January / 2024 / ferrarofoods.com
2024 Flavor Trends & More Come, gather around our virtual family table as we kick off the new year with January 2024 Fresco by Ferraro! It's time to savor the flavors of success and embrace the delicious possibilities that lie ahead. Join us as we delve into the retrospective, exploring the culinary tapestry of 2023 that shaped the food service landscape. From the rise of plant-based innovations to the resurgence of nostalgic comfort foods, each dish tells a story of creativity and culinary craftsmanship. Fresco by Ferraro is excited to present exclusive articles on the flavor trends that are poised to dominate 2024. From trending ingredients to innovative menu concepts, we aim to equip you with the knowledge needed to stay ahead in a competitive market As you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the new year, Fresco by Ferraro is here to empower your culinary journey. Here's to a prosperous and flavorful 2024, where your restaurant not only thrives but stands as a beacon of innovation in the vibrant world of food service. Enjoy the read and may your businesses continue to rise like the perfect dough Buon appetito, amici! The Ferraro Family
On trend pizza topping for 2024: BBQ Pulled Pork
JANUARY 2024
2023 INDUSTRY RECAP A look back at the highlights and challenges of 2023 and how to succeed in 2024. Page 4
2024 FLAVOR TRENDS See what flavors will be hot on the menu for 2024. Page 6
CHICKEN CAESAR PASTA Angel hair pasta and blackened chicken are tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of Caesar dressing, lemons, and capers. Page 9
NEW ITEMS A few of our new items that we are especially excited about. Page 11
Industry Insights?
2023 FOOD SERVICE
INDUSTRY RECAP
With 2023 in our rear view mirror, we thought it would be helpful to take a moment to savor the highlights and trends that have shaped our culinary journey.
The Highlights: Nostalgia is in! Many restaurants profited from “throwback” specials partly due to millennials' increased spending power and love for food and branding from their childhood and teen years. LTOs are hot! In 2023 restaurants found success in launching more LTOs for shorter periods of time. Speaking of hot, sweet heat was THE flavor profile of 2023. Close to 74% of menu items in Technomic’s database of over 7,000 operators include hot honey in their descriptions, and the condiment is predicted to have above-average growth going into 2024.
The Challenges: Labor costs continued to climb and with that came the wave of tipping and the “service fee” As restaurant owners, balancing the need for added extra income to offset costs and not alienating customers, is a delicate dance. Customers were very wary of inflation this year and sought out value leading to smaller checks across the industry. This did result in an increase in loyalty programs as operators can’t provide deep discounts due to high food costs.
Ways to win in 2024: Customers are looking for High quality ingredients that do not break the bank. Think quality product that makes life easier and adds a little fun into their experience. It does not have to be a luxury or rare ingredient to be exciting. Small bites- these are a low stakes way to explore new flavors and items. Think: exotic new wing sauces or cultural hybrids. Tech is still the king. Adding new, low-touch methods to ordering from and interacting with a restaurant are exciting for consumers because it cuts back on time and can increase repeat visits. FRESCO BY FERRARO | PAGE 4
FRESCO BY FERRARO | PAGE 5
2024 Flavor Trends As we enter into the new year, consumers are
increasingly enthusiastic about exploring unique and bold flavors when dining out. Expect to see the fusion of different flavor profiles and cuisines to catch the interest of diners.
Nostalgic Flavors Memorable flavors that evoke
happy memories continue to be a popular trend. According to
Datassential, dessert menus are rapidly incorporating nostalgic flavors such as birthday cake,
cotton candy, and strawberry lemonade. Examples include: •
Cereal flavors
•
Cotton Candy
•
Birthday cake
•
Banana Boat
Spirit & AlcoholInspired Flavors
Alcohol-inspired flavors are now expanding across different types of food. Among them, the espresso martini flavor is gaining popularity in menu innovation. Essentially, it's a craft-cocktail experience without the alcohol.
Bold Middle Eastern & East Asian Seasonings Expect to see a wide range of bold Middle Eastern and Asianinspired seasonings used with fried chicken, shrimp, cauliflower, or even vegetables for a bold and captivating flavor.
Tangy & Sour
McCormick has declared Tangy Tamarind as the 2024 Flavor of the Year in their annual Flavor Forecast. In addition, pickled and fermented foods will be prevalent on menus for their added pop of tanginess.
Mediterranean Inspired
Hummus variations will be experimented with for dips and sauces.
Caesar & Ranch on Everything Ranch has been a popular trend for some time now and will continue to be, but with the addition of Caesar. Caesar will be added to foods other than the commonly used romaine lettuce. For Ranch, it is now evolving to Spicy Ranch.
Botanical Flavors These include hibiscus, lavender, and rose – often added to beverages. They add sophistication and complexity, as well as a "wellness" benefit that many health-conscious consumers are drawn to.
FRESCO BY FERRARO | PAGE 7
NEW YORK EAST FOOD SHOW
Winter
Wonderland FEBRUARY 19TH, 2024 | 10 AM - 3 PM HILTON LONG ISLAND / HUNTINGTON http://tinyurl.com/yc8d36s2
VISIT THE LINK TO REGISTER!
