Boulart Inc., Lachine, Quebec, was recognized by the National Restaurant Association (NRA) with a 2016 FABI Award for product innovation for its Ciabatta Bites. The FABI Awards program recognizes progressive food and beverage products that make a significant impact in the restaurant industry. Award recipients and their products will be showcased throughout the exhibit halls at the 2016 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, held May 21–24 in Chicago at McCormick Place.

According to Boulart, the bites are an off-shoot of the brand’s best-selling product, the ciabatta baguette. “We noticed that one of the most prevalent trends of the past few years has been snacking, and we wanted to find a way to make our bread available in single-sized snacking portions,” says Michel Saillant, Boulart founder and CEO. “Not only does this product have great implications at store level, it’s a wonderful way for airlines and railway carriers to up their service offerings with fresh bread.”

The bites are available in a variety of savory flavors and follow the brand’s no-additives, no- preservatives and non-GMO policies. Despite their size, the bites retain all the flavor of artisanal ciabatta bread with a crisp crust and moist interior, according to the company.

Boulart will be promoting Ciabatta Bites, as well as a host of other new products, at the NRA Show.

To learn more about Boulart—Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery’s 2015 Bakery of the Year—read "Boulart named 'Bakery of the Year,'" or watch the Boulart Inc. video or Boulart slideshow.