Food & Food Equipment News

Global Fast-Food Industry, Foodservice Consumer Trends Reviewed in New Report

With huge investment from the largest operators of the world, fast food has become the key driving force of global growth in consumer foodservice. Being the center of innovation in foodservice, the category is continually reaching new consumers through improved menus, dining experience upgrades as well as rapid expansion from pole to pole. In this regard, fast food is sure to become even more dominant in upcoming years.

New market research report “Global Fast Food: Leading the Worldwide Consumer Foodservice Recovery” worked out by Euromonitor International offers true and unprejudiced insights into the size and shape of the global consumer foodservice market, highlights buzz topics, emerging geographies, categories and trends as well as burning industry issues and white spaces.

Report Scope:

• detailed picture of the consumer foodservice market;
• granular analysis of growth sectors and factors driving change;
• in-depth overview of the competitive environment, the market’s top players and leading brands;
• elaborate five-year forecasts illustrating the market’s likely development scenario.

Product coverage: consumer foodservice by location, consumer foodservice by type.

Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.

Report Details:

Title: Global Fast Food: Leading the Worldwide Consumer Foodservice Recovery
Published: January 2012
Pages: 56
Price: $2,000
http://marketpublishers.com/report/services/restaurants/global_fast_food_leading_worldwide_consumer_foodservice_recovery_euromonitor.html

FCSI-The Americas Offers Conference Grants to Emerging Leaders

FCSI-The Americas, the only consulting society dedicated to serving independent foodservice design and hospitality management professionals, today announced the availability of several $1,000 conference grants designed to defray the costs of attending the 2012 conference this April in Kansas City, Mo.
Several $1,000 grants are being offered to qualifying foodservice professionals wishing to attend the FCSI The Americas 2012 Conference.
 
Who: Applicants must be non-FCSI members as well as foodservice and hospitality consultants with less than five years of experience.
 
When: The 2012 Conference will be held April 19-21.
 
Where: Kansas City at the Plaza–Intercontinental Hotel, Kansas City, Mo.
 
Why: The FCSI Education Foundation is committed to developing the future leaders of foodservice and hospitality consulting. These grants are designed to encourage independent foodservice consultants to explore the outstanding education and networking that will be featured at FCSI-The Americas’ annual conference.
 
How: Consultants must apply by March 2. You may access the registration form here: 
http://fcsita.site-ym.com/resource/resmgr/PDFs/FCSI_2012_Conference_Grants.pdf

The Pinot Noir Summit ... 10 Years of Outstanding Pinot Noir

A select group of wine lovers will be wowed by the ultimate Pinot Noir experience. Tickets for the 10th Pinot Noir Summit are on sale now.

On Feb. 25,Pinot Noir lovers will gather for the remarkable 10th Pinot Noir Summit hosted by Affairs of the Vine at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District.

The Pinot Noir Summit attracts wine lovers from the consumer, media and trade segments. Attendees have the opportunity to pit their palates against the expert judging panel at the Pinot Noir Showdown, attend a Pinot Noir Workshop, enjoy wines made from Pinot Noir at the Sparkling Wine Reception, and attend the Grand Awards Tasting & Ceremony.

Pinot Noir Summit Agenda

Pinot Noir Showdown ~ A Blind Tasting
1:30-4 p.m.: A distinctly different format and atmosphere from other wine-tasting events, attendees blind taste and judge 40 of the top wines. Male and female votes are tallied separately and announced at the Grand Awards Ceremony.

Pinot Noir Workshops
4:15-5:15 p.m.:
Ellen Landis, Moderator: "Sleek, Silky and Seductive - Pinot Noir"
Sid Sall, Moderator: "What Makes a Great Vintage"

Sparkling Wine Tasting
5:30-6 p.m.: Wines That Dance on Your Tongue—Sparkling Wine Reception includes an international selection of cheeses and other tasty tidbits.

Grand Awards Tasting & Ceremony
6-8:30 p.m.:The Bay Area's favorite meteorologist and celebrated wine aficionado, Spencer Christian of KGO/ABC, will emcee the Grand Awards Tasting & Ceremony. Top Pinot Noir winemakers will showcase their wines with a pinot-friendly selection of light hors d'oeuvre. The winners will be unveiled and final results will be announced by wine lover Christian at 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25
The 10th Pinot Noir Summit
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
All-Day Ticket $130 per person—Full Day: 1:30-8:30 PM (includes The Final Showdown ... A Blind Tasting, Pinot Noir Workshop, Sparkling Wine Reception, Pinot Noir Shootout Grand Awards Tasting & Ceremony)
*Purchase your ticket before Feb. 1 and save $30
Grand Awards Tasting & Ceremony Only $80 per person
10th Pinot Noir Shootout Grand Awards Tasting & Awards Ceremony 6-8:30 p.m.
*Tickets go on sale Feb. 1

Walk home - Take the elevator to your room ... stay at the Hilton San Francisco Financial District ... request The Pinot Noir Summit Special Room Rate for the evening.

