RRC Culinary Research and Innovation program steps up to the plate for the Pretzel Place.

Winnipeg, MB – Forget the peanuts and Cracker Jacks – today, Red River College and local business, The Pretzel Place, will launch a new beer flavoured pretzel seasoning before the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ game at Shaw Park.

The seasoning was created by RRC’s dynamic Culinary Research and Innovation (CR&I) program, which over the last few years has seen substantial growth in the areas of new food products and ingredient applications.

“The demand for culinary research and innovation in our province is increasing, and our CR&I program continues to ‘step up to the plate,’ to develop new and advanced uses for locally grown food while supporting Manitoba’s agricultural and food industry through applied research,” said Paul Vogt, President and CEO of Red River College.

“This partnership with The Pretzel Place is just one of many delicious examples of new product creation and culinary creativity at work in our community.”

The CR&I program is located within RRC’s School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts, allowing researchers to tap in to the knowledge of accomplished chef instructors, and recruit students to work on applied research projects with industry.

The program was first launched in 2014, and has been increasing its activities with help of Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). To date, the program has been involved in over 40 industry projects with organizations such as the Manitoba Pulse and Soy Growers, Granny’s Poultry, Piccola Cucina, MSPrebiotic Inc., and The Pretzel Place.  The program actively works with others in the food innovation community including the University of Manitoba and Food Development Centre.

Sue Leclair is a graduate of the RRC Business Administration program and owner of The Pretzel Place’s two locations at Shaw Park and Investors Group Field. Leclair’s idea for the seasoning came from Winnipeg Goldeyes and Blue Bomber fans, who inspired her to come up with a way to marry the flavours of a refreshing game day beer, and her popular twisted snack.

“I first came up with this idea nearly three years ago, so to have it go from idea, to concept, to reality is a really exciting feeling, and it would not have been possible without the support and work of RRC’s dedicated Culinary Research team,” said Leclair.

“Through this partnership, I was able to work with industry leading chefs, and gain access to the latest information on food trends, science and innovation. I am thrilled to share this Manitoba inspired, locally developed beer flavoured seasoning with the entire community.”

RRC’s Culinary Research and Innovation team and The Pretzel Place will be offering free bite-sized samples of the new beer-flavoured pretzel seasoning at 6:00pm on the Promenade of Shaw Park before the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ game this evening. The seasoning will be available at both Pretzel Place locations and for catering events moving forward.

Media is invited to attend this event. RRC President and CEO, Paul Vogt, the Culinary Research and Innovation team, and Sue Leclair will be available for interviews.