Retail & FoodService

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) today launched a new initiative – Project Taste Test – Servin' Up Successful Careers – that showcases career opportunities in the foodservice sector. Through a partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, Project Taste Test is an ongoing video series that features leading industry executives and gives advice to ProStart students seeking a foodservice career. Project Taste Test's first video features PepsiCo Corporate Executive Research Chef Stephen Kalil. Additional Project Taste Test videos will debut during the 2013-2014 school year. …

Delaware North Companies, a global leader in hospitality and food service and one of the largest privately held companies in North America, announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire a majority interest in Patina Restaurant Group. …

Soup, a classic comfort food, and salad, quintessential healthy fare, are favorites of the American diet. Ongoing emphasis on healthful eating, along with the rise of the fast-casual segment and retail prepared foods—both strong channels for soup and salad—continue to keep these offerings in the limelight. …

With this January’s snow and cold, many Americans are warming up with hot home-made meals. But while consumers more engaged with food than ever, many have less time for planning and preparing home cooked meals. Shoppers are increasingly opting for easy meals—but we don’t mean TV dinners. Growing hunger for convenience—a broad and evolving need—will continue to affect the entire store in 2014. …

Whole Foods Market announced that it has created Whole Cities Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting efforts to increase access to nutritious, fresh food and health education in underserved communities. …