The Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers has named a Canadian foodservice operator as the winner of the organization’s Celebrating Ontario Agriculture promotion and display competition.
Michael Tuinstra, foodservice unit manager of Dana Hospitality LP who runs the cafe at the Blount Canada Ltd. location in Guelph, Ontario, was the winner of the annual competition, in its second year, sponsored by the greenhouse growers group.
The Leamington, Ontario-based organization worked with more than 20 Ontario universities and business dining locations to provide tool kits, recipes and merchandising materials to support menu initiatives, promotions and displays during Celebrating Ontario Agriculture Week.
From those resources, Tuinstra produced five colorful displays utilizing Ontario greenhouse produce and his culinary group also introduced several new recipes that feature Ontario greenhouse cucumbers, peppers and tomatoes throughout their menu.
“OGVG is pleased to be a part of this promotion with Ontario hospitals and cafeterias and we look forward to working with foodservice partners in the future,” George Gilvesy, the association’s chair, said in a news release. “In a competitive market, new partnerships that support our produce in the foodservice marketplace will help sustain Ontario greenhouse vegetable growers.”
Based in Oakville, Ontario, Dana Hospitality’s culinary group prepares meals from fresh, locally sourced and nutritious ingredients.
The greenhouse organization represents more than 200 growers of greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers.
