David Michael & Co. Tours the US East Coast with Taste Trends of Tomorrow
11 June 2013 --- David Michael & Co., a global leader and an innovator in the food and beverage industry for more than one hundred years, will be touring the east coast to both share and gather unique and relevant ideas surrounding the latest taste and product trends in the industry.
“The Great Escape to Innovate” in essence takes David Michael's annual Innovation Roadshow on tour, with added opportunities and surprises. The Great Escape features a 34-foot tour bus that will be visiting everything from farmers' markets and specialty shops to chef's kitchens and R&D centers throughout the 2013 summer. The tour integrates an information-gathering initiative – allowing David Michael to ascertain the latest needs, wants, hot topics and insights from customers, chefs, R&D professionals, and consumers– while sharing and allowing people to experience what's new and innovative in the world of taste and texture.
With a history of being on the forefront of trends in the food and beverage industry, David Michael has had success predicting future trends, many of which have been featured at their annual Innovation Roadshow. Celebrating its 10th year, the Innovation Roadshow has become one of the food and beverage industry’s must-attend events. Whether it's a new technology, an exotic taste or an emerging trend, the event reveals what's on the horizon in the food industry and allows people to taste unique products with influences from across the country and around the world.
“David Michael has always had a reputation for being an innovator,” said Skip Rosskam, President and COO, David Michael & Co. "Innovation is a core attribute in which we take a great deal of pride. Being able to take that innovation on the road is an exciting next step after 10 years of our Innovation Roadshow.”
Apple pie pops, molten lava cookies and bringing what is arguably Europe’s favorite cookie flavor to the U.S. (speculoos), are just some of the products David Michael unveiled before they became famous. They will be bringing many of these products and tastes on the tour, as well as more recent product innovations. One such innovation is the chicken potpie nugget, created as a tasty delivery mechanism for kids to get their full serving of vegetables. "We are always looking for creative ways to intrigue our palates. For example, the chicken potpie nugget has a built-in sauce that transforms the nugget into a mess-free portable product that parents can really appreciate,” continued Rosskam. “On this tour, we are excited to offer solutions like this one, as well as to gain insights that will lead us to new innovations."
Another example of the creativity that has driven David Michael’s Innovation Roadshow is Sherbato. New to this years’ Roadshow, the product stands in a category all its own. Until now, ice cream makers have come up empty when trying to deliver a creamy frozen product with a citrus taste due to the acidity of citrus fruits. However, sherbato – with half the fat of ice cream and a similar protein content – results in a creamy and tart, unique frozen dessert that welcomes the addition of acidic fruits. The finished product delivers a tart citrus fruit flavor famously found in sherbets, but retains the creamy texture of gelato.
“Our food technologists work for months to come up with the next great taste trend or product and we are thrilled that we’re going to be able to take some of these ideas on the road with us.” said Rosskam. “Much more than just tastes, this tour really provides the opportunity to sample the country, learn about new tastes and trends, and share the knowledge our experts accumulate.” The Great Escape to Innovate tour bus comfortably seats ten and is customized with several flat-screen TVs, an outside awning and a kitchen equipped for culinary presentations. The RV hit road in mid-May, traveling for three months through twelve Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
