Food Equipment News

Master-Bilt Bottom Mount Open Air Display Merchandisers increase Merchandising, Grab & Go Space

Master-Bilt Refrigeration Solutions is proud to announce the latest development in its line of merchandising display equipment: Bottom Mount Open Air (BMOA) Display Merchandisers.

This new series of attractive, well-lit and open “grab and go” merchandisers is designed to increase merchandising space with 17”-deep shelving allowing for increased pack-out and product visibility. BMOA models are equipped with three tiers of LED-lighted, adjustable two position shelves with price tag molding.

These merchandisers contain interior and exterior textured finish and feature an electronically controlled monitoring system that allow the user to monitor defrost functions from a front panel interface. Additionally, the system provides an audible and visible alarm and eliminates room thermostat, defrost terminations/fan delay control, defrost timer and digital thermometer or other temperature indicator.

Other planned model options include glass end versions and low profile models. Merchandisers will offer the standard limited three-year extended compressor warranty and two-year limited parts and labor warranty.

Master-Bilt, a member of the Standex Food Service Equipment Group with more than 70 years in business, has set the benchmark in the industry for refrigeration and freezing solutions for commercial foodservice applications. Master-Bilt offers a complete line of refrigerated coolers and freezers, and strives to meet growing demand for energy efficient equipment. Their Energy Saver program helps users to quickly identify their products that reduce energy usage.

Master-Bilt’s markets of specialty include: restaurants, convenience stores, dairies, warehousing and drug stores. For more information on Master-Bilt's full product line, or literature, call Teresa Todd at (800) 647-1284, ext. 4236, or email ttodd@master-bilt.com.

RedPrairie Demonstrates Continued Focus on Supply Chain in the Cloud

Global Supply Chain and Retail Technology Provider Announces Launch of On-Demand Supply Chain Business Unit

RedPrairie Corporation, a global supply chain and retail technology provider, today announced the launch of RedPrairie On-Demand Supply Chain, an operating business unit dedicated to delivering supply chain solutions in the cloud. As part of the company’s on-demand product roadmap, RedPrairie On-Demand Supply Chain will support advanced functionality for warehouse management (WMS) and transportation management (TMS) delivered in both a single and multi-tenant model.

After acquiring on-demand WMS provider SmartTurn and on-demand TMS provider Shippers Commonwealth, in 2010 and 2011, RedPrairie became the only provider to offer a complete supply chain solution in the cloud.

According to Brian Schoenbaechler, general manager of IntegraCore, a third-party logistics provider and RedPrairie customer, “Supply chain visibility is at the heart of our client-driven business, and RedPrairie’s supply chain in the cloud has been our cornerstone. Because RedPrairie’s innovative thinking has removed the barriers tied to inaccessible data, we’ve enhanced supply chain excellence with customers and prospects alike. Not only have we expanded our business because of RedPrairie, but our clients have benefited highly with better collaboration and accountability.”

RedPrairie offers supply chain solutions that address the operations of any supply chain operation, from the smallest facility to the most complex shipping center, to the broadest supply network or distribution chain. During its annual user conference RedShift which took place earlier this year, RedPrairie announced its on-demand product strategy to its customers outlining its plans to support multi-tenancy for TMS and fully integrate its on-demand product portfolio. Phase one of the rollout of its product roadmap, which includes the support of multi-tenancy for TMS, will be completed by the end of the year.

“RedPrairie is the only company that can offer a mix of solution functionality, delivery model and price that can accommodate any business, no matter how big, small, simple, or complex their supply chain operation may be,” said RedPrairie President of Global Operations, Doug Braun. “Whether you are looking for a low cost solution to manage inventory and shipments in a small warehouse, production facility or even a construction yard, to a uniquely customized combination of WMS and TMS to run multiple mega-DC’s, the suite of on-demand software solutions complements RedPrairie’s ability to address those needs.”

RedPrairie has put commerce in motion for the world’s leading companies for more than 35 years by optimizing inventory, improving employee productivity, and increasing speed to market. Best-of-breed supply chain, workforce, and all-channel retail solutions from RedPrairie help ensure visibility, collaboration, and velocity between manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers to guarantee the consistent flow of goods from raw materials to finished products in the hands of consumers.