The Pinot Noir Summit is produced by Chief Wine Evangelist, Barbara Drady and Affairs of the Vine, the Sonoma-based company dedicated to converting people to wine.

Attendance is limited. Only 350 tickets will be sold to wine lovers who are passionate about Pinot Noir. 

FEMSA Announces Passing of Alexis Rovzar de la Torr

The Boards of Directors of Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B. de C.V. and and Coca-Cola FEMSA have announced the passing of one of its members, Alexis Rovzar de la Torre.

For more than 30 years, Rovzar contributed his talent, leadership and advice to help build the company, the boards said in a press release. He was appointed to the FEMSA Board since 1988 and the KOF Board since 1993, and participated as chairman of the audit committee of both companies.

"Alexis was an example for all of us. On the professional side he was open, talented, always had the best advice and the constructive feedback that sought to find the best decisions for FEMSA. In addition, he was always dedicated and committed to many worthy charity and non-profit causes. On the personal side, he was a benchmark for many of us on how to form and nurture a family based on love and a life of example," said Jose Antonio Fernandez Carbajal, Chairman of FEMSA and Coca-Cola FEMSA.

"At FEMSA and Coca-Cola FEMSA, we want to publicly recognize and express our gratitude for everything Alexis taught us and shared with us in those more than 30 years in which we had the privilege of meeting, appreciating and working with him," Fernandez Carbajal said.

Alexis Rovzar de la Torre died Jan. 7 in Mexico City.

FEMSA is a leading company that participates in the non-alcoholic beverage industry through Coca-Cola FEMSA, the largest independent bottler of Coca-Cola products in the world in terms of sales volume; in the retail industry through FEMSA Comercio, operating the largest and fastest-growing chain of convenience stores in Latin America, and in the beer industry, through its ownership of the second largest equity stake in Heineken, one of the world's leading brewers with operations in more than 70 countries.

What Happens in Vegas ... Goes to Restaurants Nationwide!

The Restaurant Facility Management Association's 2012 Annual RFMA Conference will be held at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, March 4-6.

Drawing restaurateurs from across the country, this national event will spotlight the latest technological advances in the restaurant facilities' industry. With more than 230 exhibitors displaying products and services, renowned speakers and breakout sessions, the RFMA Conference has established itself as the leader in assimilating new information on restaurant facility maintenance.   

"Registration for the conference is the highest in RFMA history. It has become the 'can't miss' event for anyone charged with maintaining, repairing or remodeling a multi-unit restaurant chain or franchise group," says Tracy Tomson, RFMA Executive Director.

In addition to the exhibitors, motivational workshops, industry seminars and networking opportunities, this year's conference keynote presentation will feature Jon Wee and Owen Morse of the Passing Zone on ICE. Wee and Morse are one of the most accomplished motivational comedy duos in the nation, and they've done it by focusing on three successful business principles: Innovation, collaboration and execution. These are the three principles that help RFMA members achieve fantastic results.

The annual conference will also announce the recipients of the 2012 Restaurateur of the Year and Vendor of the Year awards, as well as highlight those individuals awarded the prestigious Certified Restaurant Facility Professionals designation for this year.

Nikki Hale, facility manager of Darden Restaurants, states, "I always enjoy being on the floor with the vendors learning about new products and companies. The conference also provides me the opportunity to catch up with FM's from other companies and build relationships."

The exhibit vendors also find the camaraderie with the restaurant members contagious. "This is not a selling conference," says Eli Danze, Business Development Director for the Chism Co., one of the vendor participants. "This is a relationship-building conference for the rest of your life, and there is no better conference."

The Restaurant Facility Management Association is an industry organization dedicated to advancing industry awareness of restaurant facility management, while promoting professional and ethical standards to serve the customer with added value. Located in a suburb of Dallas, RFMA includes representatives from restaurant brands across the country. More information on RFMA and the conference is available at www.rfmaannualconference.com.

IFF Establishes Scientific Advisory Board to Escalate Innovation

International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., a leading global creator of flavors and fragrances for consumer products, has announced the launch of its new Scientific Advisory Board, comprising five scientific talents in key research and development areas as identified in the company’s global strategic review.

