Glenview, IL, October 17, 2014.
Mediterranean Brands received one of the 2014 Spirit of Innovation Awards at the Prepared Foods – New Products Conference on September 15, 2014. Falafel Scoop and Go was awarded third place finish in the foodservice category. The Non-GMO Project Verified, bulk falafel is a unique and delicious mix made with chickpeas, fava beans and a variety of fresh vegetables, spices and herbs. The versatility of this product is one of the many award winning attributes. Customers can customize the mix to create their own signature falafel, a seasonal falafel or any ingredients needed to keep up with today’s foodservice trends.
Richard Hicks, Founder and President of Mediterranean Brands, was on hand to receive this award and attend the conference. “This is a great honor for me and my team to have been recognized for our innovation within the industry” said Richard. “Our goal has always been to remain loyal to the rich food and ingredients that stem from the Mediterranean region, while constantly generating new ideas and keeping up with the latest demands of the American consumer.”
Bob Garrison, Editor-in-Chief of Prepared Foods Magazine, says “Product developers know the formula for success involves two different dimensions. In part, it’s literally the right combination of ingredients. Secondly, it’s the right combination of marketing, timing and distribution as well portion size, packaging, pricing and on-trend positioning. Then again, Prepared Foods also views product development success from a third perspective. As a title dedicated to the broader product development process, Prepared Foods also includes teamwork—the coordination and cooperation of research chefs, product developers, nutritionists and others–among criteria for the magazine’s annual Spirit of Innovation (SOI) awards.” Garrison continues, “Our panelists agree that Mediterranean Brands’ Falafel Scoop and Go is sophisticated but deceptively simple. For starters, it is designed for easy use by foodservice operators across any channel (restaurants to in-store delis). Moreover, it’s incredibly versatile in appetizer, side or entrée. Besides its ethnic appeal, Scoop and Go also has nutritional protein, fiber and clean label (non-GMO) benefits.”
The New Products Conference was held at the Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, Florida, September 13-17, 2014. The Spirit of Innovation Award Ceremony was co-sponsored by Prepared Foods Magazine and Ventura Foods.