T.G.I. FRiDAY’S® Frozen Foods Solves Freezer Aisle Frustration with New ‘Entrées for One’

Survey Reveals Americans Caught in Mundane World of Everyday Frozen Food; T.G.I. FRiDAY’S Brand Infuses Fun of FRiDAY’s into Freezers Across America with Nine New Flavorful Meals

Although frozen meals have come a long way since the first TV dinners and pot pies of the 1950s, a recent survey indicates that Americans are still hungering for more from their convenient cuisine. In an effort to end frozen meal mediocrity, T.G.I. FRiDAY’S^® Frozen Foods has launched an anything-but-boring line of flavorful “Entrées for One” that combine restaurant quality with the convenience of a ready-made, individual frozen meal.

According to a survey conducted by Wakefield Research, 69 percent of Americans agree that today’s frozen entrées are far from restaurant quality. And only 11 percent describe their frozen meal as flavorful, yet they admit to eating about 100 frozen meals each year.¹ The new line of T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” solves frozen food boredom with nine new entrées inspired by the bold and fun flavors of the famed T.G.I. FRiDAY’S restaurants. From Sizzling Steak Fajitas to Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo, the new varieties infuse a fresh new flavor into the frozen meal category.

“It’s time to shake things up in the frozen food aisle and rethink the possibilities. Although frozen meals are designed to be quick and convenient solutions, it doesn’t mean you have to settle for the same old boring, bland meal every time,” said Michelle Fuscaldo, associate director for T.G.I. FRiDAY’S Frozen Foods. “With T.G.I. FRiDAY’S new line of frozen ‘Entrées for One,’ you can enjoy convenience, quality and exciting new flavors all at once – whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a jolt of unexpected flavor to get into that FRiDAY’S fun mood.”

The new entrées include nine varieties in a host of standout flavors:

• Sizzling Chicken Fajitas – Grilled white meat chicken, seasoned strips of bell peppers and onions paired with a side of cheesy rice. Includes three flour tortillas.
• Sizzling Steak Fajitas – Seared beef steak, seasoned strips of bell peppers and onions paired with a side of cheesy rice. Includes three flour tortillas.
• Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese – White meat chicken and cavatappi pasta in a classic American cheese sauce topped with Cheddar, Romano, Parmesan and Monterey Jack cheeses.
• Prime Rib Stroganoff – Prime Rib beef, whole grain curly pasta, mushrooms and onions tossed in a creamy rich brown sauce with black pepper.
• Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo – Grilled white meat chicken, broccoli florets and cavatappi pasta tossed in a Parmesan Alfredo sauce.
• Loaded Chicken & Cheese – Grilled white meat chicken, roasted potatoes, broccoli florets and red peppers tossed in a rich cheddar cheese sauce.
• Cajun-Style Chicken Alfredo – Blackened white meat chicken, ciufetti pasta, red peppers and green onions tossed in a creamy Cajun-style Alfredo sauce.
• Sesame Orange Chicken – Sesame-breaded white meat chicken, Asian-style vegetables and white rice tossed in a sweet orange sauce.
• Creamy Chicken Pasta Carbonara – Grilled white meat chicken, penne pasta, vegetables and crumbled bacon tossed in a creamy Carbonara sauce.

Packaging for the Future

The flavorful new FRiDAY’S frozen entrées are available in two formats – trays and bag meals – that are both ready in less than seven minutes. The bag meals feature a dual-prep function and can be conveniently steamed directly in the microwaveable bag or cooked in a skillet for some extra sizzle. Plus, the Sizzling Fajitas come with flour tortillas packaged separately, allowing you to fill the tortillas with meat, veggies and cheesy rice – just like in the restaurant.

Designed with sustainability in mind, the entrées are efficiently packaged in either bags or trays that use minimal material and freezer space. Plus, the eco-friendly trays are composed of a hybrid material that uses 40 percent less plastic than traditional frozen tray meal formats.

How Fun is Your Freezer?

