HOT SPRINGS, AR -- Last week, USA Rice Director of Domestic Promotion Cameron Jacobs took part in a foodservice tradeshow here, delivering a presentation on the importance of using and purchasing U.S.-grown rice. The event was hosted by Tankersley, a foodservice distributor, and those who attended the forty-minute rice education session were eligible for continuing education units (CEUs).
Jacobs started out talking about what USA Rice does and who the organization represents, and then provided an overview on the domestic rice industry including its history, economic impact, rice’s production cycle, and U.S.-grown varieties with an emphasis on the grain’s nutritional power. Discussion centered on the significant role rice can play in foodservice, from an operational and back of house standpoint to the customer experience point of view. There were examples of current and emerging trends that positively impact rice’s popularity and use, ranging from the rise in global flavors and cuisine that reflect shifting consumer demographics, to the move to plant-forward eating, to the increase in foodservice delivery. Finally, the USA Rice Virtual Farm & Mill Tour highlighted the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
“Big thanks to the Arkansas Rice Federation for securing us this a role at the Tankersley Spring 2022 Food Show,” said Jacobs. “Rice brings so much value to both sides of the house when it comes to foodservice operations, and this educational seminar allowed us to share that information and make new connections with the foodservice distribution sector.”
The presentation received credentialing approval by three governing bodies: ANFP (Association of Nutrition Food Professionals), CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration), and SNA (School Nutrition Association). USA Rice plans to make a recording of the presentation available on
thinkrice.com to reach a greater audience of foodservice professionals looking to learn more about U.S.-grown rice and boost their aCEUs to maintain their operating license.
“Tankersley has a seventy-year history of delivering food and ingredients to a diverse customer base of restaurants, schools, correctional facilities, convenience stores, catering companies, and healthcare operations,” said Jacobs. “Partnering with them is a cost-efficient way to get in front of the foodservice sector and promote the important difference U.S.-grown rice can make in their operations.”
Tankersley Foodservice is headquartered in Van Buren, Arkansas, and services customers in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Texas, including all the Colton’s Steakhouses.