2024 Food Show Product Review

The 2024 food show was our best yet! There was so much energy in the building, we are so grateful that our customers, suppliers and employees put so much effort to make the day as wonderful as it was. If you weren’t able to come, here were some of our favourite products of the day:

With hundreds of innovative products to see and an array of delicious samples to taste, the Flanagan Show truly showcased the best of what the food industry has to offer. For those who couldn't make it this year, we missed having you with us and sincerely hope you'll be able to join the excitement next time. I may be biased (okay, I am definitely biased), but the Flanagan Show stands unrivaled as the premier foodshow in Ontario. Here's to hoping we see you next year!

The Marvels of Atlantic Salmon: A Protein Powerhouse

Atlantic Salmon, a name synonymous with health and taste, is not just a fish but a symbol of nutrition and a sustainable food source.

Health Benefits of Atlantic Salmon

If you are looking for a healthy protein source for your menu, Atlantic salmon should be your go-to choice. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids, it helps reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease risk factors for diseases. Additionally, it is an excellent source of vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins which are crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Comparing Atlantic and Pacific Salmon

The taste can vary based on diet, habitat, and species, but generally, wild Pacific salmon is said to have a stronger flavour and more red-orange flesh, while Atlantic salmon has a milder flavour and paler flesh.

When comparing Atlantic and Pacific salmon, one cannot ignore the flavour variations among the five wild species of Pacific salmon. Each species brings a unique flavour profile to the table, from the rich, buttery Sockeye to the delicate, mild Pink salmon. However, the availability of wild Pacific salmon is highly seasonal and not available year-round. In contrast, the Atlantic salmon, renowned for its mildly sweet flavour and delicate texture, is readily available throughout the year thanks to aquaculture.

The Positive Side of Aquaculture

Aquaculture, in particular, plays a significant role in making Atlantic salmon accessible to consumers worldwide. It has revolutionized the seafood industry by providing a constant, year-round supply of high-quality fish. Moreover, it contributes to global food security and economic growth.

The Global Sourcing of Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic salmon is sourced from many countries around the world. However, Canadian aquaculture stands out due to its exceptional levels of sustainability and traceability that other countries often lack. Canada's rigorous regulations ensure the health of the fish and the environment, making it a trustworthy source for Atlantic salmon.

Cooking Versatility

Its distinct buttery and rich taste, coupled with a firm and flaky texture, make it an excellent option for grilling, baking, or broiling. Not only does it deliver exceptional flavour, but it is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to create both indulgent and light dishes to suit any culinary vision.

To tantalize your customers taste buds, here are a few ideas:
grilled salmon with roasted potatoes and steamed vegetables,
pan-seared salmon with mango avocado salsa,
baked salmon with lemon caper sauce and fettuccine,
salmon Caesar salad with homemade croutons,
and salmon and sweet potato shepherds pie.

From its unforgettable taste to its limitless serving possibilities, fresh Atlantic salmon is undeniably a must-have for any establishment.

With a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of experimentation in the kitchen, your restaurant can provide your customers with an unforgettable dining experience.

Did you know?

Grille and Galley Atlantic salmon is from the Canadian east coast, ensuring the freshest product for our customers. The Canadian product is not only fresh but also versatile. It comes in whole fish and various sizes of fillets, catering to different culinary needs. Custom portions are also available. Talk to your Territory Manager for more information.

8 Reasons to Attend the Flanagan Food Show

Flanagan's annual Food Show has over one 150 foodservice vendors, great deals, and fresh ideas—all in one place.

1. Menu Ideas

Indulge in fresh and fabulous flavours on display to get new ideas for menu planning, plating and garnishing.

2. Hot Trends

Experience first-hand the newest trends and industry developments, with new product launches, unique recipes and leading-edge product demonstrations.

3. Big Deals

Just by attending the show, get exclusive pricing on hundreds of featured products.

4. Networking Opportunities

Network with sales representatives and other operators in an interactive environment for new insight, ideas and innovations.

5. The s.t.o.p. Cash & Carry Booth

Pick up high-quality products at rock-bottom prices while speaking with vendor representatives about which products work best for your operation.

6. Sample Food and Beverage

Take the opportunity to sample and savour mouthwatering products that exhibitors have to offer. (A treat for your tastebuds!)

7. Over 150 Vendors

Enjoy live demonstrations from over 150 vendors, while having the opportunity to meet the innovators behind the ideas.
 

8. Print your Badge at Home

Skip the registration line and print your badge before you come. Alternatively, you can pick up your badge at the show if that's more convenient.