To show how the new FRiDAY’S flavors can transform any kitchen freezer into a hub of exciting, crave-able restaurant flavors, the brand is launching the FRiDAY’s “Fun Freezer” Contest at www.facebook.com/TGIFridaysFreezer. The new Facebook contest challenges consumers to make their home freezers a bit more fun by decorating them with their own unique flair, uploading a photo, and entering to win a variety of fun prizes, including the grand prize of an ultimate home theatre makeover and a year’s worth of “Entrées for One.” Consumers can enter now through September 25, 2011. The top ten finalists will be selected and consumers will then vote for their favorite fun freezer.

Finding the New FRiDAY’S Frozen Flavors

The new frozen entrées complement a wide range of other flavorful entrée and snack options from T.G.I. FRiDAY’S brand and are available now at most major grocery and chain retailers nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99. For more information about T.G.I. FRiDAY’S ^“Entrées for One,” visit www.FridaysInYourFreezer.com or www.facebook.com/TGIFridaysFreezer.

¹ The T.G.I. Friday’s Frozen Foods Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research (www.WakefieldResearch.com) among 1,000 American adults, ages 18 and older, between June 6th and June 13th, 2011, using telephone omnibus interviews. Quotas have been set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the U.S. adult population 18 and older.

Udi's Gluten Free Foods Launches New Community Website

Udi's Gluten Free Foods has announced the next step in the company's commitment to the gluten-free community: the launch of its new website, www.udisglutenfree.com.  New features such as an informative gluten-free toolkit, enhanced "Recipe" section, and Facebook integration provide important information and open new opportunities for Udi's to connect with new gluten-free consumers and devoted fans.

The new website is part of Udi's broader mission to spread the joy with delicious products that satisfy cravings for products like breads, bagels, and baked goods that traditionally contain gluten. Udi's has established itself as the premiere gluten-free brand and online resource for anyone considering the diet. "We're thrilled to launch a website that represents the gluten-free community," said Denise Sirovatka, Vice President of Marketing. "The site is a destination for consumers to share, embrace and enjoy the gluten-free lifestyle."

The new design is aimed at integrating Udi's social media channels into a single, easy-to-navigate space where people interested in a gluten-free lifestyle can easily track down information they need, ask questions, find out what's trending on Twitter, and more. The site also includes an improved "Recipe" section that highlights a variety of gluten-free meals perfect for a beginner or experienced foodie.

According to Warren Pattison, Director of Digital, "The lines between customer and company continue to merge in the digital age. From tweeting questions to posting product reviews on Facebook, our fans interact with us on their terms. We redesigned the website with features to aggregate all the conversations into one location. Our new site will bring Udi's, our consumers and the gluten-free community closer together."

For additional information on Udi's new website, visit the "Now Hear This" blog at blog.udisglutenfree.com.

Denver-based Udi's Healthy Foods includes Udi's Natural Artisan Granola and Udi's Gluten Free Foods line of gluten-free baked goods. All of Udi's products are baked fresh in Colorado using only the highest-quality wholesome ingredients.

Millennials Study Provides New Data on Media, Shopping and Social Habits

Barkley, one of the largest independent marketing agencies in the U.S., in partnership with Service Management Group and The Boston Consulting Group, released findings today from a groundbreaking study of Millennials (Generation Y), “American Millennials: Deciphering the Enigma Generation.”

Based on a survey of more than 5,000 respondents and 3.9 million data points, the study provides new information on a range of digital and social media habits of American Millennials as well as their attitudes in the areas of cause marketing, grocery, restaurant, apparel and travel.

“Since the Millennials generation is larger than the Baby Boomers and three times bigger than Generation X, marketers’ understanding of Millennials’ needs, tastes and behaviors will clearly shape current and future business decisions,” said Jeff Fromm, senior vice president, Barkley.

Highlights from the Study:

Millennials Are Aware of Youth-Oriented Cause Campaigns

Millennials compared to other generations reported greater awareness of newer, youth-oriented cause marketing campaigns, such as Dove’s Campaign for Real Beauty (33 percent versus 21 percent) or Gap RED (26 percent versus nine percent).They report greater exposure to campaigns through social media (40 percent versus 22 percent) and online news (28 percent versus 22 percent), while Non-Millennials rely on newspaper and direct mail.

Millennials Consume 42 Percent of TV Online

Millennials appear to have substituted television and print media for the increased online activity and media consumption. Millennials watch significantly less TV than Non-Millennials; fewer Millennials report watching 20-plus hours/week (26 percent versus 49 percent). When they are not watching live TV, Millennials are much more likely to watch shows mainly on their laptops (42 percent versus 18 percent), with DVR (40 percent versus 36 percent), or On-Demand (26 percent versus 18 percent).

