How to Make Major Trends Cost Effective and Profitable

Evolving consumer trends can lead operators down endless paths to finding consistent ingredient providers. While new flavors like gochujang and buffalo sauce are trending, ketchup remains a cornerstone of American dining, serving as the base for everything from signature barbecue sauces to house-made fry dips. 

“Operators need ketchup they can count on, whether it’s a base for signature sauces or a simple condiment on the table,” says Megan Rhetts, food service marketing manager at Red Gold. “That’s where we come in with products that they can trust.” Red Gold also offers operators price consistency they can rely on, making it easier to maintain their margins while still delivering high-quality products.

As consumer interest in health-conscious eating grows, demand for better-for-you condiments is increasing. According to Datassential, 57 percent of consumers say they need to eat healthier, and 60 percent are willing to pay more for premium, health-conscious products.

“Chefs and operators are increasingly looking for sauces that are healthier, more natural, and consistent in quality,” says Colt Reichart, Senior Director of Marketing at Red Gold. 

From barbecue to bloody mary mix, operators are seeking high-quality condiments that meet rising health standards and growing trends. “We offer products across the entire tomato spectrum, ensuring operators have access to everything they need to deliver fresh, flavorful dishes,” Reichart says.

Consumers care about the quality of the ingredients they use, but they also value products that support a meaningful cause, which is important for operators to consider when making purchasing decisions. Datassential reports that 70 percent of consumers value food brands that support a cause they care about. Red Gold has partnered with Folds of Honor, a nonprofit funding educational scholarships for the spouses and children of fallen or disabled veterans and first responders, by donating a portion of proceeds from its ketchup sales to support this important cause. 

“We partnered with Folds of Honor because it’s a cause that resonates with our values as an American company,” Reichart says. “Supporting veterans and their families is something we’re deeply committed to. All of our ketchup and condiments are aligned with that mission, and you can find the Folds of Honor logo on all our bottles and labels.

As 77 percent of consumers believe functional foods can help them live longer​, according to Datassential, operators are looking for products that meet these evolving health expectations. Red Gold’s Better Nutrition Made Simple line, includes plant-based protein pasta sauce, featuring pea protein, and more concentrated tomatoes to offer a nutritious, flavorful option for school cafeterias and other dining venues.

“Our plant-based protein pasta sauce tastes just like a traditional meat sauce, offering operators a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor,” Reichart says. “We’ve developed it with input from schools and operators, ensuring it meets the needs of their kitchens and the preferences of their customers.”

With 39 percent of consumers avoiding or limiting their consumption of high fructose corn syrup, and 46 percent thinking that no high-fructose corn syrup is important to defining a food as healthy, Red Gold is steadfast in ensuring its products meet these growing needs. 

“Back in 2015, we went through every one of our branded products and revamped them to give consumers the cleanest products we could,” says Reichart. “All of our products are gluten-free, contain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and are non-GMO Project Verified.”

Barbecue sauce is consistently in demand as consumers look for bold, flavorful condiments. Red Gold’s Naturally Balanced Barbecue Sauce stands out not only for its taste but also for its health-conscious attributes, making it a better option for operators and consumers alike.

“We offer our new Naturally Balanced Barbecue Sauce in a gallon jug and it is a better-for-you product,” Rhetts says. “It has no high fructose corn syrup, is made with real sugar, and features 75 percent less sodium compared to the leading brands. Tomato puree is the first ingredient, which is something you don’t see very often in barbecue sauce”

“We know that most popular barbecue sauces are loaded with high fructose corn syrup as the very first ingredient,” Reichart says. “It doesn’t have to be this way. Our barbecue sauce offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.”

“We tried three of the barbecue sauces the other day with our whole team, and all three of those are very popular barbecue sauces,” Reichart says. “But I think ours truly had a better flavor and is substantially healthier for you.”

Red Gold’s Naturally Balanced Barbecue Sauce is just one example of how this brand is providing a healthier, more flavorful option for operators while ensuring consistent quality from seed to sauce, giving operators confidence in what they’re serving.

As 38 percent of consumers plan to increase their intake of vegetables​, operators are looking for versatile, high-quality tomato products. Red Gold provides a wide range of options, from fresh-packed tomatoes to sauces like the Tuttorosso® Fresh Pack Pizza and Marinara Sauce, designed for Italian-inspired dishes. With the entire process controlled by Red Gold—from breeding the seeds to distributing the finished product—operators can rely on the consistency and flavor of these essential ingredients.

“We handle everything from seed to distribution,” Reichart says. “That control allows us to deliver consistently high-quality tomato products, and it’s something our customers appreciate.”

With this in mind, Red Gold can fulfill operators’ tomato needs, from ketchup to marinara to barbecue sauce. “What operators need to know is that there are better products out there at better costs,” Recihart says. It’s just about taking the time to find them, and we’re here to help them do that.” 

To learn more, visit the Red Gold website. 

By Drew Filipski