CHICAGO – Falafel fritters, beet salsa and cauliflower pizza crusts are among food and beverage products recognized at the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show held May 19-22 in Chicago. Showcasing the latest innovations and information about trends and growth opportunities in the industry, the annual event attracts more than 67,000 restaurant, foodservice and hospitality professionals.

A panel of executives across commercial and non-commercial industry segments selected winners of the Food and Beverage (FABI) Awards based on benefits offered to both restaurant operators and end consumers. Judges for the 2018 FABI Award program included Timothy Dietzler, director of dining services at Villanova Univ.; Lori Estrada, senior vice president of R&D at Wendy’s Co.; Christopher Koetke, vice president of The School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College; John Li, senior vice president of R&D at Bloomin’ Brands; Robin Rosenberg, vice president, Chef de Cuisine at Levy Restaurants; Lee Ann Shaw, global procurement director of hot beverages and snacks for Aramark; and Bret Thorn, senior food and beverage editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and food editor for Restaurant Hospitality.

“The FABI Awards showcase the visionary companies helping chefs and foodservice operators innovate and drive guest satisfaction,” said Dickie Brennan, convention chairman for NRA Show 2018 and owner and managing partner of Dickie Brennan & Co. “The FABI Award recipients provide opportunities for operators to meet consumer demand with cost-effective solutions. This list of award recipients serves as a guide of the must-see food and beverage exhibitors at NRA Show 2018.”

Click for a slideshow of protein products to receive 2018 FABI Awards.