Gills Onions introduces pickled reds

One highlight of the recent PMA Foodservice Show in Monterey, CA, was the introduction of Gills’ Pickled onions, beautiful slices of red onions in a sweet and tangy pickle brine. 

Its booth packed with customers and other attendees throughout the show, Gills Onions saw excellent reception for the new product that was conceived by company partner Steve Gill – another testament to his ability to read market trends. 

‘Perk It Up’ with Gills Onions New Pickled Red Onions, PMA Foodservice

And while the display included Gills Onions’ standard product lines, the focus was definitely on the new product, with a bright color theme repeated throughout: Pink-red displays in glass jars, fuchsia backdrops and even fuchsia pants for the women working the booth. And there were pickles for sampling. 

High in food trends right now, pickling/fermented food is a major item health gurus and chefs are bringing to the table. In a piece at http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brian-sullivan/trending-food-heroes-in-2_b_8891432.html, writer Brian Sullivan of California Pizza Kitchen wrote in 2015 that pickling was going to be a huge factor in 2016 cuisine. He said, “There’s another trending food hero that I see picking up a lot of steam on restaurant menus and in the home, and that is, pickling. People have been doing this forever to preserve food. This method also brings out amazing flavors that you might not have anticipated, so adding pickled ingredients to your dishes is a great way to add a jolt of flavor, without adding fats or many calories.” 

Gills Onions got the memo. Steve Gill told OnionBusiness that the pickling recipe was developed in-house and remains top secret. 

In anticipating success with the line, Gills is working with culinary professionals to develop recipe options including using the pickled onions as a base. Teri Trost, midwest regional sales manager, said the pickles are extremely versatile, and possibilities are endless. Starting with the known favorites such as fish tacos and sandwiches, they go on to complement nachos and burgers and a huge list of ethnic items.   

Gills Onions, New Pickled Red Onion Samples, PMA Foodservice

Like most pickles, the slices have a 30-day shelf life and require refrigeration after opening, Teri said. 

Gills new product adds to well-known and successful processed onion product line that features packaged fresh whole, diced, and sliced onions in all colors.