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| FoodMatch FocusMay, 2008 - Vol 1, Issue 5 |
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| Food for Thought |
 "Food is our common ground...a universal experience." - James Beard
"I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage." - Erma Bombeck
"The olive tree is surely the richest gift from heaven." - Thomas Jefferson |
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| Breaking News from FoodMatch! 2008 NASFT Nominations |
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 Divina Roasted Yellow Tomatoes
have been nominated by the NASFT for:Outstanding Perishable Foodservice Product of 2008!
Divina Roasted Yellow Tomatoes
- Slow roasted for tender texture and immense flavor
- Picked at the peak of the summer season
- Enjoy summer-fresh tomatoes year-round
- A product of the USA
Divina Roasted Yellow Tomatoes are now available in 2 different types of packing:
FoodMatch Item # 70400:
6/4 lb PET Jar (frozen)
FoodMatch Item # 70434
3/4 lb bag (frozen)
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| News from Marketing Market Plate Displays and the 2008 Summer Catalog |
 Market Plates by Divina: Recipe Displays
As a companion to the Market Plates by Divina brochures that feature 9 unique spring/summer recipes, FoodMatch has also recently designed individual display pieces for each recipe.
Market Plates by Divina recipe displays have several unique features, including:
- A revolutionary all-in-one design that allows the display piece to ship flat and avoid breakage.
- To display, you simply unfold the piece and lock the recipe card holder tabs into place and you're done!
- New recipe card holder can fit up to 100 recipe cards.
- Images are printed directly onto the display
Market Plates by Divina recipe displays are an ideal way to highlight specific seasonal ingredients and recipes that will spark your consumer's interest and entertaining ideas. Pair the displays with our FoodMatch Market Plates by Divina brochures to give a complete guide to seasonal cooking with Divina conserved.
The 2008 FoodMatch Summer Catalog
The FoodMatch Marketing department is also pleased to announce that our 2008 Summer Catalog is now available and has been updated to reflect the newest products offered by FoodMatch. In addition, you'll find pictures and descriptions of new merchandising materials such as Market Plates by Divina and Olive/Antipasti Bar Signs.
The new FoodMatch catalog comes both spiral bound for easy viewing and three hole-punched for easy storing.
If you would like a copy of the 2008 Summer Catalog please email News@foodmatch.com with your complete name and shipping information.
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| Featured Product of the Month Divina Kefalas Estate Organic EVOO |
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 FoodMatch is pleased to announce that the new crop of Kefalas Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil is currently available for sale!
Item Name: Divina Kefalas Estate Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
FoodMatch Item #: OG160
Country of Origin: Greece
Case Pack: 6/17 fl. oz.
Notes on Origin:
Amidst the rolling hills of Sparta, artisans in the village of Kefalas handcraft this prized organic Greek olive oil from Koroneiki olives.
Taste Notes:
Nose of green olives and a hint of mown grass. Silky texture leading into a delicate peppery finish.
Health Benefits of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Olive oil is extremely rich in polyphenols; natural antioxidants that improve the lives of people suffering from oxidative stress.
- Olive oil has been found to be highly beneficial for the prevention of cell aging and osteoporosis.
- Heart healthy and rich in vitamins E and F
Application Ideas
- Best when drizzled over fresh grilled vegetables
- Use when preparing your favorite vinaigrettes and salad dressings
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| In the News The Farm Bill |
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 The Farm Bill is a $288 billion dollar, five-year agricultural policy that was passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives. A veto by President Bush was recently overturned and the bill seems closer to finalization than ever before.
The Farm Bill is a continuation of the similarly named 2002 version and is said to continue the United Sates' long history of agricultural subsidies while also setting aside funds for energy, conservation, nutrition and rural development.
Some specific initiatives in the bill include increases in food stamp benefits, increased support for the production of cellulosic ethanol, and money for the research of pests, diseases and other agricultural problems.
Bill Initiatives:
- $78 million total for Organic Research
- $230 million total for Specialty Crops Research
- $118 million total for Bio-mass R&D
- $4 billion over baseline funding for conservation and working lands programs to protect our water, air and soil quality
- Funding for critical local food programs such as the Farmer's Market Promotion Program,
Community Food Project grants and the Healthy Food Enterprise Development Center programs that will help keep local farm land viable and the local and regional food systems thriving
Possible Effects:
The Wall Street Journal recently noted that:
"With grain prices soaring, farm income at record highs and the federal budget deficit widening, the subsidies and handouts given to American farmers would seem vulnerable to a serious pruning." Bountiful Harvest: Farm Lobby Beats Back Assault On Subsidies, March 27, 2008
The New York Times recently reported that:
"American farmers are prepared to forgo the subsidies that kept lands out of cultivation because of the higher commodity prices. Thousands of farmers are taking their fields out of the government's biggest conservation program, which pays them not to cultivate. They are spurning guaranteed annual payments for a chance to cash in on the boom in wheat, soybeans, corn and other crops. Last fall, they took back as many acres as are in Rhode Island and Delaware combined. These issues worry environmentalists who contend that progress to restore native habitats will be lost." As Prices Rise, Farmers Spurn Conservation Program, David Streitfeld, April 9, 2008.
The next few weeks and months will be deciding factors in the ultimate success or failure of this bill as last minute posturing in Congress plays a large role in the final wording of the bill. In a time when economy is at the forefront of American minds we can only hope that the Farm Bill will have a lasting and positive effect on American farming and agriculture.
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| Employee Profile Buddhika Jayawardana |
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 Just the Facts:
Name: Buddhika Jayawardana
Department: Accounting
Job Title: Accounts Payable Coordinator
Year's at FoodMatch: 4+
Hometown: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Job Description:
Some of my job responsibilities include analyzing and processing bills, making payments to vendors and suppliers and preparing sales reports. I enjoy working with numbers and most importantly I enjoy what I do!
Favorite FoodMatch Memory:
I love it when FM has its annual Thanksgiving potluck lunch. You get to enjoy all the delicious food everyone makes! It's something I look forward to every year. I have had the pleasure of enjoying some of the best Mac & Cheese and green bean casserole ever!Above: Buddhika (middle) with Accounting Team
Little Known Facts and Hobbies:
- I love sports and I'm a big NY Yankees fan! I follow every single game they play.
- "Saved by the Bell" is one of my all-time favorite TV series! I have seen every single episode!
- I am originally from Colombo, Sri Lanka, studied at Oklahoma State University and now work in New York City. Three totally different places! In case you are wondering where Sri Lanka is, it's a small island right below India.
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| Upcoming Events June, 2008 |
 June 1-3, 2008
Booth #: 1647
FoodMatch is happy to announce that we will once again be exhibiting at the International Dairy Deli Bakery Show, better known to most as the IDDBA Show.
Stop by booth 1647 to sample our newest ingredients, condiments, spreads, olives and antipasti. |
| The Editor's Desk By: Brandon Gross |
 This Month: A New Addition to the Marketing Team
FoodMatch is happy to welcome the newest member of its Marketing Department. Joining us in the role of Graphic Designer is Rick Gonzalez.
Rick grew up in Corpus Christi, TX and later moved to Austin. He began his career in Marketing Communications at Gracy Title Company for several years working with their Marketing/Design team. This included design for general branding, advertising and all promotional needs. He later moved to New York seeking a drastic change of pace and worked for The Brooklyn Paper as an Advertising Designer. His general duties included creating custom advertisements and developing business collateral.
When he's not at FoodMatch, Rick plays the guitar and performs music whenever possible. He also enjoys biking, hiking and art. Please join us as we welcome Rick to the FoodMatch family.
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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
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