Culinary Resources
Foodservice and retail inspiration from the protein experts.
WE WORK SIDE BY SIDE WITH OUR PARTNERS, DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS FIT TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS.
Whether you’re looking for innovative new products or recipe ideas for the next hot menu item, our culinary experts bring structure and valuable insights to the development process. We’ll take a holistic look at your operations and target segments, adapting industry trends that are relevant to your menu or retail offerings.
West Liberty Foods Culinary Process
Menu Development and New Product Innovation
Identify
Discuss your menu goals and objectives
Engage
Build the team to address your needs
Innovate
Ideate paper concepts based on consumer insights and trend research
Develop
Create complete recipes driven by our manufacturing capabilities
Execute
Present to your R&D and purchasing teams
Activate
Move to commercialization
BRINGING PRODUCT AND MENU INNOVATION TO LIFE.
At West Liberty Foods, R&D is defined through efficiency and expertise. Our team is led by Andy Jaspers, who has worked in the food industry for almost 30 years. Under his guidance, the R&D department turns original chef-driven concepts into operationally feasible products. The team is involved in every step of the innovation process, with effective communication playing an integral role in successful product development. Our R&D specialists bring their knowledge of customization, food safety and operational needs to every project, ready to tackle any challenges our customers may face.
THERE’S NO LIMIT TO OUR CULINARY CREATIVITY.
We’re always thinking outside the box to create meaningful, relevant solutions for our partners. Since development requests come from many angles, our recommendations are shaped by a combination of consumer research, inspiring flavor trends and culinary ideation sessions. Whether it’s creating a unique product offering from an underutilized cut of protein, improving nutritional content or developing signature flavor systems, we always go above and beyond for our partners.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: KEEPING YOUR OFFERINGS ON TREND.
Our team keeps a close eye on industry trends that truly have the power to transform your business. Here are some of the ways West Liberty Foods can help you develop products and LTOs that not only reflect the tastes of today’s consumers but also align with your retail or menu strategy and sales goals over the long term.
CONSUMERS ARE ON THE GO
Grab-and-go deli meat sales continue to grow! West Liberty Foods has a variety of quality proteins available including turkey, beef, pork, and chicken to keep you stocked during peak shopping times.
Source: Circana data 2023
SANDWICHES MADE EASY
Operators across all segments are planning on offering more grab-and-go sandwiches. West Liberty Foods can deliver premade sandwiches in our Modified Atmosphere Packaging to make it easy for your operation to offer high-quality grab-and-go offerings.
Source: Technomic Sandwich Consumer Trend Report 2022
CRAVEABLE CONVENIENCE
75% of operators are increasing their purchases of frozen snacks and appetizers. We offer flavorful, fully-cooked IQF products consumers crave, including chicken wings and chicken strips.
Source: American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) Power of Frozen in Foodservice 2023 Report
BOLD IS BETTER
Consumers are seeking bolder, more exciting flavors in their dining experiences. Our sous vide products are the perfect platform to create globally inspired flavors today’s consumers are eager to explore.
Source: Mintel US Flavour Innovation on the Menu Market Report 2023
CLEAN LABEL APPEAL
78% of consumers find clean-label products appealing. West Liberty Foods offers many antibiotic-free turkey, pork, and chicken products, along with gluten-free, MSG-free, and reduced sodium options to support your clean-label initiatives.
Source: FMCG Gurus: Clean Label and Naturalness – Global Report 2023
