New Meat Products for JTM Schools Use Sunsweet® Plum Ingredients for a Cleaner Label

HARRISON, Ohio - March 7, 2014 - PRLog -- HARRISON, OH – March 7, 2014 – In partnership with Sunsweet Growers Inc., JTM Food Group has created three new meat products with no caramel coloring and cleaner labels by utilizing plum fiber and plum powder. For the thousands of schools that JTM serves across the country, the clean label patties fulfill a growing desire for menu items with natural, basic ingredients that still maintain shelf life, flavor, and attractive appearance.

“Using plum derived ingredients has positive nutritional and business benefits,” said Brian Hofmeier, JTM’s Vice President of Education Sales. “They help the products maintain moisture resulting in a better tasting products, and they replace traditional ingredients like caramel coloring and phosphates. The plum ingredients are also competitively priced compared to artificial ingredients and allow for increased shelf life.”

Schools are now able to utilize three plum-enhanced proteins in the creation of their menu offerings: an All-Beef Patty, All-Pork Sausage Patty, and a Beef Patty with Mushrooms. Each of the fully cooked products uses plum fiber and powder. They contain no caramel coloring, are allergen-free, and have shorter, cleaner labels.

“Partnering with Sunsweet has allowed us to continue improving the menu options available for our school customers,” said Hofmeier. “We will continue adding to our line of clean label products, with options ranging from Steel-Cut Oatmeal to more plum-enhanced, fully cooked proteins.”

In the coming months, JTM plans to add to the plum-enhanced product line and will roll out a ground beef crumble and a meatball for the 2014-2015 school year. The current plum-enhanced offerings are listed below:

·       All-Beef Patty – 5620

o   Each 2.45 oz. patty provides 2 oz. M/MA and is packed in 6/5-pound bags. No caramel coloring. Allergen free and clean label.

·       All-Pork Sausage Patty – 5621

o   Each 1.25 oz. patty provides 1 oz. M/MA and is packed in 6/5-pound bags. No caramel coloring. Allergen free and clean label.

·       Beef Patty with Mushrooms - 5671

o   Each 2.25 oz. patty provides 1.75 oz. M/MA and 1/8 c. other vegetable. Packed in 6/5-pound bags. No caramel coloring. Allergen free and clean label.

To request samples or learn more about JTM’s new plum-enhanced products, please visit www.JTMFoodGroup.com or call 513-367-4900 ext. 186.

About JTM Food Group

Family owned and operated since 1980, JTM Food Group specializes in menu solutions that deliver superior results to the food service industry. Focused on customer service, quality and innovation, J.T.M. serves thousands of schools, restaurants, military and government organizations, food distributors and retailers throughout North America. In 2012, JTM was named the 77^th largest private firm on the Deloitte Cincinnati USA 100 list, and in 2011, JTM was named one of the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Fast 55, an award that recognizes the fastest-growing private firms in Greater Cincinnati. For more information, visit www.JTMFoodGroup.com.