Millennials Seek Peer Affirmation & Advice

Perhaps because of their need to share and to find commonalities, 70 percent of Millennials reported feeling more excited when their friends agreed with them about where to shop, eat and play. Only 48 percent of older adults were as heavily influenced by their friends and colleagues. Additionally, Millennials gather information on products and services from more channels - more Millennials than Non-Millennials reported using a mobile device while shopping to research products (50 percent versus 21 percent).

Millennials Are More Prone to Grocery Shop in Groups

While majority of all respondents shop alone (60 percent Millennials, 69 percent Non- Millennials), Millennials are more likely to shop with others versus Non-Millennials. Plus, Millennials report more shopping than Non-Millennials with family unit, spouse and children (13 percent versus six percent) and with adult friends (four percent versus two percent).

Millennials Crave Adventure

Millennials seek a broader range of activities, think globally, and report a greater desire to travel. The large majority of Millennials (70 percent) want to visit every continent in their lifetime. Fewer than half of older adults report that goal.

Millennials Prefer Casual Dining Environments and Snack More

Not only do Millennials report a desire for adventure, but they also think life should be fun. Whether shopping, dining out, or immersed in their mobile devices, Millennials prefer the music turned up and a casual atmosphere. Millennials accounted for 18 percent of their monthly restaurant spend in the fast-casual format, compared to only 13 percent for Non-Millennials. Additionally, Millennials crave snacking opportunities, and are more than twice as likely as older people to seek them out mid-morning, mid-afternoon and late at night.

Retail Associates Play a Critical Role

When female Millennials were asked a series of questions about where they purchase fashion brands, it became clear that if store associates do not know the trends or look the part, Millennials are far less likely to be drawn in by the store. Millennials demand more knowledgeable and fashionable sales associates (29 percent versus 19 percent) while Non-Millennials value sales associates who know to apply discounts and offer promotions (65 percent versus 51 percent).

More Insights to Come at Share.Like.Buy. Conference

More detailed findings from the study will be shared at the “Share.Like.Buy.” conference on September 22-23, 2011, in San Francisco, Calif. Aimed at all marketers who must forge new relationships with American Millennials, the conference will educate attendees on how to market with Millennials rather than to them. Confirmed conference participants and speakers include representatives from Facebook, MTV, Sony Music, Frito-Lay, Forbes Magazine, Forrester, Spiral 16 and many other thought leaders from the marketing industry.

Burger King Corp. Refreshes Its Marketing Direction and Unveils First Ads Produced by New Agency Mcgarrybowen

The New California WHOPPER® Sandwich and its Toppings Play the Starring Role as the Company Introduces its New “Food-Centric” Marketing Approach Showcasing Great-Tasting, High-Quality Ingredients

Burger King Corp. is unwrapping its new advertising campaign and refreshed marketing image, created to appeal to a broader audience, with the first in a series of advertisements produced by its new agency mcgarrybowen. The spot features the latest BURGER KING^® menu item – the California WHOPPER^® sandwich.

Available for a limited time only at participating BURGER KING^® restaurants nationwide, the California-fresh sandwich packs a tidal wave of flavor with creamy guacamole, melted Swiss cheese and crispy bacon, joined together with the WHOPPER^® sandwich’s quality ingredients, including fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions and a quarter-pound of fire-grilled beef. This West Coast-inspired sandwich can be enjoyed in the form of a WHOPPER^® or WHOPPER JR.^® sandwich for a suggested retail price of $4.49 and $2.19, respectively.

“Our consumers tell us they love our great-tasting, high-quality food, and that’s exactly what we’re featuring in our new marketing and advertising,” said Alex Macedo, senior vice president, North America marketing, Burger King Corp. “The combination of our flavorful food with mcgarrybowen’s innovative thinking launches a strong, creative partnership that positions the BURGER KING^® brand for future growth,” added Macedo.

