In recent years, the quick-service restaurant industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation driven by the growing popularity of ethnic food. The global Ethnic Foods Market, valued at $108 million in 2023, is set to almost double by 2032, reaching an estimated $200 million. This growth highlights a significant shift in consumer preferences and dining habits.
Additionally, the popularity of fusion cuisine has paved the way for innovative culinary creations, offering consumers unique and exciting dining experiences. This trend reflects a broad movement within the quick-service restaurant industry to diversify menus and cater to a more adventurous clientele, eager to explore global flavors.
Ajinomoto Foods North America, part of Ajinomoto, Inc., a global organization, is known for its high-quality products designed for convenience, reducing prep time and simplifying back-of-house complexity. “Our extensive line of products and menu solutions help operators diversify their menu offerings to include plant-based, ethnic, and regional cuisine and better-for-you options,” says Paul Bulman, director of marketing services and communications.
Ajinomoto Foods offers a wide variety of ethnic food products. “Our new products are designed to allow operators to contemporize their menus to ensure patrons keep coming back,” Bulman says. “Our broad range of products and cuisine types also allow restaurants to introduce authentic, bold flavors, appealing to consumers seeking flavorful culinary experiences.”
Mexican food has established itself as a leading ethnic food trend in the United States over the years. This vibrant cuisine, known for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients, has captivated consumers and become a staple in the quick-service restaurant industry.
Ajinomoto Foods offers a line of bold, exciting, and craveable rolled tacos called Posada Cruncheros. Its Cruncheros bring together fan-favorite flavors in a crunchy rolled taco shell that stays crispy longer than traditional tortillas. Some of these crave-worthy flavors include Birria Beef, Nashville Hot Style Chicken, Chicken-Cheese and Hatch Chile, and Spinach Artichoke.
This line of fully-cooked appetizers allows for convenience and speed of service. Additionally, the rolled tacos have an excellent hold making them the perfect product for takeout and delivery.
Asian fusion is also a growing trend. According to Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States, one-quarter of the independent restaurants on the list serve Asian, Asian fusion, or Southeast Asian cuisine.
Fusion potstickers bring the Asian food trend to Ajinomoto’s product line. The Southwest-Style Chicken Potstickers offers an east meets west fusion, with fillings that include spinach, pepper jack cheese, cooked chicken breast meat, and more.
Kimchi is an Asian flavor Americans are eating more of. According to Statista, by 2030 the global market value of kimchi is expected to grow by almost two billion U.S. dollars, making Ajinomoto Foods Kimchi Chicken Potstickers filled with chicken, cabbage, kimchi, and green onion an appetizer customers will want to try.
Apple Pie Potstickers, filled with diced apples, and seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, make the perfect Asian fusion dessert. It is best served deep-fried for a crispy texture.
“Frozen foods in restaurants can offer multiple cost benefits, including reduced food waste, longer shelf life versus fresh food, labor savings, and consistency,” Kari Cox, Sr. Manager of Coated Appetizers says. Ajinomoto Foods frozen foods help quick-service restaurant operators maintain menu consistency across multiple locations by offering pre-portioned, easy-to-prepare, lower labor solutions. “We have a reliable supply chain and consistent specifications that operators can depend on for their restaurants,” Cox says.
One frozen product that continues to grow in popularity is Ajinomoto Foods line of Fred’s Mozzarella Sticks. The line offers varying mozzarella sticks including breaded cheese sticks, battered cheese sticks, and Italian breaded cheese sticks.
Flash freezing is extremely important when it comes to maintaining the quality of products. “Flash freezing preserves flavor, nutritional value, texture, color, appearance, and reduces spoilage,” Bulman says.
Ajinomoto Foods’ flash-frozen food products help restaurant operators save on time and labor because they are consistent, lower waste, pre-portioned, and easy to prepare. They are also very well suited for takeout and delivery. “Our takeout and delivery-friendly items have superior hold time which allows for a quality product when dining on the go or in the comfort of your home,” Bulman says.
Ajinomoto Foods also offers marketing support. “We assist operators with branding and positioning, helping them to position their products as premium, authentic, and delicious to help operators engage their target market,” Cox says. “We further support our customers through marketing collateral such as brochures, flyers, POS, and digital content.”
Ajinomoto Foods’ marketing team oversees menu development and provides recipe ideas, along with product training and education, to inform operators about the unique selling points of the products. The team demonstrates how these items can be effectively incorporated into restaurant menus, ensuring operators understand the full potential and versatility of Ajinomoto Foods’ offerings.
Ajinomoto Foods North America simplifies incorporating global flavors into menus with its premium frozen appetizers, handhelds, entrees, and sides. Trusted industry brands save time and labor, ensuring that the products meet the diverse needs of every operation.
Offering a wide range of products across Appetizer, Latin/Mexican, Asian, and Chili categories, Ajinomoto Foods provides a broad spectrum of flavors and platforms. This extensive variety serves the needs of a wide array of operators and delights a diverse range of consumers.
Ajinomoto Foods’ global flavors and convenient product solutions empower restaurant operators to elevate menus, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately boost profitability.
For recipes and more details visit the Ajinomoto Foods website today.
By Abby Winterburn
