Market Report
- Friday, 15 January 2021
Championing a return to normalcy as the new year begins includes meals that are restorative in nature.
Cold weather invites soups, bisques and broths to combat winter’s chill.
The healing powers of soup are undisputed. Vegetable and herb-centric broths set up a baseline on which to build.
While soups may not cure the cold or flu, they will relieve their symptoms. Good for hydration, warming properties of broths and soups also can clear congestion and flush out toxins from the respiratory system.
Supporting the immune system is something that good nutrition in any form does well. Packaged in a steamy hot bowl of soup is a homemade remedy.
Cold weather invites soups, bisques and broths to combat winter’s chill.
The healing powers of soup are undisputed. Vegetable and herb-centric broths set up a baseline on which to build.
While soups may not cure the cold or flu, they will relieve their symptoms. Good for hydration, warming properties of broths and soups also can clear congestion and flush out toxins from the respiratory system.
Supporting the immune system is something that good nutrition in any form does well. Packaged in a steamy hot bowl of soup is a homemade remedy.
- Friday, 08 January 2021
Cold, damp months perk up from winter citrus. The skin, zest, juice and tangy flesh brighten up culinary choices with great flavor and a lively vibrancy.
Citrus fruits add color, tang, sweetness, and tartness. They easily bring some needed balance to savory, rich, or sweet dishes.
In addition to numerous culinary benefits, citrus fruits also provide a wide range of healthy, “good for you” attributes. They are proven to be good medicine during winter and beyond.
Dietitians and health professionals heap high praise on citruses for their high vitamin C content. One medium orange provides more than 100 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C needs.
Cold and flu season is reason enough to boost our immunity. Fighting the risk of COVID-19 is why the double down efforts focus on the citrus defensive. Lucky then that we are headed into the peak of citrus season.
Citruses help our bodies get rid of free radicals and positively impact a range of metabolic functions that help us thrive.
What’s so amazing is their versatility. Beyond being a perfect out-of-hand snack, citrus fruits can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways.
Citrus fruits add color, tang, sweetness, and tartness. They easily bring some needed balance to savory, rich, or sweet dishes.
In addition to numerous culinary benefits, citrus fruits also provide a wide range of healthy, “good for you” attributes. They are proven to be good medicine during winter and beyond.
Dietitians and health professionals heap high praise on citruses for their high vitamin C content. One medium orange provides more than 100 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C needs.
Cold and flu season is reason enough to boost our immunity. Fighting the risk of COVID-19 is why the double down efforts focus on the citrus defensive. Lucky then that we are headed into the peak of citrus season.
Citruses help our bodies get rid of free radicals and positively impact a range of metabolic functions that help us thrive.
What’s so amazing is their versatility. Beyond being a perfect out-of-hand snack, citrus fruits can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways.
- Friday, 01 January 2021
Caesar Salad is an ionic culinary favorite. There are plenty of riffs on this classic fresh salad.
Adding tomatoes, avocados, hard-boiled eggs and even grilled chicken or shrimp takes it to another whole-meal preparation.
Do you recall when you took your first bite of this reliable and elegant salad? Perhaps it fixes a place in time rather than an age. Better yet, the person who may have made it for us. Think back.
The few simple, high quality ingredients are combined into an exquisitely perfect salad. Romaine lettuce, fresh garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan cheese and rustic croutons seem too easy. They are a match made in heaven and prove to be sophisticated for any palette.
Anchovy fillets are left up to debate. In or out, the salad stands on its own merits. No need to quibble. They can be served on the side for anyone who doesn’t like these tiny, briny fish. Sales were up eighty-five percent on anchovies year over year.
What’s life changing is getting an important introduction to any number of ingredients, foods or preparations that stay with us for a lifetime. Those new food experiences serve us throughout our cooking repertoire. We build on what we find to be the most tasty and enjoyable foundation.
Adding tomatoes, avocados, hard-boiled eggs and even grilled chicken or shrimp takes it to another whole-meal preparation.
Do you recall when you took your first bite of this reliable and elegant salad? Perhaps it fixes a place in time rather than an age. Better yet, the person who may have made it for us. Think back.
The few simple, high quality ingredients are combined into an exquisitely perfect salad. Romaine lettuce, fresh garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan cheese and rustic croutons seem too easy. They are a match made in heaven and prove to be sophisticated for any palette.
Anchovy fillets are left up to debate. In or out, the salad stands on its own merits. No need to quibble. They can be served on the side for anyone who doesn’t like these tiny, briny fish. Sales were up eighty-five percent on anchovies year over year.
