Eating on the cheap
The Country of Origin Label bill was put into effect Sept. 30 for vendors and suppliers to list the country of origin on all produce, nuts, meats and fish whether fresh or frozen.
And restaurants are paying more attention to the origin of foods on their menus, also.
Consumers love to eat out. But because of budget concerns, they will be more selective about dining dollars.
At the same time, lower prices are turning up from fast food to family dining. This summer, Subway Footlong subs for $5 and
TGI Friday's Right Portion, Right Price with smaller servings of regular entrees, value-priced between $5.99 and $9.99, were among the many quick-service and family restaurants trying to get their market share.
More recently, McDonald's "gourmet" coffee beverages at more affordable prices are having an impact on the marketplace.
Food manufacturers are always looking for tastes and aromas that consumers favor. Among the new foods are super-fruits such as acai and mangosteen, many of which are added to juices.
Watch for chimichurri sauce for grilled meats; the curry trend; lavender to spice up food, chocolate and even beverages; craft and specialty beers; organic wines, and small plates of tapas/mezze/dim sum. Small desserts or bite-size desserts will add a sweet note like the cupcake phenomenon already in full force.
Just as the American plate adapts to international foods, the trends from America will continue to spread around the world.
The
North American Blueberry Council reported in October about its efforts to open the Indian market to blueberries. Although blueberries are foreign to the Indian subcontinent, they are in great demand in that area. It is an important market for the blueberry industry, according to the Council.
(Contact Kathie Smith at food(at)theblade.com. For more stories, visit scrippsnews.com.)
