Flatbread Market Continues to Grow Nationwide

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Aug. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- According to Datassential MenuTrends, menu incidence of flatbreads has increased 76 percent in the past 5 years, with more than 65 new flatbread items added to menus at 30 top restaurant chains in America in 2013. Labeled one of the “top trends in foodservice,” flatbreads are undoubtedly hot, and with countless variations popping up on menus across the country, the trend doesn’t show signs of stopping. Rich’s^®, a well-known frontrunner in the global foodservice industry, is leading the trend and has responded with a first-class flatbread product.

As operators react to the healthy-living movement, the need for smaller, yet satisfying, portion options continues to skyrocket – a need that has been filled by the ever-versatile Rich’s flatbread. Naturally low in sodium, Rich’s flatbread contains zero trans fat and fewer calories than most bread options leading operators to gravitate towards offering the guilt-free replacement for their health-conscious customers. Additionally, the cry for flatbreads can be heard around the world with 32 percent of consumers calling for more flatbread pizza options and 50 percent seeking to explore new bread alternatives for sandwiches.

“At Rich’s, we take our flatbreads very seriously,” said Donna Reeves-Collins, Director of Marketing, Foodservice Division at Rich’s. “We take pride in creating authentic Flatbreads, using an innovative, proprietary baking technology, and providing operators with on-trend menu options as well as healthier alternatives for their patrons. Our experience in producing old-world, authentic products, combined with our new-world technology has enabled us to become the leading Flatbread producer in the U.S. and allows us deliver a distinctive taste and freshness every time.”

Rich’s technology and baking method locks moisture and flavor into each batch of dough, guaranteeing a fresh, quality flatbread every time. Understanding that creating a first-class flatbread requires patience, use of the finest ingredients and attention to detail, Rich’s goes above and beyond to ensure operator and customer satisfaction.

“Flatbreads are all created hot, but not all created equal!” Reeves added. “Our Flatbreads are providing operators the ability to craft high quality, authentic and healthy appetizers, sandwiches and pizzas… all of which are driving patrons through their doors and making a positive difference in their business.”

Possessing the distinct ability to seamlessly shift from appetizer to entrée to dessert, Rich’s authentic, upscale flatbread uniquely provides operators an ingredient they can leverage for any meal of the day – breakfast, lunch or dinner. Rich’s versatile product is an excellent carrier for portable options and can also easily be incorporated into more elegant, premium dishes and global creations. The breakfast bruschetta–a toasted rustic oval flatbread topped with salmon, grilled asparagus and a poached egg–makes for a sophisticated on-the-go meal; while the Pork Belly Bánh Mi–a Vietnamese-inspired dish made with coconut milk-braised pork belly and fresh cabbage slaw on a crispy oven-fired flatbread—adds a splash of culture and spice.

From oven-fired flats and rustic oval flatbread to flatillas and thick-baked focaccia bread, the Rich’s flatbread line offers various shapes, sizes and flavors to help operators distinguish their menu offerings. Often referred to as the oldest bread on earth – dating back to well-over 2,000 years ago – the flatbread exists on a vast-array of ethnic menus and can be incorporated into recipes using a multitude of cooking and baking techniques. By providing a variety of choices, Rich’s allows operators to explore global flavors and differentiate their menus, as the flatbread’s versatility can be adapted into many different cuisines.

In addition to flatbread, Rich’s offers a wide-array of products ranging from toppings and desserts to pizza and appetizers. Their team of culinary experts is always on-hand to provide operators with working knowledge on the most innovative ways to incorporate their products into original menu items. For more information on Rich’s foodservice offerings, please visit www.richsfoodservice.com.

About Rich’s^®
Rich’s is a leading culinary resource to the foodservice industry in toppings and icings, pizza and flatbreads, cakes & desserts, breads & rolls, sweet goods, BBQ, meatballs, appetizers & snacks, as well as gluten-free and all natural products. Since 1945, Rich’s has been committed to developing food solutions that raise the standards for quality, safety, convenience and efficiency for its customers. Today we produce over 2,000 products to meet a wide variety of menu needs with over 9,200 associates in 112 countries. Our North American culinary team of over 25 CIA-trained professional chefs is an investment unmatched in the industry.  Rich’s provides a solution-based selling approach to all their partners within the foodservice industry. Additional company information can be found online at www.richsfoodservice.com

*Source: Technomic Pizza Consumer Trend, 2012