FOODSERVICE COMMUNICATION TRENDS: <br />Rich’s, U.S. Foodservice Create Web Sites
Rich Products Corp., a leading foodservice supplier, has introduced a new Web site designed to meet the needs of foodservice professionals. Richfoodservice.com provides chefs and operators with recipe/menu solutions, product information, training materials and segment specific insights.
Key areas of the Rich’s foodservice Web site include:
• Culinary Center — a comprehensive resource for recipes, menu ideas and training materials to fit any back-of-house need. Recipe research features include by keyword, day/meal part or product category. E-mail or print recipes for increased ease-of-use.
• Products — search for menu solutions by food category, keyword or product code. Also includes detailed information about Rich’s product offerings, such as descriptions, nutrition information, storage, and tips and handling. Use the locator to find the nearest sales representative.
• Segments — for K-12 and C&U directors along with restaurant operators looking for solutions to everyday challenges like reducing waste, increasing menu variety, and addressing consumers’ needs for portable foods.
“It’s our mission to remain innovative and continue to invest in supporting the foodservice industry’s evolving needs with menu solutions, practical ideas, and reliable product information,” said Roderick Kirwan, Rich’s director of marketing. “Our new site is an all-in-one resource developed with these goals in mind and reinforces our dedication to be a leading foodservice partner to chefs and operators 24/7.”
The new Web site will be updated regularly and features Rich’s culinary experts who will highlight key topics to support menu diversity, improved business operations and more.
Also, U.S. Foodservice has launched two new Web sites to help foodservice operators improve sales and efficiency by leveraging industry best practices. Foodsight (www.usfoodsight.com) and Beyond the Plate (www.beyondtheplate.com) offer articles, tools, testimonials, product solutions and interactive features created to assist foodservice professionals in building their business. The digital resources inform, educate, inspire, train and connect foodservice operators with peers and consumers.
“Foodsight is based on our 150 years of experience in the industry and offers insightful, incisive, and inciting information for the foodservice professional,” said Mark Eggerding, SVP, street sales, U.S. Foodservice. “The Web site includes the most insightful research in the industry and incisive recommendations that will incite restaurant owners to pursue a higher level of success.”
The site has six main sections:
• Featured Category: In-depth articles on a different product category each quarter
• Market Insights: All the latest industry trends and research
• Business Solutions: A wealth of management tools
• Operator News: Operator profiles and success stories
• Additional Products: Information on other U.S. Foodservice exclusive brands, products and supplies
• Resources: Valuable partner links and program information
Beyond the Plate is an online, interactive resource center where professionals and foodies can learn about and discuss new products, marketplace trends, and the art and enjoyment of good food. Visitors can access a wide range of food information, including recipes, training videos and interesting articles about food, dining, and the culinary lifestyle. There is also a special “Ask the Chef” feature where visitors can get answers to their questions from U.S. Foodservice expert chefs.
“Whether you are a home cook, food enthusiast or own a restaurant or catering company, you will find tips that will help you become the most knowledgeable person out there when it comes to food,” Eggerding said.
This quarter, both Foodsight and Beyond the Plate are focusing on disposables and environmental sustainability. On www.usfoodsight.com, operators learn how to increase sales from their takeout menu, how to profit from the catering business in the new economy and the benefits of going green. Plus, visitors have access to the latest in sustainable packaging. Visitors to www.beyondtheplate.com can take a survey on their use and feeling toward disposables, and get recipes and other information on food and related products that are environmentally sustainable and perfect for entertaining. Content is updated regularly to keep both sites fresh and relevant.