CHICKEN CAESAR PASTA Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Serves:
20 mins
15 mins
4
Ingredients
Instructions
•
½ cup Parmesan cheese Ferraro# 0800096
•
1 cup Caesar salad dressing, divided Ferraro# 4708010
1. Slice each chicken breast in half to create two thinner pieces of equal size. Season each side with lemon pepper seasoning. 2. Place the chicken in a Ziploc bag and add ¾ cup of Caesar dressing (save ¼ cup for the pasta sauce). Coat the chicken with the dressing and seal. Refrigerate for 20 minutes (or longer if time allows.)
•
¾ cup milk Ferraro# 0960220
•
2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 1 large Ferraro# 4806370
•
3 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning Ferraro# 2001301
4. Take ¼ cup of the Caesar dressing and whisk it with ¾ cup milk. Set it aside, it should also come down to nearly room temp.
•
2 tbsp. olive oil Ferraro# 1000041
5. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large high-walled skillet or dutch oven.
•
1 tbsp. butter Ferraro# 0920163
6. Add the marinated chicken and let it sear, undisrupted, for 4-5 minutes per side. Decrease heat to medium if oil begins to splatter.
•
4 cloves garlic, minced Ferraro# 2000015
7. Set the chicken on a plate. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut it into strips. Transfer any juice left on the plate back to the pot.
•
2 cups chicken broth Ferraro# 4223560
8. Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic. Heat for one minute.
•
1/2 lb angel hair pasta Ferraro# 2553000
9. Add the chicken broth, and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom of the pot. Slowly stir in the milk/Caesar dressing. Bring to a boil.
•
1 tbsp. capers Ferraro# 2000116
10. Add the angel hair pasta and use kitchen tongs to gently bend the noodles into the pan as they soften.
•
2 tbsp. lemon juice Ferraro# 380210
11. Let the pasta simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the noodles don't stick together.
•
Freshly cracked pepper
•
Fresh Parsley, roughly chopped Ferraro# 0000143
12. Once the pasta is softened and cooked through, add the capers and decrease heat to low.
3. Meanwhile, shred the Parmesan cheese and set it aside. It should be at room temp when added to the sauce.
13. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, use tongs to toss and combine. Add the chicken back to the pan along with the lemon juice. Stir to combine. 14. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Add freshly cracked pepper and serve.
FRESCO BY FERRARO | PAGE 9
VALENTINE'S DAY
CREAM & CHEESE
NAPOLI RISERVA
PRODUCTS
POTATO GRATINS
PIZZA SAUCE
FALL IN LOVE WITH THESE VALENTINE'S DAY PRODUCTS FROM FERRARO FOODS
STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU CAKE Layers of lady fingers and sponge cake with mascarpone mousse and strawberry jam, finished with strawberry glaze. Decorated with Belgium chocolate hearts. Available out of NJ, NYE, MD
Ferraro# 4401896 | 2/4.81 lb HEART SHAPED CHEESE RAVIOLI Filled with a mixture of creamy whole milk ricotta cheese, romano cheese and parsley. Available out of NJ, NYE, MD, NC, FL
Ferraro# 4100483 | 2/5 lb HEART SHAPED LOBSTER RAVIOLI Filled with a mixture of creamy whole milk ricotta, cooked lobster meat and a special mix of spices. Available out of NJ, NYE, MD, NC, FL
Ferraro# 4100484 | 2/5 lb
CREAMY, CHEESY, AND RICH, GRATINS ARE EXTREMELY SATISFYING AND DELICIOUS.
NAPOLI RISERVA PIZZA SAUCE BASIL 22% Introducing our Napoli Riserva Pizza Sauce - a premium pizza sauce made from fresh vine ripened California tomatoes. Our tomatoes go from field to pack in 6 hours - keeping all the fresh flavors intact! Ferraro# 1000763 | 6/#10 cn Product Features: • Clean flavor. •
Robust flavor due to amounts of seeds and peel.
•
High yield.
Uses • Great for pizza or other items that need a hint of basil.
Napoli Riserva contains
22%
Tomato solids - most brands only contain 17%-18%.
Aviko Premium Gratin are made with potato slices, a rich cream sauce, cheese, garlic and assorted spices. These gratins are quick to heat and serve - saving you valuable time in your kitchen. Ferraro# 4300294 | 6/3.3 lb GLUTEN FREE VEGETARIAN FROZEN Serving Suggestions • Appetizer •
Side dish for steak or seafood dish
•
Customize by adding bacon or freshly cut chives
FRESCO BY FERRARO | PAGE 11
Marino Frozen Appetizers are designed to make your kitchen's life easier without sacrificing the artisanal touch that chefs cherish. Cut down on prep time and amplify your efficiency, ensuring your customers enjoy remarkable appetizers without the wait.
Visit ferrarofoods.com to stay up-to-date on industry trends, inspire your menu and learn more about what we have to offer your business.