Foodservice operators can leverage the benefits of working with custom foods producers by increasing kitchen efficiency, increasing food consistency and customer satisfaction. Choosing the best custom foods producer with which to partner will increase these benefits and make a positive impact on their bottom line.

There are many qualified companies from which to choose. Setting a few guidelines will help operators focus on what's important.

Therefore, consideration should be made about a custom foods producer's pedigree, their research and development teams, quality assurance programs, experience in foodservice industry, child nutrition (if applicable) and their overall ability to custom-manufacture foods for foodservice.

First, look at the history of the custom foods producer. How has its growth been accomplished? What types of companies have merged with it? Have they won any industry laurels for their products and in what industry segments are they particularly good? Are they well rounded, with diverse product lines across multiple cuisines? An established custom foods producer understands the subtle differences in preparation required to protect traditional cuisine integrity.

Does the custom foods producer engage in food product development? Do chefs and food technologists work together on recipe formulation and creation of new products? Researching market trends and understanding why they are trends can produce a competitive edge of operators.

Quality practices form the foundation of the custom foods producer, enabling it to consistently deliver products on which a company can build its business, and its reputation. This is paramount to success. High standards of quality control should be in place—from the freshest meats and vegetables to authentic seasonings and spices—and taking part in daily operations.

Select a custom foods producer dedicated to providing what the foodservice industry needs—great tasting foods that enhance their reputations, foods that are easy to prepare and serve, and foods that save them time and money. The foodservice operator must select a custom foods producer that is a reliable asset in foodservice.

When selecting a custom foods producer, pick one with a history of child nutrition (CN) compliance. Select a company that participates in the national CN Labeling Program that labels products suitable for school districts and institutions that serve children.

A custom foods producer prepares foods to the exact specifications of the foodservice operator. Flexibility controls allow for recipe modification to account for regional tastes and to individual groups of restaurants. And, a research team of professionals on staff —chefs and food technologists—is a big plus when keeping up with current industry trends, and those to come.

When selecting a custom foods producer, choose a company with a sound pedigree dating back to its beginnings as a division of Keebler Foods, Windsor Foods. Their quality assurance program is at the core of manufacturing traditional Mexican, Pan-Asian, and Italian cuisines. They are renown for their Chili and BBQ brands and, with Fred's for Starters, Windsor Foods creates the most innovative appetizers in the industry today.

Foodservice is the focus of the company's experience and they emphatically participate in the national Child Nutrition program of the USDA. And, their ability to custom manufacture foods for foodservice with nationwide distribution is accomplished with 8 different plants and 25 production

Contact Windsor Foods today for more information about exceeding your expectations when evaluating food manufacturers. Get product samples and find a broker in your area for a demonstration of their fine foods.

Windsor Foods is dedicated to making your operation a success.