Doug Tough, IFF’s Chairman and CEO said, “The addition of this high-quality SAB to our R&D group will help us develop innovative solutions in our flavors and fragrances business and better serve our customers’ needs. We anticipate that it will give us strong competitive advantage not only by tapping into the minds of the board members, but by leveraging their access to a global network of academics, high-level industry members, and their associates.”

The SAB, led by Ahmet Baydar, Senior Vice President, Research and Development, will provide external perspectives on IFF’s R&D programs, raise scientific issues and opportunities relevant to IFF’s business needs, help identify appropriate research partners, provide background in specific areas of expertise, and assist in the identification and development of key R&D personnel.

“I am very pleased at the illustrious and complementary talents that comprise our SAB as they are among the most respected scientists in their areas of expertise in the world. I am looking forward to engaging their fresh ideas and passion for our business and sharing the successful outcomes with our customers,” said Baydar.

PMA Members Donate $900,000 to Center for Produce Safety

Food safety in the produce industry continues to be top of mind for consumers and industry leaders in 2012. Recognizing that ensuring consumer confidence in produce is crucial to building greater consumption, the Produce Marketing Association has announced the donation of $900,000 to the Center for Produce Safety over the next two years. With this contribution, PMA is continuing to reinvest in the future of its members and is ensuring that all other funds provided to the Center go directly to fund research.

PMA’s Executive Committee approved the donation in late 2011 and the commitment was strongly endorsed by the association’s board last week. Bryan Silbermann, president and CEO of PMA made the donation on behalf of PMA in San Diego Wednesday at the start of a CPS meeting attended by industry and government leaders as well as food safety researchers.

“Our Executive Committee decided that PMA’s ongoing investment in CPS really is a show of faith in the future of our industry and simply the right thing to do,” said Rich Dachman, PMA’s Chairman of the Board and Senior Vice President of National Sales at Sysco Corp. “We helped create CPS five years ago to bring together government, industry and researchers so we could find answers to big questions about produce safety. Today PMA and its members make a significant statement that we are moving ahead on the road to continuous improvement in our food safety knowledge and practices.”

Over the past four years, CPS has funded more than 50 research projects with grants of more than $9.2 million from government as well as organizations throughout the produce supply chain. Today’s gift brings PMA’s total contribution to CPS to more than $3 million.

“This gift could not come at a more opportune time for industry and demonstrates the leadership of PMA members,” said Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, Executive Director, CPS. “Ensuring the health and safety of the consumer can only be enhanced through continued research and process improvements to mitigate any potential produce safety issues that may occur in the future. I could not be more pleased and honored with this generous donation.”

Consumers Place Premium on Value for Dinner, Late-Night Dining, Technomic Finds

In the past year, 40 percent of consumers have cut back on away-from-home dinner purchases, largely because they have less money to spend on dining out. When weighing dine-out options, today's consumers are more likely to choose restaurants based on the availability of frequent diner programs (31 percent vs. 23 percent in 2009) and happy hour deals (24 percent vs. 21 percent in 2009). As a result of consumers' decrease in away-from-home dinner purchases, it is vital for operators and suppliers to stay on top of dinner and late-night trends, such as combo meals, smaller portions or shareable items, in order to more effectively identify opportunities of growth. 

"It's imperative for operators to recognize the importance of today's value equation," says Technomic EVP Darren Tristano. "Drawing dinner and late-night traffic now means exploring new ways to underscore value beyond low prices. Operators may be able to boost dinner sales by strengthening their overall value with other pricing strategies, such as specials or combo meals."

To help operators and others aligned with the foodservice industry more effectively identify opportunities for growth and competitive advantage, Technomic has developed the Dinner and Late-Night Consumer Trend Report.

Interesting findings include:

• 71 percent of consumers skip dinner at least sometimes, citing lack of hunger or eating a late lunch instead of dinner, which could allow for smaller portions or shareable menu items as opportunities for operators to boost incremental traffic and sales during the dinner daypart.
• Operators and suppliers are emphasizing late-night menus by developing a new mix of craveable options to draw customers in after hours. Smaller portions, mix-and-match options, and shareable samplers meet the needs of a younger millennial customer base that tends to congregate over food and drinks during late-night hours.
• Value is the key positioning for dinner entrées in limited-service restaurants. Lower-priced items that can easily be bundled for a quick and affordable meal for one person or a whole family are the focus for LSR dinner menus.
• Full-service restaurants are promoting dinner values, with bundled meals and affordably priced family dinners to go, while also emphasizing "premium" as part of the value equation for entrées. To boost check averages, adult beverages, appetizers and desserts are also essential marketing components for FSRs.

