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Rosemont, Illinois-based foodservice distributor US Foods generates about $24 billion in annual revenue, making it one of the country’s top companies —regardless of industry.
Known as U.S. Foodservice until 1993, the firm that got its start in the mid-19th century (one of its precursor companies sold provisions to travelers headed for the California Gold Rush) offers more than 350,000 national brand products as well as its own exclusive-brand items.
The restaurant industry has always been the company’s bread and butter. But as everyone in the food business knows, “foodservice” no longer applies to just restaurants. As the line between restaurant and grocery continues to blur, and more and more retail grocers bring restaurant-quality food and experiences to their shoppers, US Foods is adapting.
Take a company like Kowalski’s Markets. The 11-store Woodbury, Minnesota-based retailer prides itself on the quality of its service deli and prepared foods selections.
And every day, Kowalski’s deli departments receive shipments from US Foods.
US Foods is also expanding its reach in instore bakeries. Maryland Heights, Missouri-based Companion Bakery, which produces 30,000 pounds of fresh, frozen and par-baked artisan breads and baked goods daily, partners on distribution of its product with US Foods.
The foodservice giant also has broadened its grocery footprint in recent years through acquisitions. In 2016 it purchased Sidney, Ohio-based fresh fruit and vegetable processor, repacker and distributor Freshway Foods, which supplies both retail and foodservice customers.
And one of several distributors US Foods has purchased in the past two years, TOBA Inc., also counts many grocery and c-store store chains among its clients.
Fresh for fall
US Foods also continues to roll out new products that are a great fit for all versions of foodservice — including retail foodservice.
The company’s new Fall Scoop line includes 27 innovative, versatile and “fashion-forward” products. Inspired by the intersection between food and fashion, US Foods created Fall Scoop under the banner of “Food Runway.” Part of the company’s “Great Food. Made Easy.” strategy, these products will, according to US Foods, ensure restaurant operators “stay on the leading edge of dining trends and diner interests.”
“Culinary trends are moving faster than ever, driven by social media, online reviews and diner feedback. When operators aren’t moving forward with the right trends at the right time, it’s easy to fall behind,” says Stacie Sopinka, senior vice president of product development and innovation for US Foods. “At US Foods, we make it easy for our operators to stay on trend and take the right steps forward with confidence.”
International foods are in ever-higher demand, and Fall Scoop features several new items inspired by ethnic flavors, including:
- Monarch Creamy Miso-Ginger Dressing: Made with miso paste imported from Japan, this dressing packs exotic, subtly spicy ginger notes and a wealth of versatility with the rich umami flavor. It’s easily used as a salad dressing, dipping sauce, marinade or glaze.
- Chef’s Line All Natural* Slow-Cooked Pork Shoulder in Achiote Sauce: Helping operators serve a traditionally labor-intensive Mexican classic, this slow-cooked pork shoulder features an achiote sauce made with traditional Mexican-style spices, including annatto seeds. It’s ideal for a torta ahogada sandwich or pork shoulder tacos.
- Chef’s Line Artisan Chia Ficelle Roll: Made using French bread-making techniques, the ficelle, (“string” in French) is known for its thin profile and is flecked with flavorful chia seeds throughout. It can be used as a unique sandwich carrier, table bread and more.
Another focus of Fall Scoop is color. New foods on the US Foods roster that feature bright, vibrant colors include:
- Devonshire Premium Black Raspberry Ombre Cake with Vanilla Icing: Featuring four layers of progressively darker-hued black raspberry cake framed by sweet vanilla icing and gem-like sugar beads, this cake serves on-trend flavor in a stunningly sculpted dessert that catches your eye.
- Molly’s Kitchen Flamin’ Battered Onion Ring: With the heat of the sriracha outside and sweet onion inside, this vibrant red onion ring features no artificial colors and is the first flamin’ battered onion ring on the market.
- Cross Valley Farms Tropical Fruit Blend: This bright and colorful tropical fruit blend serves up luscious and sweet dragon fruit, mango, pineapple, oranges and honeydew, with no prep work needed. Use it as a tropical salsa or spoon it over yogurt in a breakfast bowl for a pop of color and sweetness.
With foodie-tending millennials driving more and more menu selections, specialty meats are in higher and higher demand. Fall Scoop options include:
- Chef’s Line All Natural* Bison and Pork Smoked Sausage Raised Without Antibiotics: Juicy and meaty with a rich, smoky flavor, this sausage is seasoned with a custom spice blend and smoked natural pork casing and contains no artificial ingredients.
- Metro Deli All Natural* Soppressata Raised Without Antibiotics: Fermented and dry-aged, this artisan-made soppressata delivers mild and sweet authentic flavor and texture of southern-Italian style salami with no artificial ingredients.
- Stock Yards All Natural* Pork Burger Raised Without Antibiotics: This take on the classic burger combines the rising popularity of nontraditional burgers and proteins raised without antibiotics for a new, versatile and cost-effective menu option with endless seasoning and flavor combinations.