National TV advertising begins Saturday, August 20 and highlights the refreshing quality of the California WHOPPER^® sandwich by taking an up-close and personal look at each of its ingredients. In the spot, viewers are treated to the heightened flavor combinations of fresh avocados, ripe tomatoes, and cool, crispy lettuce offset by hot, fire-grilled beef, making this sandwich the perfect way for guests to enjoy this limited-time offer.

ABOUT BURGER KING CORPORATION

Founded in 1954, BURGER KING^® is the second largest fast food hamburger chain in the world. The original HOME OF THE WHOPPER^®, the BURGER KING^® system operates more than 12,300 locations serving over 11 million guests daily in 78 countries and territories worldwide. Approximately 90 percent of BURGER KING^® restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees, many of them family-owned operations that have been in business for decades. In October 2010, Burger King Corp. was purchased by 3G Capital, a multi-billion dollar, global investment firm focused on long-term value creation, with a particular emphasis on maximizing the potential of brands and businesses.

Bertolli® Heats Up the Frozen Aisle with Launch of Bertolli® Premium Meal Soups for Two

New Meal Offerings Make it Easy to Enjoy a Delicious, Hearty Soup at Home in Just Minutes

Bertolli® once again stirs things up in the freezer aisle with the debut of new Bertolli® Premium Meal Soups for Two, a line of hearty, fresh-tasting meal soups reminiscent of flavors coming from kitchens of notable Italian chefs.  

Now available nationwide in four varieties, Bertolli® Premium Meal Soups feature tender chicken and beef, al dente pasta, fragrant herbs and crisp vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash and tomatoes flash frozen at the peak of freshness for a scrumptious feast in every bowl.

"Bertolli® Premium Meal Soups for Two offer the heartiness and fresh taste of a soup that you would expect from an authentic Italian restaurant," says Rachel Porges, Brand Manager for Bertolli® Frozen Meals at Unilever. "Soups are a cornerstone of the Italian cuisine that Bertolli® celebrates. With Bertolli® Premium Meal Soups for Two, everyone can enjoy a warm, flavorful meal in just minutes – without painstaking preparation and sacrificing flavor."

Bertolli® Premium Meal Soups for Two are available in 24 oz. packages, and with the addition of one cup of water, yield 32 oz. of mouthwatering soup. The soups are available in the frozen aisle of grocery retailers nationwide, including Walmart and Target, and are offered in four appetizing varieties:

• Chicken Minestrone - Roasted white meat chicken, beans, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, tomatoes and pasta in a hearty vegetable broth
• Roasted Chicken & Rotini Pasta - Roasted white meat chicken, pasta, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots and celery in a savory chicken broth
• Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken - Cheese-filled tortellini, white meat chicken, spinach and tomatoes in a rich tomato bisque with a hint of basil
• Tuscan-Style Beef with Vegetables - Tender beef, mushrooms, yellow squash, zucchini, carrots and celery with bowtie pasta in a savory broth

The Search is On for America’s Favorite Small Business

$75,000 prize package offered in video contest launched by Dell, MasterCard and Microsoft

Small businesses are the economic engine of the United States, driving growth, innovation and employment across the nation. To honor the entrepreneurial spirit of business owners and spotlight the success of these unsung American heroes, Dell, MasterCard and Microsoft are teaming together to search for “America’s Favorite Small Business.” This 13- week contest invites small businesses to submit a short video explaining why they should be America’s Favorite Small Business (AFSB) and claim the $75,000 prize package.

Regardless of industry or location, small businesses today look to technology both as a means for company growth and as a way to increase productivity. Recognizing that technology adoption is a key driver of small business success, the finalist with the most votes for their video will win $25,000 in Dell solutions and Microsoft software suited to their unique needs and a $50,000 MasterCard prepaid card to be applied toward business expenses and supplies. The winner will also be awarded the opportunity to promote their business through their own web reality show on Dell’s YouTube channel. The other nine of the 10 AFSB competition finalists will receive a $1,000 Dell gift card.

The competition will roll out in five phases, including:

• Phase I: Launch & Submit - Aug. 15-Sept. 11 - Businesses with 25 or fewer employees can create a short video explaining why they should be America’s Favorite Small Business, and upload the video via YouTube (www.Dell.com/AFSB).
• Phase II: Judging Process – Sept. 12-Sept. 18 - A select panel of Dell, MasterCard and Microsoft judges will filter all entries down to the best ten submissions.
• Phase III: Finalists Voting - Sept. 19-Oct. 26 - People around the country are invited to begin voting for their favorite small business.
• Phase IV: Announce Winner - Oct. 27
• Phase V: Makeover Reality Show - Oct. 27-Nov. 13 - The winning company will appear in a professionally produced web-based reality show about their business.

