Deli

In a first-of-its-kind study, Technomic found that commissaries (also known as meal assemblers and central kitchens) are the source of a large percentage of all foodservice purchases in both supermarkets and c-stores. Commissaries have recently become more popular and required as these growing channels look to increase their overall foodservice sales and to meet consumer demand for fresh, prepared foods. …

Sprouted quinoa, Mangalitsa sliced ham and vanilla bean caramel sauce with goat milk are among the 10 finalists for the sofi Award for Outstanding New Product of 2011. The sofi Awards, presented by the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade, Inc. (NASFT), are considered the highest honor in the $70 billion specialty food industry. “sofi” stands for Specialty Outstanding Food Innovation. …

DCI Cheese Company ("DCI") is excited to unveil "Blue Meets Black", an enter-to-win contest designed to promote a distinctive summertime flavor combination: grilled Black Angus beef topped with the slightly piquant, savory taste of blue cheese. "Blue Meets Black" is sponsored by Salemville, DCI's line of award-winning Amish blue-veined cheeses. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Weber SPIRIT grill. …

Venus Wafers has broadened their Nejaimes Lavasch line by adding Rosemary and Seeded Whole Grain flavors to the already popular Multiseed and Sesame. At the Summer Fancy Food show, Venus Wafers will feature these new flavors as well as updated package designs for the complete range. …

Even Judy Schad, who makes the delicious Mont St. Francis at her Capriole dairy in Indiana, couldn't tell me why there are so few cheeses like it. Mont St. Francis is a washed-rind cheese made with goat's milk, and that category is exceedingly small. …