What’s life changing is getting an important introduction to any number of ingredients, foods or preparations that stay with us for a lifetime. Those new food experiences serve us throughout our cooking repertoire. We build on what we find to be the most tasty and enjoyable foundation.
- Wednesday, 23 December 2020
Over the years, week fifty two of our market report has been reserved for an uplifting message to close out the calendar.
Like all things in 2020, the COVID cloud continues to rain on our industry.
The latest round of “shelter in place” orders comes just as we’re ready to shop, eat out and celebrate with others. No can do.
This year has been one for the books. As a partner in the food supply chain, we’ve had a front row seat to the constant disruptions the food industry continues to encounter.
Every food sector; retailers, restaurants, cafes, schools, prisons, casinos, and hotels has been on a swivel. Modify, pivot and adapt has been a constant dance since March.
Day-to-day business has been anything but normal. We’ve felt the pain of our customers. Starts and stops, limited capacity mandates, front-line worker safety, financial investments to combat COVID, inside, outside, curbside– the list goes on. It’s been a staggering climb to meet the challenges.
On the supply side, farmers and ranchers are also caught up in the schizophrenic nature and fallout from the pandemic. Sound planning for ample crops, is based on true demand. That demand continues to shift along with many other uncertainties.
Weather conditions, wildfires, smoke, power outages and COVID-related labor shortages were uncontrollable for farmers to deal with. The latest round of foodservice restrictions leaves everyone head scratching.
Growing concern over viability through the coming weeks is a real factor for anyone in the hospitality or restaurant business. They are in survival mode.
All the while, all food sector channels continue to feed hungry people. If you have food on the table and a full pantry, count that as a blessing. Now more than ever, food insecurity is at a fevered pitch. Financial hardship is a by-product for families impacted from COVID work shutdowns.
Our local Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services organization partners with over 220 local agencies. Together they distribute food to individuals and families in under-served communities. That need has now grown to all rural and suburban areas.
- Thursday, 17 December 2020
Staying in on these cold winter nights is easier to swallow with something warm to sip on. Mulled ciders and wines are just thing for this end of year contemplative period.
Holiday entertaining was the perfect excuse for crowd-pleasing pots of spicy, fragrant hot drinks.
Without having any large group gatherings, it’s still imperative this season to create special scaled down moments of comfort and cheer. Mulled drinks take top consideration.
Smaller recipe versions of mulled concoctions will generously serve two to four people. Don’t skimp.
Intoxicating kitchen aromas while mulling will come mostly from citrus choices, sliced apples, star anise, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Fresh ginger root, rosemary sprigs and citrus peel do double duty as both garnish and ingredient.
Hot sipping drinks are meant for slowing the frenzy of the holiday pace. Utilize what is on hand or add a few key items to the shopping list. Check the pantry first to see what is already on the shelf for a quick “pick me up” cup of something special.
Holiday entertaining was the perfect excuse for crowd-pleasing pots of spicy, fragrant hot drinks.
Without having any large group gatherings, it’s still imperative this season to create special scaled down moments of comfort and cheer. Mulled drinks take top consideration.
Smaller recipe versions of mulled concoctions will generously serve two to four people. Don’t skimp.
Intoxicating kitchen aromas while mulling will come mostly from citrus choices, sliced apples, star anise, cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Fresh ginger root, rosemary sprigs and citrus peel do double duty as both garnish and ingredient.
Hot sipping drinks are meant for slowing the frenzy of the holiday pace. Utilize what is on hand or add a few key items to the shopping list. Check the pantry first to see what is already on the shelf for a quick “pick me up” cup of something special.
- Thursday, 10 December 2020
Playing it safe for the upcoming holidays– Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, New Year’s and beyond– seems like the biggest killjoy for festive social gatherings.
Public health messages, mandates and restrictions have been great about advising on what not to do.
Newly issued county and state orders push the “stay at home” behavior models for preventing more COVID escalation.
We hear of the no-no’s and high risk behaviors to avoid. Once those are spelled out, we can modify activity. What about attention paid to what we can do?
This newest round of public lockdowns comes as COVID fatigue and resentment peaks. Humans are social creatures.
These past months have been stressful and isolating. Our collective strong desire is to be with family, friends and loved ones for ritual and celebration.
Public health messages, mandates and restrictions have been great about advising on what not to do.
Newly issued county and state orders push the “stay at home” behavior models for preventing more COVID escalation.
We hear of the no-no’s and high risk behaviors to avoid. Once those are spelled out, we can modify activity. What about attention paid to what we can do?
This newest round of public lockdowns comes as COVID fatigue and resentment peaks. Humans are social creatures.
These past months have been stressful and isolating. Our collective strong desire is to be with family, friends and loved ones for ritual and celebration.