The Dell prize package includes solutions specifically designed for small businesses. All of the PCs will come loaded with Windows 7 Professional Edition and Office 2010 Home and Business. The MasterCard prepaid card provides small business owners the ability to streamline and automate their payments processes; pay everyday bills, including rent, utilities and other suppliers; make investments in infrastructure; and take advantage of MasterCard features and benefits.

“We are pleased to work with Dell on this program to empower small businesses by providing Microsoft Windows and Office on these top of the line PCs,” said Nick Parker, vice president of Worldwide OEM Marketing of Microsoft. “This software gives small businesses the freedom to do it all - at work, at home, virtually anywhere work happens.”

“Dell was founded on the same entrepreneurial spirit that drives small business owners to pursue their passions, and we are proud of those roots,” said Mel Parker, Vice President and General Manager of Dell Consumer and Small Office, North America. “By delivering products and solutions specifically designed for small businesses, Dell helps entrepreneurs do and achieve more with technology.”

“At MasterCard, we celebrate the spirit of enabling small businesses to succeed and, in the process, spurring innovation, employment and economic growth,” said Eugene DeSilva, vice president, Product Management, U.S. Commercial Products, MasterCard Worldwide. “Our participation in this program reinforces an ongoing commitment to offer small businesses innovative payment solutions that help them efficiently manage and grow their business.”

Smashburger Supports 2011 USA Pro Cycling Challenge as Founding Partner

Smashburger, the nation’s fastest growing “better burger” concept, is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge taking place August 22^nd through 28^th in Colorado. The premier racing event will take place over seven consecutive days and showcase 128 of the world’s top cyclists and champions who will be racing across the magnificent Colorado Rockies. The 518-mile course will start in Colorado Springs and go through Salida, Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge and Golden before ending in Denver.

“We are proud to support the USA Pro Cycling Challenge as a founding partner of this historic Colorado event, which is expected to be one of the largest sporting events to ever take place in the United States,” said Dave Prokupek, chairman and CEO of Smashburger. “We look forward to helping mold a growing Colorado tradition, creating an atmosphere of competitive excitement for residents, international fans and racers.”

As a part of Smashburger’s partnership, the company is sponsoring the green Smashburger Sprint Jersey, which will be awarded to the rider that accumulates the most bonus points throughout designated sprint line periods, as well as finishing the stage in the top 15 places. Cyclists who specialize in bursts of power and speed and consistently finish near the top of each sprint period will have the best chance to win the Smashburger sprint jersey and be named Sprint Champion.

To celebrate the USA Pro Cycling Challenge and encourage race fans to cheer on the riders throughout the course, Smashburger invites spirited SmashFans and race fans alike to visit any of their 14 Front Range Smashburger locations or their Dillon restaurant, to receive a free pair of official Smash ThunderStix®, with the purchase of any entrée and a copy of the Smashburger/USA Pro Cycling Challenge advertisement from the Denver Post. The giveaway will take place on the days of the race, from August 22^nd – 28^th while supplies last. Fans can also enter to win a Cannondale CAAD 10 Ultegra Bike or one of seven authentic USA Pro Cycling Smashburger Sprint Jerseys that will be autographed by the Sprint Champion and given away through the USA Pro Cycling Challenge 60 MPH Sweepstakes available on Facebook. To register, please visit www.facebook.com/USAProCyclingChallenge and click on the USA Pro Cycling Challenge 60 MPH Sweepstakes tab.

About Smashburger

Smashburger is the country’s fastest growing, fast casual “better burger” restaurant. Its hand-crafted burgers are made with fresh, never frozen, 100 percent Certified Angus Beef, that are “smashed”, seared and seasoned on the grill to juicy perfection for every individual order. Guests can create their own burger masterpiece or enjoy one Smashburger’s innovative signature recipes; including a unique burger for every local market that highlights the distinctive flavors of that region. Smashburger also serves tender marinated grilled or crispy chicken sandwiches, grilled and split hot dogs, freshly prepared entrée salads, kids meals, handspun Häagen-Daz shakes and an array of signature sides. Developed and owned by private equity firm Consumer Capital Partners (CCP), Smashburger operates and develops both corporate and multi-unit franchise territories across the country with 115 restaurants nationwide. Smashburger was also the recipient of the International Council of Shopping Centers 2011 Hot Retailer Award.