Need more information? Take a couple of minutes to watch this video from our last show. 

Register for the show

Become a Winter Pro

Cascades PRO conducted a survey to find out what consumers expect in terms of hygiene and cleanliness in 2023. Now they are sharing the results and discoveries to help companies respond to their customers' needs.

While hand washing is important in every season, the recent survey reveals that good hygiene is considered more important during the infamous cold season. 

So how do you keep your washroom clean and comfortable during winter? We’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to become a winter pro!

Cleanliness: a Sign of Trust

Being a winter pro means understanding users and their behavior during the winter season. The better we understand them, the better equipped we’ll be to meet their expectations and needs in terms of washroom hygiene. For example, 97% of people surveyed believe that washroom cleanliness reflects how much businesses care about their employees and clients.

So how can organizations demonstrate the importance they place on the cleanliness and comfort of their washrooms? By offering something that people closely associate with cleanliness. We're talking, of course, about paper towels. 

In fact, many of the survey results reveal why consumers prefer paper! 

Winter Pro, pro Good Habits

Winter is the season for chapped hands. Especially with the freezing temperatures drying them out, our hands could do with a little relief during these few months. Cascades PRO may not offer a moisturizer, but it does offer the solution for people who prefer to dry their hands with paper - 73% of those surveyed. 

Their Tandem line of dispensers makes paper dispensing easy with their No-Touch technology, perfect for those who have their hands full (hat, scarf, gloves, etc.) after washing. 

This interest in paper may be explained by the fact that 61% of people surveyed use paper towels to open the door when leaving public washrooms. As a result, people have a better chance of avoiding potential viruses that could be found on door handles. This explains why 58% of people surveyed believe that paper towels are even more hygienic than other drying options. 

The Washroom Environment

Though there is no doubt about their hygienic virtues, the environmental impact of paper towels can be a concern for users. Indeed, according to some popular beliefs, the use of paper in this situation would be harmful to the environment. That's why, as an environmental leader in the industry, Cascades makes sure that positive and always greener actions are put in place. 

For example, their dispensers are designed to avoid waste and more than 70% of  tissue products are made from 100% recycled fiber. This means that every consumer can leave the washroom with peace of mind. 

Whether it's a question of hygiene, good habits, values or environmental protection, Cascades PRO is a sustainable solution for time spent in the washroom. A solution that can be applied to all seasons!

Celebrate the Christmas Season with Gift Cards from Your Restaurant

If it is in fact true that it is better to give than receive, then gift cards must be at the top of a restaurateur’s wish list. These simple plastic cards could be an important marketing tool—and revenue generator—at this busiest of commercial periods on the calendar. Let’s explore why gift cards have become significant for restaurants’ success and why they make perfect presents for the upcoming Christmas holidays.

The Significance of Gift Cards

1. Flexibility for the customer: Gift cards provide recipients with the freedom to choose their dining experience. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family celebration, gift cards allow customers to enjoy a meal at their preferred time.
2. Boosting cash flow for restaurants: Selling gift cards injects immediate cash flow into a restaurant’s operations. This influx of funds can help cover expenses and support the restaurant during quieter periods.  We have found people will spend more on a gift card than they will on a gift. While they might buy a $50 present, they will likely raise the stakes and buy a $75 or even a $100 gift card at a restaurant.
3. Boost your slower season: Add yet another gift beneath the tree: if the cards are purchased as festive and holiday presents in the hustle-bustle of a busy December, the delay when people redeem them could prove to be a boon to the restaurateur who might see a bump in sales later in January and February when business is typically slower. Patrons often find themselves using the full amount of their gift card—and then some. Customers generally buy additional food and more expensive dishes than they might otherwise; compound that with the potential for increased sales of beverage alcohol, and the result can be some healthy extra revenue in winter’s gloomier months.
4. Increased brand exposure: When customers purchase gift cards for friends or family, they are essentially promoting the restaurant to new potential patrons. This word-of-mouth marketing can lead to increased foot traffic and loyal customers in the long run.

Special Offers and Unique Options

Several restaurants have gone the extra mile to make their gift cards even more enticing for customers. Some establishments offer exclusive discounts, complimentary items, or bonus gift cards with the purchase of a certain value. Here are a few examples to consider:

• [Restaurant A]: Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a complimentary appetizer on your next visit.
• [Restaurant B]: Buy a $50 gift card and receive an additional $10 bonus gift card.
• [Restaurant C]: Enjoy a 20% discount on all gift cards purchased online during the holiday season.

Remember, gift cards not only make wonderful presents but can also contribute to supporting local businesses.