Avocados' versatility shines in foodservice

Excerpts from the Fall Avocado section in The Packer, 8/13/2007
by Pamela Riemenschneider, Staff Writer

Brooks Tropicals is reaching out to foodservice with its SlimCado-brand Florida avocado, said Mary Ostlund, director of marketing.

Ostlund said Brooks attended the Produce Marketing Association's Foodservice Conference in Monterrey, Calif., this summer and also visited with the Louisville, KY-based International Association of Culinary Professionals.

Working with chefs, Ostlund said, is key.

"We're really getting to the source of folks who are going to build the interest," she said.

SlimCado promotions have to be timed appropriately, Ostlund said.

"With food service, we've got to be careful," she said. "it often demands a year-round product, and we don't have that with the SlimCado. Nevertheless, we see it as an extremely healthy choice to put on the menu."