About the USA Pro Cycling Challenge

The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is expected to be the largest spectator event in Colorado history and one of the largest sporting events to ever take place in the United States. For seven consecutive days, 128 of the world’s top athletes will race across 518 miles through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation. It’s the best of the best in professional cycling, competing on a challenging course through some of America’s most beautiful scenery, including cities such as Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs.

Referred to as “America’s Race” the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 22-28, 2011. With more than one million spectators expected at the event, as well as national television exposure on NBC and VERSUS, the USA Pro Cycling Challenge will be one of the largest cycling events in United States history.

Spectators of this race will see Olympians, World Champions and Tour de France competitors. Fans worldwide will have access to the competition and riders like never before with the most advanced, interactive online, smartphone and broadcast television experience presented to date in professional cycling.

Consumers Continue to Drink More Coffee and Tea From Both Foodservice and Retail Settings, Finds Technomic

Despite the specialty coffee craze at limited-service restaurants, regular hot coffee still accounts for the highest level of reported consumption among consumers surveyed by Technomic. Of consumers recently surveyed, 60 percent reported drinking regular hot coffee or tea within the last month, second only to the 62 percent of consumers who had a non-diet carbonated soft drink during the same time period.

Technomic Vice President Joe Pawlak says understanding consumer motivations during various dayparts can help improve sales for operators and suppliers. "Consumers who regularly purchase coffee on their way to work are motivated by the convenience of the location, but significantly, they are actually more motivated by the quality of the coffee, making them important loyal customers who return often, integrating the same locations into their normal routines."

In order to uncover insights and opportunities in coffee and tea, Technomic has developed the Market Intelligence Report: Coffee and Tea. Interesting findings include:

• Fourteen percent of consumers say they are making more purchases of regular hot coffee today than they did two years ago, and 10 percent say the same about iced tea by the cup or glass.
• Green tea, healthful and antioxidant-rich, is of interest to nearly three out of four consumers (73 percent),making it the most appealing flavor for hot or iced tea. In recent years, the number of green tea products has increased significantly on chain menus, according to MenuMonitor data. Lemon and honey are also appealing tea flavors for a sizeable percentage of consumers (61 percent and 60 percent, respectively).
• Overall, grocery, drug and mass-merchandise stores have experienced a nominal 15.9 percent increase in coffee sales from 2007-2010. Although each type of retailer saw a gain, mass merchandisers achieved the biggest increase (53.1 percent) to coffee sales of $318 million in 2010 from $208 million in 2007. While price increases played some role (see below), the rise is also due to mass merchandisers such as Target expanding their food and beverage offerings, increasing pressure on traditional food stores.
• With the exception of frozen/blended coffee drinks, all other types of coffee and tea drinks have steadily increased in price since 2008. Offered for an average price of $2.25 in 2008, regular coffee now sells for an average of $2.36. Similarly, tea/iced tea products have seen their prices go up, increasing from an average of $2.40 in 2008 to $2.57 two years later.

Market Intelligence Report: Coffee and Tea , like other titles in Technomic's growing series of Market Intelligence Reports, mines Technomic's treasure trove of recent consumer and industry data, including: Proprietary consumer research conducted for Technomic's Consumer Trend Reports and menu data and insights from Technomic's exclusive MenuMonitor online trend tracking resource (a constantly updated, searchable online database of menus of more than 1,200 top chains, emerging concepts and high-volume independent restaurants).

The report uses industry and trend data from Technomic's Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report and other publications, compiled in Technomic's exclusive Digital Resource Library, a unique online restaurant industry database. Syndicated retail data from SymphonyIRI adds perspective and allows for comparison of retail and foodservice trends. Rounding out the data are examples of restaurant industry successes with coffee and tea, including the new products and hot concepts driving innovation.

To purchase or learn more about this report please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.