Toronto’s annual RC Show, Canada’s largest foodservice and hospitality event, is a treasure trove of inspiration for CPG businesses.
Edible Plastic Straw Alternative
Plastic straws have been earmarked for extinction. In response, Planetkitchen introduces SUPERSTRAW, the edible drinking straw. The environmentally friendly alternative to plastic and paper straws is made with the waste from juiced apples. The straw gradually softens in your beverage until it’s ready to eat.
Plantastic Snacking
wholly veggie! expands their line of popular veggie patties with innovative plant-based snacks. Panko Style Buffalo Cauliflower and Tempura Style Kung Pao Broccoli nuggets are par-cooked to bake up crispy and flavourful, taking cauliflower and broccoli to new heights.
Harvest the World
To innovate, look to novel ingredients not commonly found in our market. Peru is endowed with an abundance of natural riches and unique food ingredients.
Miski Organics procures many of Peru’s little-known treasures for Canadian food processors and consumers. I had an interesting chat with owner Ricardo Irivarren who has a wealth of knowledge about his homeland’s valuable resources. Here’s a tiny taste of what’s on offer:
Organic Lucuma Powder from the fruit of the Lucuma tree, native to the Andes, is a natural sweetener traditionally used to flavour and sweeten beverages and desserts.
Organic Raw Cacao Husk that is normally discarded brews up a caffeine free, cacao-flavoured tea.
Organic Green Banana Flour presents a nutritious option for gluten-free baking, with 10 mg iron (55% DV), 700 mg potassium (15% DV) and 5 g fibre per 30 g serving. www.miskiorganics.com
Riches from the Sea
Plancton Marino® freeze-dried, vacuum-packed microalgae powder, infuses foods with the flavour and aroma of the sea. Umami flavour enhances myriad culinary applications including dressings, sauces, soups, risotto, pasta and molecular gastronomy creations. www.planctonmarino.com
A word of caution: Before adding novel ingredients to food products, ensure they are compliant with Health Canada food regulations.
Hope to see you at next year’s show!
As a packaged foods consultant, Birgit Blain transforms food into retail-ready products. Her experience includes 17 years with Loblaw Brands and President’s Choice®. Contact her at Birgit@BBandAssoc.com or learn more at www.BBandAssoc.com
© Birgit Blain