Commission Networks with Collegiate and University Foodservice Industry to Reach Gen Z

From March 1 – 3, the California Avocado Commission foodservice team attended the National Association of College and University Food Services Pacific/Continental regional conference, building relationships with West Coast-based college and university foodservice directors to help encourage demand for and loyalty to California avocados. The event offered CAC the perfect opportunity to showcase the versatility of the fruit in trending menu applications and promote the use of California avocados for attendees’ Gen Z customers — the next generation of avocado fans.

The Pacific/Continental regional conference held in Reno, Nevada, gathered college and university foodservice directors, managers, culinarians and registered dietitians from public and private schools that are self-operated or managed by a contract management company. During the educational networking forum, professionals shared insights concerning new dining platforms, menu redesign launches and how to properly code and track ingredients for allergens — knowledge critical to an industry focused on residential dining for college and university campuses.

The Commission foodservice team networked with West Coast-based college and university personnel to discuss opportunities to add and promote California avocados on residential dining menus. They also talked about opportunities for retail foodservice outlets located on campus for Summer 2022 and Spring 2023. CAC’s foodservice team connected with 27 directors, managers and dietitians from 15 colleges and universities.

On the last day of the event, the team sponsored a table offering samplings of California Avocado Flatbread and California Avocado Roll Bowl Salad to demonstrate how easy it is to incorporate California avocados in menu applications that are favorites among students. The recipes also showcased the versatility of avocados across hot and cold applications and global, plant-based dishes, demonstrating the fruit’s expansive appeal to Gen Z customers.