|
|
FoodMatch Focus
March, 2008 - Vol 1, Issue 3
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Food for Thought |
"One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever we are doing and devote our attention to eating." - Luciano Pavarotti
"I've been on a diet for two weeks and so far all I've lost is two weeks." - Totie Fields
"The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served us nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found." - Calvin Trillin
|
|
|
| |
| Featured Item of the Month Artichoke, Cipolline, and Mixed Pepper Strips |
Cannone Artichoke Strips Cannone Cipolline Strips Divina Mixed Pepper Strips
  
Item #: 60730 Item # :60911 Item #: D0195-3
Origin: Italy Origin: Italy Origin: Greece
FoodMatch values the relationship we have with our end users: chefs, caterers, home cooks, etc. Because of this, we've taken some of our most popular Mediterranean antipasti items and "stripped" them for easier use. The result is a time-saving and cost-effective approach to fresh and unique ingredients.
Our array of sliced antipasti options pairs perfectly atop pizzas, focaccia, flatbreads and sandwiches. They also serve as a unique bread ingredient. Acting as a labor-saver, sliced ingredients are perfect for the do-it-yourself bars and buffets that are growing with increasing speed and quantity in supermarkets and quick-serve restaurants.
Taste Notes
Cannone Artichoke Strips:
Natural and tender artichoke leaves in delicate sunflower oil.
Cannone Cipolline Strips:
Sweet and crunchy onions with a robust balsamic finish.
Divina Mixed Pepper Strips:
Red and Yellow Florina Peppers packed in a natural brine. Bright, sweet, and meaty.
|
| 2008 Crop Update Kalamata Olives |
As the 2008 FoodMatch Kalamata Olive crop comes closer to hitting the marketplace, FoodMatch is learning more details each day as to the quantity, size, color and taste of this year's crop.
Crop Size Estimate:
Crop size can be effected by several variables that growers do not always have complete control over. This year, for example, Greece was hit hard by an August fire that damaged over 450,000 acres of land.
Fortunately for FoodMatch, our production areas in Greece for Kalamata olives were largely unaffected by these fires.
2008 FoodMatch Production Locations for Kalamata Olives:
Mesolongi (West Coast): Produced a smaller crop than in previous years.
Livanata (Central): Produced a larger crop than in previous years.
Sparta (South): Produced a larger crop than in previous years.
Total Crop Size Comparisons (2005-2008)
2005/2006: 12,000 tons
2006/2007: 20,000 tons
2007/2008: 25,000 tons
Crop Color and Caliber:
Greece was also subjected to a drought during the growing period of this year's Kalamata olive crop. Due to this, many trees went "thirsty" for long periods of time and some of the olives were picked prior to full maturation. This has caused a smaller caliber size and, in some cases, a lighter colored Kalamata olive.
Similar to the 2007 crop, an estimated 10-20% of this year's Kalamata olive crop will have a lighter color than a traditional authentic Greek Kalamata olive. While in some respects this counteracts the overall crop size increase, FoodMatch does not expect to have any stock issues throughout the year.
Crop Flavor Profile
Similar to wine, the full flavor of a Kalamata olive takes time to develop. Expect early shipments to have a "tighter" and less fruity flavor profile. As the olives mature during the year, you will begin to taste more of the smoky, wine-infused flavor that distinguishes the FoodMatch Kalamata olive as the industry standard in taste and authenticity.
|
| Market Trends The Benefits of Olive Oil |
 Studies of the Mediterranean Diet and its effects on your health are becoming more commonplace each year as the value of the lifestyle becomes more widely understood and embraced.
A recent collaboration between the Institute of Nutrition/Food Technology and the Nutritional Team at the Granada Hospital
reveals some new information on the health benefits of olive oil; a staple ingredient in the Mediterranean Diet.
According to the new study, olive oil is extremely rich in polyphenols; natural antioxidants that improve the lives of people suffering from oxidative stress. Also, olive oil has been found to be highly beneficial for the prevention of cell aging and osteoporosis.
FoodMatch has always valued high quality oils. We carry a full line of Estate, Extra Virgin, and Blended olive oils that will satisfy your palate and your heart.
Source: Science Daily, January 2008.
|
| Employee Profile Justin Denune |
Name: Justin P. Denune
Year's at FM: 3+
Department: Inventory Management
Job Title: Logistics Coordinator
Hometown: Nahant, MA
A Typical Work Day for Justin:
Every day starts off in Bushwick Brooklyn and roughly a 45-minute ride on the L train. By 9am I'm in the office and ready for my team's daily "morning meeting". You see, I'm part of the Inventory Management team, lead by the fearless Patti Kennedy. In these meetings we review what we have on our plates for the day (no pun intended) and make sure we are all up to speed with "what's what" in the Specialty Food business. My job is in Logistics with a side of Purchasing. With the amount of product we import from around the globe, keeping track of it all can be a daunting task. At any given time we have dozens of containers on the water, all of which need to be tracked for our customers, our work force, and our outside partners. I also work closely with our vendor L'Esprit and Purchaser extraordinaire, Reva Star in making sure we keep a healthy inventory of some of our best selling items.
Justin's Favorite FoodMatch Memory:
I recently took a trip to Japan and was accompanied by a coworker and great friend, Accounting Manager Mr. August Fuerst. We traveled around Tokyo for almost two weeks; eating, drinking, and immersing ourselves in the culture. To this day, these are probably some of the best memories of my life at FoodMatch.
Little Known Facts and Hobbies:
- One of Justin's passions is the craft brew scene. He often seeks out specialty bars all over NYC and Brooklyn to taste the microbrews of New York and other states.
- Justin is an avid sports fan---and much to the chagrin of his coworkers, roots for Boston teams such as the Red Sox and Patriots.
- Justin's mom is a chef who owned her own culinary business. This contributes to his passion for specialty foods and cooking. |
| Upcoming Events |
|
 National Restaurant Association Show
May 17-20, 2008
Chicago, IL
FoodMatch is proud to announce that we will once again be exhibiting at the annual NRA Show this year. We will feature a 200 square foot booth and sample over 50 of our top foodservice antipasti, olive and ingredient items.
Please stop by and visit us in the International Cuisine Pavilion at booth 9623!
|
|
|
_______________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for reading this edition of FoodMatch Focus.
Please send all comments, questions and article suggestions to News@Foodmatch.com
FoodMatch, Inc.
Phone: (212) 244-5050 Web: www.foodmatch.com E-Mail: News@FoodMatch.com
|
|
|
|