NEWS

Consumers hungry for local products
The “local” claim on U.S. restaurant menus has increased 13% during the past year, indicating growing consumer interest in regional foods and ingredients, according to market research firm Mintel.

In fact, Mintel’s research shows that 58% of restaurant patrons want to see more locally grown products used in menu offerings.

“This extends the idea beyond geography to include other important attributes such as ‘seasonal,’ ‘traditional,’ and ‘authentic,’ especially a…