1.5 billion checkins will be used for menu suggestions by consumers with the latest feature released by Foursquare. Foursquare has partnered with New York startup tech company, SinglePlatform, which will be hosting a menu pricing database in conjunction with consumer check-ins. The database will be updated in real time.
See the full story here. How do you think this will help the hospitality industry in the future?
Move over Menupages– Foursquare is jumping into real time menu pricing powered by SinglePlatform
January 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment
In efforts to save $250 million, The United States Department of Agriculture is reviewing a proposal to change existing food safety inspections for poultry
January 23, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Currently, the USDA inspects poultry by eyeballing each bird for scabs and sores. The new proposal will require increased monitoring of sanitary processes and contamination controls to promote safety over making decisions solely on visual imperfections.
A pilot program has already been tested and shows no signs of increased risks to date
Chefs are taking a step “backwards” to ancient grain– quinoa, teff, millet and more.
January 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
More chefs are experimenting with ancient grains to distinguish textures and tastes from the soft and fluffy Quinoa to the nutty flavor of Teff.
Check out the list of other grains that you will start to see on more menus this year
Flex-Casual: It’s all about the convenience factor
January 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Flexibility is what 2012 is all about and flex-casual dining might be the norm if diners continue their raving support for this. Flex-casual, as known as a flexible service format, offers guests counter service by day for lunch and quick Grab-N-Go’s but can also be turned into a full service dining experience at night.
This is where casual and fine dining might finally make their blend
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to close 259 domestic offices
January 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment
All agency meat inspectors will continue at all meat-processing plants. The closings will only affect administrative staff. The closings are expected to happen as early as October 1st of this year.
The closings are the result of budget cuts with the operating budget of the USDA. The agencies that will be affected includes the Farm Service Agency and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Rain damage in Central America puts a damper on the arabica coffee bean
January 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment
This might relate to some of the reasoning behind the coffee price hike at Starbucks on the East Coast. Many coffee roasters are trying their best not sacrifice quality and keep up with tight arabica supplies but the increasing prices makes it hard to do so.
Coffee roasters are now supplementing the arabica beans with robusta blends causing a more bittery taste which could be a turn off to consumers. Supplies of the arabica coffee bean will remain stagnant until Brazil’s harvest in mid-2012
December 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment
China opens Hello Kitty-themed restaurant that is turning out to be a crowd favorite
It’s not just the little ones that enjoy this vibrant and colorful space, adults are also having fun tapping into their child-like spirit.
Although the success of the restaurant’s grand opening on December 23rd, the owner doesn’t plan on expanding anytime soon
December 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Learning cooking techniques and food preparation like the big boys is now easier and more interactive– giving people a little more than what they see on the television.
From downloadable recipes to progress trackers, where do you see this new way to grabbing consumers and at-home chefs going?
https://paigepapers.com/2011/12/28/topchef_university_trainingonline/
December 23, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Now beauty products are tapping into the “food” scene by marketing produce, fruits and other natural ingredients that help with skin, hair and nails. This is a new take on the term “beauty from the inside out”.
New York Times reports on some of the newest brands and ideas on the market such as Beauty Booster, a digestable liquid in a nail polish bottle packed with goji berries, raspberries and
wild blackberries
https://paigepapers.com/2011/12/23/beautyproducts_usefruitsfor_marketing/
December 19, 2011 by Leave a Comment
During a press conference on Thursday, December 15th, Jim Slama, President of FamilyFarmed.org, highlighted the new tool which would make it easier for farmers with their food safety plans and provide more transparency between the buyer and the farmer.
Farmers also see this as a cost-saving tool since more buyers are requesting that farms are GlobalGAP-certified
https://paigepapers.com/2011/12/19/familyfarmed_shows_newfoodsafetytool_farms/
paigepapers.com 