Speaker: Kathleen Hourihan, Ajinomoto Foods North America
Share an overview of your featured product and why it's breaking new ground in food and beverage.
Kathleen Hourihan: Ajinomoto Foods North America's FABI award winning item Birria Cruncheros or rolled tacos offer a bold modern twist on a beloved Mexican classic. Inspired by the traditional birria dish, this handheld snack features shredded beef seasoned with a rich blend of garlic, onion, cumin, cinnamon, clove, bay leaf, chilies, and lime, all wrapped in a freshly made tortilla and dipped in a tempura inspired savory batter. The result is an incredibly crunchy exterior that perfectly complements the bold layered spices of the filling, delivering a craveable and elevated snacking experience. The product is also ready to eat for heat and servees, ensuring operational simplicity with no back of house labor required. Birria is among the most on trend and fastest growing flavor profiles in food service today. Its instagrammable appeal and rich, comforting flavor profile have made it a social media phenomenon. Especially in taco form, positioning our cruncheros to meet that rising demand in a differentiated portable format.
What can Show attendees expect to see and taste while onsite and where can they find your booth?
Kathleen Hourihan: Ajinomoto's booth is located at number 11114. You'll be able to try all our FABI award-winning items, plus other globally inspired favorites like pot stickers, mini empanadas, and other bites and shareables.
Who would you like to connect with at the 2025 Show?
Kathleen Hourihan: We're eager to connect with forward-thinking operators who are focused on bringing bold on trend offerings to their menus, especially those seeking flavor without the labor. Let's talk about how we can help deliver the craveworthy experiences today's consumers are wanting.
