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ofi, a global leader in food & beverage ingredients and solutions, has announced a new collaboration with customer 利思客, Lisco Barbecue Supply Chain (Lisco), to capitalize on growing consumer demand for innovation and quality in barbecue culinary.
According to ofi research, barbecue skewers are enjoyed by nearly two-thirds (63%) of Chinese consumers at least once a week. From deep umami seasonings to fiery Sichuan pepper blends, there is a significant opportunity to meet demand for more adventurous flavors, higher quality and better taste.
Capitalizing on new opportunities
The collaboration with Lisco brings together the rich heritage of ofi’s global ingredient sourcing expertise and innovation network, with Lisco’s 20-year legacy as a specialist in the Chinese barbecue meat market. ofi’s expansive portfolio of spices[1] and its integrated supply chain will allow the partnership to explore new and innovative combinations of ingredients and spice blends – creating barbecue skewers with a feast of flavors, aroma, and color for all occasions.
Zhang Li, founder, Lisco and Ramki Prasad, Asia Pacific F&B Solutions Head, ofi
Embracing a common thread across cultures in Asia
Mr. Zhang Li, founder of Lisco, said: “For many people, barbecue is more than food – it is the backdrop to social and cultural moments, enjoyed with family, friends and loved ones. This collaboration will expand barbecue into new occasions and explore innovative ways to bring people together with good food that tastes great.
By working with ofi, we will all be encouraged to exchange ideas and integrate global food cultures with the common aim of creating multicultural barbecue flavors and introducing new and exciting spice blends from all over the world, with a hint of nostalgia.”
Ramki Prasad, Asia Pacific F&B Solutions Head said: “We know that nearly two-thirds of the market (64%) are open to trying new flavors. Thanks to our decades of experience in sourcing these high-quality ingredients and our relationships with farmers, ofi is able to respond to growing demand for vibrant taste experiences that respect the spirit of regional food traditions while promising a consistent, repeatable flavor all year round. Through this collaboration with Lisco, CPGs and foodservice retailers across Asia Pacific can expect succulent meat skewers that blend exciting new seasonings and sauces with innovative and convenient formats.”
Solving customer challenges through category solution capabilities and provenance
The Lisco collaboration will be powered by ofi's new Customer Solutions Center (CSC) in Shanghai, China[2] - a gateway for customers to access the company’s global innovation network and consumer and category insights. With ofi’s F&B Solutions experts embedded in-country, it can partner to develop solutions with greater agility, tapping quickly into emerging trends with a deep understanding of local palates.
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[1] As the world’s number one producer of dried garlic and onions, as well as a global leader for chiles, pepper and tropical spices, ofi's worldwide network and boots-on-the ground presence across origins ensures the new spice blends are sourced from the best raw ingredients all year round.
[2] CSC Shanghai joins ofi’s global innovation network, leveraging on the expertise of its Asia Regional CSC in Singapore and broader global network of CSCs (India, Chicago, and Amsterdam), IECs (Ingredients Excellence Centers) and COEs (Centers of Expertise) to co-create food and beverage solutions tailored to address our customers unique challenges and pain points.
