Juice and smoothies continue to soar in popularity with all signs indicating they are here to stay. Just look to Qwench Juice Bar, with several locations in California and impending plans to expand nationwide.
“Today’s health-conscious consumers are focused on nutrition, and they are paying more attention than ever to the ingredients that go into the food and drinks they consume,” said Mitchell Baker, vice president and chief brand officer of Qwench Juice Bar. “Our menu appeals to consumers looking for something ‘clean and green’ that tastes good at the same time.”
At Qwench, where “health and taste co-exist,” the menu includes a variety of raw squeezed juice and juice blends that leverage nutrient-dense ingredients such as kale, açaí and other superfoods. Beyond juice, Qwench also offers smoothies, acai bowls and Greek yogurt bowls.
Qwench opened its doors about two years ago and quickly made its mark with a commitment to fresh ingredients that is evident by simply stepping inside one of its stores.
Fruits and vegetables are prominently displayed in a giant stand behind the serving counter, complete with a misting system to keep the produce fresh. In addition, customers can watch employees “bathe” their produce in a washer prior to cutting and juicing.
In step with its dedication to honoring health, Qwench has created recipes that are naturally sweetened and contain natural ingredients. In addition, they have bucked the industry trend of using sherbet or frozen yogurt in smoothies as Baker says they can result in a menu item that is not as healthy as you think.
Instead, Qwench relies on Yoplait Greek Plain 32-ounce Yogurt as the foundation for its smoothies and smoothie bowls. “Greek yogurt not only has a healthier profile but it has a unique flavor and texture that allows the flavors of the fruits and vegetables to shine through,” said Baker.
Cherry Rimando-Juarez, an account executive with General Mills Convenience & Foodservice and frequent Qwench customer, can attest to the freshness and great taste of Qwench’s menu items. She added that Qwench has been successful by maintaining the discipline to honor health.
“They’ve truly perfected that balance between health and taste,” said Rimando-Juarez. “Qwench is setting a new standard in the industry for offering menu items that are as nutritious as they are delicious!”
Foodservice operators looking for an easy way to tap into health-conscious consumer trends like Qwench, can start by adding smoothies to their menu. Smoothies appeal to all ages and dayparts making it a cost-effective way to increase sales. Plus, servings have grown by 11 percent in foodservice from 2015 to 2016 alone1, indicating smoothies are here to stay.
Yoplait yogurt has long been trusted by foodservice operators, like a href="http://qwenchjuice.com/" target="_blank">Qwench Juice Bar, as a quality brand of yogurt. Learn more about how Yoplait Greek Plain Yogurt and other varieties can make it easy—and profitable—to add smoothies to foodservice menus.
1NPD Group Supply Track, in pounds; 12 months ending June 2016.