New Study Highlights Projected Increase in Local Food and Fresh Produce Use in Restaurants, Wins Attention of Chef Tom Hurley

    PHILADELPHIA, PA, July 26, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As a professional chef trained in French cuisine, Tom Hurley has found that the use of fresh ingredients has played a vital role in his delivery of exceptional dishes. In fact, he notes that the opportunity and unique taste that locally-grown foods and produce can provide has allowed him to gain significant attention as a chef. While the use of these products has remained popular in cooking circles for quite some time, Hurley points to a recent study highlighted in a new report from The Packer.

The Packer explains, "Fresh produce and local food demand will continue to ride a hot streak at U.S. restaurants through 2020. Those are two findings in a new report called National Restaurant Industry 2020, composed of a panel of industry experts assembled by the Washington, D.C.-based National Restaurant Associations." In terms of specific evidence, the panel found that "predicts that total restaurant industry sales will climb to $850 billion in 2020, up from $587 billion in 2010 and $379 billion in 2000. The report said the 'healthy' eating trend will continue to grow in coming years."

Tom Hurley responds, "Healthy eating is definitely a thought that has been on many American minds in recent years, especially with the continued focus pushed by First Lady Michelle Obama. While this trend has been reflected among many restaurants in metropolitan areas, it is my hope that by 2020, fresh produce and local food will become widely available throughout the entire United States."

The Packer details how this result may be achieved within the US and states, "The panel reported that some of the most likely developments in food and menus by 2020 include an greater emphasis on product quality and fresh food, with fresh produce options expected to be become more plentiful. According to the panel, local sourcing of food will increase, benefitting from a more productive and integrated supply chain."

Although healthy, fresh and local eating has been valued by many older generations in recent years, Tom Hurley explains that one potential trend could widely impact the way America approaches diet--a greater focus on children. The Packer reports, "In the health and nutrition category, the research report said healthy eating trends will continue to grow, particularly on [children's] menus. Restaurants will become more creative in putting healthy items on the menu, according to the report."

"Hopefully, making kid-friendly foods out of fresh and local ingredients will help establish healthy habits among future generations. If this reports' predictions reflect actual developments, the United States may see a great shift in childhood obesity, and obesity in general," Tom Hurley concludes.

ABOUT:

Tom Hurley is a professionally trained chef who was educated at the famed French Culinary Institute. Throughout his lengthy career, he has started two popular restaurants. Diners are devoted to Hurley's cuisine, and particularly enjoy his ability to prepare fresh French dishes. Hurley's diverse culinary abilities enable him to prepare a meal fit for a five-star restaurant just as easily as he can whip up more casual fare.

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