Technomic's Dinner and Late-Night Consumer Trend Report examines preferences, attitudes, and purchasing behavior regarding dinner and late-night occasions. The menu insights section utilizes Technomic's exclusive MenuMonitor database to provide an in-depth look at dinner menu trends at Top 500 and emerging LSRs and FSRs. The consumer insights section examines dinner and late-night patronage, purchasing behavior, attitudes and preference of more than 1,500 consumers. Additionally, data from Technomic's 2008 Dinner Consumer Trend Report is discussed throughout the report to provide a benchmark for key trends. Appendices include detailed concept and menu profiles for 20 chains with an innovative approach to dinner and late-night offerings as well as full demographic profiles of consumers who patronize 45 leading limited- and full-service restaurants at dinner.

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

SSI Group Holding Corp. Consummates Sale of Assets to Strategic Acquirers

SSI Group Holding Corp., owner, operator and franchisor of two distinct restaurant concepts in 14 states across the U.S., has sold substantially all of its assets to Captain D’s, LLC, and LNC Ventures, LLC in two separate sale transactions. The transactions, both of which closed in December, were effectuated pursuant to Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

Morgan Joseph TriArtisan LLC’s Financial Restructuring Group served as exclusive financial advisor and investment banker to SSI Group. SSI Group, based in Addison, Texas, is a leading operator within the casual dining sector, with its two brands including Souper Salad, a fresh and healthy buffet style restaurant offering salads, soups, bakery items and hot entrees; and Grandy’s, a quick casual “comfort food” restaurant known for its chicken, vegetables and rolls.

As of Jan. 1, the company had a total of 150 restaurants across both brands. Due to the combination of underperforming stores, including approximately 30 negative cash flow units, a weak economic environment, unusual weather and resulting higher food costs experienced during 2010, SSI’s cash flow and liquidity position deteriorated substantially.

As a result of its insufficient capitalization and declining operating performance, the company filed for voluntary relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the District of Delaware on Sept. 14.

“These two transactions will allow for the resumption of growth of both Souper Salad and Grandy’s,” Ward Olgreen, CEO of SSI Group Holding Corp. said.

“Both brands are now positioned to become leaders in their respective market segments, as the new operators have been able to utilize the Bankruptcy to close underperforming locations and optimize the footprint of each brand. Additionally, the capitalization of each new entity will allow for significant reinvestment in both concepts, which is a critical component to delivering value to our customers.”

“Morgan Joseph was retained in November 2010 to pursue a sale of only the Grandy’s business. However, given the multitude of challenges facing SSI, a sale of both Souper Salad and Grandy’s within Chapter 11 was determined to be necessary to best position both concepts for future success. Now, both businesses have the opportunity to become stronger brands in the hands of strategic operators who have a track record of success and are committed to expand service levels and value offerings at both Grandy’s and Souper Salad going forward,” said James D. Decker, Head of Morgan Joseph’s Financial Restructuring Group.

In addition to Decker, the Morgan Joseph team members involved in implementing the transaction included Alex Fisch, Daniel Silverman and Garrett Geiger, a Director, Associate and Analyst, respectively, all in the firm’s financial restructuring practice.

Arby’s Names George Condos Chief Operating Officer

Hala Moddelmog, President of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc., has announced that George Condos will serve as the Chief Operating Officer for the Arby’s brand.

Condos joins the company with more than 30 years of restaurant experience, primarily with Dunkin Brands, where he held the position of Vice President of Marketing, Development and Operations leading the significant sales and unit growth in the Northeast. He later held the position of SVP and Brand Officer of Dunkin Donuts, where he led a portfolio strategy of brand development in the U.S. until 2006. Condos also served as the Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the Board of Directors for Friendly’s Ice Cream, leading the sale of the company to Sun Capital Partners in 2007.

In 2010, he returned to a newly acquired Sun Capital portfolio company as the interim CEO and a member of the Board of Directors for Bar Louie Restaurants.

“George’s proven success in the restaurant industry, including his expertise in franchising, makes him ideal to join the Arby’s leadership team. His skill set and experience will add tremendous value to what is needed to move Arby’s forward,” said Moddelmog.

“I’m very excited to join Arby’s. The brand’s potential, combined with new ownership from Roark Capital Group, create the right opportunity for me to contribute to the future success of the brand. I look forward to working with our franchisees and company operations teams to create our strategic plan, develop and execute an operationally efficient menu and focus on the speed, accuracy and quality of our operations,” said Condos.

Condos holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Vermont. He is a former member of the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff’s Civic Leaders Council and is a licensed Merchant Marine captain.