Maeve Webster’s Post

View profile for Maeve Webster, graphic

President at Menu Matters

"Don't focus on being the best. Focus on being the only." This is one of the best quotes I've heard recently from Andrew Zimmern at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Culinary event. There is too much chasing of the same trends, the same data, or competitive activity. Chasing rarely leads to innovation that really pushes the industry forward, which is particularly what foodservice needs at a time when its relevancy is increasingly threatened. And, as was pointed out in this presentation, it's not just relevancy that needs to be addressed but a host of fundamental and existential problems that must be solved. #innovation #tremds2024 #campusdining #foodandbeverageindustry #foodservice #chefs #cpg

  • No alternative text description for this image

This is why I'm so proud of Aussie Select. But unfortunately being the "only" has its own very hard road. Creating a new category requires early adopters and champions who are willing to simply try. It's unfortunate to me how frequently the gatekeepers (ie distributors) of this industry that craves innovation, are barriers to adopt it.

Andrew Wilkinson

Kelp Curious / Seafood Innovation / North Coast Seafoods

1mo

Hey Maeve. I was pretty stoked to speak before Andrew. It was funny that he could Not remember my name….. Andrew!! But such a ringing endorsement of my work on the ONLY. Seaweed-ish “Meat”ball. And his love of sea vegetables as an important food of the future and the environment.

Mindy Armstrong

VP, Menu Innovation, Perkins & Huddle House Restaurants

1mo

We all need this reminder. Wish I was there with you!!

Loved the statement, too! Maeve Webster you had a few great points also ... Already sharing some the key stats about GenZ's needs and nurturing.

Samantha Limcaco, Certified Research Chef

Product Development • School Menu Development • Nutrition Program Management • Market Trends Analysis • Food Safety Standards • Kitchen Management • Culinary Arts • Project Management • Food Industry Expertise

1mo

"Focus on being the only"- this certainly resonates with me in this time of my life and career! Thanks for sharing Maeve!

Like
Reply

I will add this quote: “Innovation requires leaving the safety of the herd.”

Shamez Lalji

Helping CPG brands keep customers loyal and attract new ones | Partnership Lead @ Airbaton | Worked with clients GE, Heinz, Unilever, Kimberly Clark and others.

1mo

You're right, Maeve Webster. Focusing on solving unique customer needs can lead to true differentiation and a sense of being 'only.

Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN

Co-Owner at Culinary Nutrition Collaborative

1mo

This was my favorite takeaway as well!

Lisa Brown

Senior Account Executive at Hormel Foodservice

1mo
Like
Reply
Jenna Reed

Strategic Marketing Leader | Passionate About Food & Travel | Obsessed with Developing Engagement and Driving Profitable Growth

1mo

Great quote Maeve Webster! Stop chasing what everyone else is doing and carve out your own unique space!

See more comments

To view or add a comment, sign in

Explore topics