Ta-De Introduces Ethnic Specialty Brand

Nogales, AZ — An assortment of produce items that appeal to ethnic groups as well as fusion cuisine lovers is the latest development from Ta-De Produce Distributing. Named Red Lotus, after the Asian flower of good luck, the brand is the umbrella for items like specialty eggplant, bittermelon and Asian squash varieties (i.e. moqua, sinqua etc) plus other cooking vegetables to be announced. This line is seen to complement the company’s existing bean, peppers and garlic production.

“We developed Red Lotus to fill the market gap for higher quality control for items typically procured from the street, terminal markets, and similar, without the guarantee of pesticide, sanitation and logistics controls of mainstream produce”, explained Ta-De’s president Robert Bennen, Jr., noting that there has been recent reports in the industry press about the high pesticide residues found in “off the street” products. All Red Lotus products are fully inspected and certified.

Already Ta-De has received interest from major foodservice chains as well as large retailers serving ethnic demographics. “This is also an ideal signature line for a white table-cloth restaurant or upscale, small chain with discerning customers. “ Bennen adds.

To help introduce these items the average American shopper may not be familiar with, Ta-De has contracted with Cordon Bleu-trained former restaurateur, food marketer and blogger Grace Ho. Ms. Ho, who grew up in Hong Kong and owned a restaurant in Northern California , will introduce cross-over or fusion recipes that are not intimidating and are healthy, mixing “known”(mainstream) ingredients with the “new” from Red Lotus.

Additionally, Ta-De will be distributing and posting for download from their site fact sheets and consumer research to help retailers properly merchandise and promote these items, as well as launching an email campaign with the latest crop and price data. Promotional support and incentives will also be available to select receivers.

The Red Lotus brand joins El Rey and Rio Sonora Rose signature items the company has introduced over the past year.

Ta-De Produce is a third-generation, family-run produce distributor founded by Carlos Bennen in the 1950s. Longtime CEO Robert Bennen Sr, (“Robbie”) was a pioneer in the tomato import and repacking industry since the 1970s. Upon his retirement in 2012, son Bob took over leadership of the company. The company is known for its green beans, and also distributes bel, sweet mini and haba?ero peppers, cucumbers, eggplant tomatoes and Asian greens. For more information and photos visit http://tadeproduce.com [attachment photos: Red Lotus logo, recipe]

Source: Ta-De Produce