Utah 'Pops the Cork' on New Food Product at Food Show - Sparkling Yogurt!

Deals that could bring millions of dollars to states' economies are on the line during one of the year's largest food shows to be held in Chicago, Illinois, May 3 - 5, 1998. The U.S. Food Export Showcase puts hundreds of food products from dozens of states on display before the world's most experienced food buyers during the convention's three-day run. Utah will see its largest number of food producers attending the Showcase this year: eight -- up from five last year.

One of the newest Utah products to be featured in Chicago will be carbonated or "Sparkling" yogurt. The yogurt offers the various traditional flavorings, along with a new kick -- carbonation. The yogurt will be marketed in specially designed containers to keep in the fizz, which is about one-fifth the amount found in soda pop. According to the product's creator, Dr. Lynn Ogden, the Chair of the Brigham Young University Food Science Department, the carbonation gives the yogurt a slight fizz that is tickling the taste buds and pocket books of the under 25 year old consumer. The sparkling yogurt was developed by BYU researchers and is ready for global marketing.

The following is a list of Utah food producers set to participate in Chicago:

• McFarland's Foods will introduce a new chicken-based product called chicken ham. The "ham" looks and tastes like a traditional boneless ham, yet contains only a fraction of the fat and cholesterol found in real ham. The chicken-ham is targeted for commercial use as salad or pizza toppings. McFarland's also will offer its popular chicken-bacon product in Chicago.
• AFI, FlashGril'd steaks- A revolutionary process that creates a lean, tender and tasty steak that can be served on a hoagie bun or grilled and served as a traditional steak. Currently the steaks are sold in numerous European Union countries such as Holland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain and Greece. They're also sold in Canada, Phillippines, Japan and other Asian countries.
• Gossner Foods of Logan will promote its shelf-stable milk in Chicago. The Ultra High Temperature (UHT) milk is already present in various foreign countries including Hong Kong, where refrigeration is often difficult.
• Bear Creek Country Kitchens will offer gourmet soups, dips and bakery items.
• Redmond Minerals, will promote its salt products.
• Zion View Ranch will return to promote its popular ostrich meat.
• North American Pet Foods will offer its line of dog foods in Chicago for the first time.

The Utah Department of Agriculture and Food will also display information on about the various services the department offers to help enhance Utah agricultural exports. This will be the first time the Utah contingent will use the pavilion format where the company's displays will share a coordinated look. The pavilion's theme this year is, "Utah -- hosting the world in 2002".

Utah's Ag Economy Continues to Expand

Utah continues to set records in the value of raw and processed foods it exported. In 1996, Utah sold approximately $290 million in raw and processed agricultural products to businesses in Europe, Mexico, Canada and the Pacific Rim. Those exports fueled approximately 6,000 jobs in the state, and represent the sixth leading export sector in the state's economy.

The United States exported $56 billion in agricultural products in 1997 - the country's single largest export sector.

Marketing Director for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, Randy Parker, says any downturn in the Asian economy should not greatly impact interest by foreign buyers at the Chicago food show. "I've been told that the number of reservations for food buyers is way up this year, which leads me to believe that Utah companies should again do well at the show," he said.

As many as six to seven thousand buyers attend the Showcase, representing large food retailers from around the world.

Posted April 7, 1998