Unable to make it? No problem; Here’s the rundown!
increases, as compared to this time last year, are egg noodles (+241%), bulk tomato paste (+124%), and whole grain pastas (+88-96%). This all has to do with international conflict (War in Ukraine – world’s 2nd largest grain producer), natural disasters (drought in California impacting the tomato crop), and agricultural disease (Avian Flu amongst chicken flocks impacting the egg market). While it may be disappointing to see less volume with product innovation, it is actually wise to be conservative, from a manufacturer’s perspective. Many companies just implemented pricing increases for SY 22-23 due to rising ingredient costs due to inflation. It is also smart to be conservative and leave
samples at production facilities to fulfill orders rather than showing customers something they can’t physically purchase. The old adage of what’s old is new again, is very much present in the K12 world. Throughout back-to-school education sessions, every single broker and food manufacturer is showing diverse applications of products with the goal of utilizing traditional K12 products in new and different ways. A personal goal for every menu planner should be a minimum of 2-3 menu applications for each item in their school inventory. This allows for flexibility with last- minute menu decisions due to supply chain and logistical issues. While it may take years to make a full recovery from post-Covid supply chain issues, the smart thing is to plan ahead and be prepared for shortages.
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