The 2024 National Restaurant Association Show drew 58,000 restaurant and food service members from 124 countries together for an event like no other. This year, attendance grew by 6% and exhibitors space by 9%, showing just how eager the food industry is for innovation and the chance to be part of something new.
New products, innovative new equipment, learning from expert-led sessions, and connecting with key suppliers – the National Restaurant Association Show is something of a cornerstone for what is to come in the food industry. And when it comes to a wide range of product offerings, we invite you to explore our diverse array of products in our catalog!
Moreover with regards to a touch of innovation and seeing what the future holds, this year was a treat.
Every drink is a canvas for Ripples
Ripples has taken the concept of latte art to a whole new design level with The Ripple Maker II. Think of a frothy drink – coffee, beer, milkshake, cocktail – or maybe a baked item with a textured surface, like a macaron. Now think of it as an empty canvas you can fill with anything you want. Personalized messages, brand designs, original art … the sky’s the limit. The wide selection of natural plant-based colors allow your imagination to be the only limit to your design.
Ripples takes the art of drink presentation to a whole new level. Every sip becomes a visual masterpiece, turning ordinary drinks into share-worthy experiences”
Julieta Moreno
If life gives you lemons, make Jarritos
Jarritos was founded in 1950 in Mexico, and since day one, the company has been making soda that’s beyond this world. With a name and logo rooted in a rich history (read more about it here), Jarritos has never been afraid to infuse traditional recipes with zaniness. The company even made a coffee soda way before cold brew coffee was an Instagram craze.
Jarritos blew me away with its vibrant flavors and authentic taste. Their commitment to using real fruit and traditional recipes from Mexico shines through in every sip. It’s a refreshing experience that’s both nostalgic and exciting!”
Eran Mizrahi
No more arguing over whose turn it is to do the dishes thanks to The Touch On
Touch On has made simple, time-efficient cooking easy and convenient. Their one-meal cookers allow you to make dishes like ramen, complete with soup, stew, udon, and noodles, in a matter of minutes … without any cleanup. Their large-scale users already include ski resorts, food courts, hotels, and cafeterias. And with all the convenience this little powerhouse packs it’s a matter of time before it becomes the new “pressure cooker” of home must-haves.
Discovering The Touch On at NRA was a game-changer. With just the push of a button, one can enjoy a variety of meals like ramen, soups, and noodles without the hassle of cooking or cleaning. It’s an innovative solution that simplifies meal prep and makes life so much easier!”
Aalap Patel
Pour another glass, hassle-free, with Enomatic
Thanks to Enomatic, it’s no longer only beer that’s “on tap”. From modular, compact designs that hold two bottles at a time to restaurant-level dispensers that can hold eight bottles per unit, there’s a solution for every setup. They also provide special dispensing units for wine bags and sparkling wines.
Enomatic impressed me with its expansive, innovative range, catering perfectly to diverse customer needs. Their modular systems, equipped with state-of-the-art integrated connectivity, ensure a seamless experience that’s both versatile and cutting-edge. It’s truly a game-changer in the world of wine preservation and dispensing.”
Julieta Moreno
Experience the New Classic with Chunk
Chunk is one of the leaders in the plant-based meat market. Their proprietary fermentation technology has allowed the company to create a product that mimics the taste, texture, and color of traditional meat without preservatives, thickeners, additives, or binders. All of it is made possible through a diverse team that consists of engineers, scientists, sales and marketing experts, industry veterans, recent grads, and food lovers of all backgrounds.
Chunk exceeded my expectations by introducing a whole new category of everyday food. Their innovative approach is a game-changer, delivering mouthwatering, tender ‘steaks’ crafted simply and naturally from plants. Prepare to have your culinary expectations disrupted!”
Eran Mizrahi
Bob’s Red Mill: A company built on purpose
Bob’s Red Mill is a company built on history and a purpose-driven life. Since Bob Moore opened his first mill, his goal has been to build a company that brings healthy food to its clients and a caring environment to its employees and partners. And no matter how impressive and extensive their catalog has become (which today includes protein bars, paleo-friendly and gluten-free products, and a grab-n-go range), it’s still those principles that drive the company’s growth. (Read the full story here.)
Their story and commitment to quality left a lasting impression on me. Hearing about their journey and dedication to wholesome ingredients makes me eager to try their products in my own kitchen.”
Aalap Patel
Plant-based eggs the way you like them, thanks to Yo Egg
Delicious runny yolks, hard-boiled, or maybe poached, now you can get your eggs however you like them … but they are plant-based. That’s what Yo Egg has made possible. Their mission is to become the largest and most sustainable egg producer in the world, all without the involvement of chickens. Yo Egg’s impressive catalog uses only chickpeas, soybeans, paprika, beta carotene, and sunflower oil.
Trying Yo Egg’s revolutionary products was an experience like no other. Their commitment to sustainability without compromising on taste is truly commendable. The runny yolk, reminiscent of a traditional egg, but without the use of chickens, is mind-blowing.”
Julieta Moreno
Traditional baking at its best with Turano
There’s nothing quite like freshly baked bread, a bit of butter, and maybe a slice of cheese – the simplest and most profound of culinary pleasures. The Turano Baking Company understands the impact of those simple pleasures. The family-owned bakery built its name on traditional recipes brought to Chicago from Calabria, Italy, and today provides bread to grocers and restaurants. Turano also offers a direct-order fresh food service and a frozen food catalog through its online store.
Discovering Turano was an absolute delight. Their dedication to perfection, using recipes from three generations ago and blending them with modern techniques, results in some of the best-baked goods I’ve tasted. Truly exceptional!”
Eran Mizrahi
LEGS!
As a fully remote company, we loved the 2024 National Restaurant Association Show for one more reason that has nothing to do with any of the vendors and foodservice members we met.
We got to see each others’ legs!
Trade shows give us the opportunity to experience our little wonderful world of bulk importing and wholesale distribution from a different, more personal perspective. The conversations we get to have along with the water-cooler small talk help remind us that we’re still part of something meaningful when we get back to our apartments and shared work spaces.
We can’t wait to see you (and each other) at the next one!
Well, in conclusion, these shows are amazing for discovering new trends and bringing the team together! So, if you’re on the hunt for your next must-have ingredient, reach out to us—we’re ready to help!
