Unilever Food Solutions debuts new services, logo. Also this week: Ruiz Foods, Heineken USA, Beaverton Foods, Edlund, The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, ConAgra Foods and Lamb Weston.
LISLE, Ill. — Unilever Food Solutions introduced enhanced service offerings to help foodservice customers better compete in the current environment. In addition, as part of the company’s global relaunch, Unilever debuted a new logo and tagline. The company said the new logo appears in orange to help differentiate the foodservice division from the global brand while focusing on the prominent “U” to capitalize on Unilever’s strong reputation.
The company said the tagline, “Inspiration every day,” reflects Unilever’s vision to inspire chefs and operators by providing ingredients and services that will help them succeed.
In an effort to help chefs and operators meet their customers demands, make a profit, and address key consumer food issues, Unilever said it has enhanced services in three critical areas:
• Understand more about guests — “Your Guests.” Unilever will work with operators to help them keep pace with changing consumer tastes and desires. As part of the launch, the company developed the World Menu Report, an international study gauging consumers’ attitudes and behaviors toward eating out.
• Deliver nutritious, health and profitable menus — “Your Menu.” Unilever said it provides ideas to help chefs and operators keep their menus up-to-date.
• Keep kitchens efficient and thriving — “Your Kitchen.” Unilever offers ingredients and ideas that save preparation time without compromising flavor or flair.
DINUBA, Calif. — In an effort to decrease sodium levels in its products, Ruiz Foods has teamed up with the National Sodium Reduction Initiative. The company said that its entire line of El Monterey Family Pack Burritos and Chimichangas is already within the sodium guidelines for 2012. NSRI’s goal is to reduce Americans’ sodium consumption by 20 percent over five years.
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Heineken USA named Lesya Lysyj chief marketing officer. With more than 20 years of experience marketing consumer packaged goods, Lysyj most recently was with Kraft Food’s Confectionary division. In her new role at Heineken, Lysyj is responsible for developing long-term marketing strategies for the company’s beer portfolio, overseeing Heineken’s consumer marketing activities and social media initiatives, and ensuring the company engages with adult consumers at all points.
HILLSBORO, Ore. — Shari’s Restaurants, the 104-unit full-service chain operated by Shari’s Management Corp. of Beaverton, Ore., is offering Beaverton Foods Beaver Hot Dijon Mustard with White Wine. Beaverton Foods is one of the largest producers of nonrefrigerated horseradish and specialty mustards in the country.
BURLINGTON, Vt. — Edlund, a manufacturer of stainless steel equipment for the foodservice and food-processing industries, promoted Joe Fera to the post of vice president of national accounts. In his new post, Fera will be responsible for expanding the company’s foodservice chain account market share in the United States and Canada. Fera joined the company five years ago as director of national accounts, and signed such clients as Little Caesars, Pizza Hut, The Cheesecake Factory and Starbucks. Previously, he had been with Edward Don & Co.
NEW YORK — The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York drew more than 14,000 foodservice professionals this year, marking a 14-percent increase in attendance over 2010. The show, which was held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center Feb. 27 through March 1, was sponsored by the New York State Restaurant Association. It featured such popular areas as the Innovative New Product Gallery and the Pride of New York MarketPlace, which featured 28 New York food and beverage companies.
DELHI, La. — ConAgra Foods said its Lamb Weston’s Delhi, La., processing facility was presented with its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The company said the Lamb Weston facility is the first frozen food manufacturing plant worldwide to earn the distinction. Platinum certification reflects the highest distinction available for green buildings