Compass Group Chefs Create Healthy, Flavorful Dishes Featuring Fresh California Avocados, Vie For a “California Dreamin” Trip and Cash Prizes

Irvine CA (March 30, 2009)—Six talented Compass Group chefs are seeing green, as the winners of the Fresh California Avocado Recipe Contest, a collaborative effort of Compass Group North America’s Business Excellence Team and the California Avocado Commission (CAC). Open to all Compass culinary staff associates, the contest was developed to encourage the use of seasonal produce in healthful, appealing recipes, and to celebrate Fresh California Avocado season. Over 4,000 Compass locations will be encouraged to feature the winning recipes when Compass Group launches a system-wide Fresh California Avocado promotion in May.

Molly Buckie, Catering Manager for Restaurant Associates in New York City, won a Grand Prize trip for two to San Francisco with a whimsical Avocado Trio appetizer composed of Avocado “Ice Cream” Cone, Avocado Créme Brûlée and Avocado-Roasted Corn Salad.

Five first place winners—taking home $500 each—represented three Compass Group divisions and diverse culinary inspirations:

Amedeo Citro, Executive Chef,    Eurest

Grilled Filet Sandwich with Avocado–Gorgonzola Spread

Faith Mojica, Pastry Chef,    Restaurant Associates

Avocado Terrine with Coconut Mousse Macaroon Filling and Avocado Chaser

Jonathan Smith, Chef, Morrison

Southwest Avocado and Crab

Kevin Williams, Sous Chef,    Eurest

Southwest Avocado Hash & Eggs

Matthew Vasquez, FS Director,    Eurest

Carpaccio of Avocado Thai-Style

The Compass-California Avocado Commission promotion partnership featured the alignment of Compass Group's health and wellness initiative program, dedicated to increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables, with Fresh California Avocados and the fruit's impressive nutrient profile. Compass Group associates entering the recipe competition used Compass menu guidelines and nutritional objectives, including moderate portion size, a balanced complement of nutritious foods (fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and mono-unsaturated fats) with California Avocado. After screening 150 entries, the judges selected the six winners.

Compass Group North America's promotion is among the largest ever sponsored by the California Avocado Commission, reaching over 4,000 units with their Fresh California Avocado messaging and recipes. "We're delighted to work with Compass Group, especially on a promotion of this magnitude and with a solid healthy lifestyle message," said Jan DeLyser, Vice President of Marketing for the California Avocado Commission. "The rich taste and broad appeal of Fresh California Avocados make them a seasonal indulgence with real nutrient benefits, an ideal 'feel good' food."

For more information about the California Avocado Commission foodservice programs, visit CaliforniaAvocado.com/foodservice, or call the CAC Foodservice Hotline at 800-370-3782.

About the California Avocado Commission
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to increase demand for California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities that benefit the state's 6,000 avocado growers. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry.


About Compass Group North America
Based in Charlotte NC, Compass Group North America is the leading foodservice and support services company with more than $9 billion in revenues in 2008. With 388,000 associates worldwide, its parent company, UK-based Compass Group PLC had revenues of ?11 billion in the year to September 30, 2008. www.cgnad.com Contact: Sarah Hada, Compass Group North America, 704-328-1365, sarah.hada@compass-usa.com.