Audarshia Townsend

1 week ago | newhope.com | Audarshia Townsend

Banana pudding remains a classic Southern American dessert that’s easily found on as many restaurant menus as summer cookout tables. Some are served warm, while others are meant to be eaten chilled. Nevertheless, one Chicago family aims to evolve this sweet treat with a frozen version that fits the better-for-you category while remaining indulgent. Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding is named in honor of Genesis Bencivenga Sr.’s father, who inherited the family’s original banana pudding recipe from an uncle.

2 weeks ago | supplysidefbj.com | Audarshia Townsend

At a GlanceChicago family transforms heirloom banana pudding recipe into clean-label frozen dessert with no synthetic preservatives. Genesis Bencivenga, father create retail-ready frozen desserts without sacrificing the taste that defines family memories. Systematic reformulation achieves freeze-thaw stability through fruit-based sweetening, in-house pasteurization protocols.

2 weeks ago | newhope.com | Audarshia Townsend

HomeAuthor TeamAudarshia TownsendAudarshia TownsendContent Director, SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal, Informa MarketsA lifelong Chicagoan, Audarshia Townsend is a veteran food and beverage journalist who serves as the content director for SupplySide Food & Beverage Journal. She also appears regularly on local and national media outlets to discuss food and beverage trends. When Townsend's not on the eats beat, she's an avid yogi and meditation practitioner.

1 month ago | supplysidefbj.com | Audarshia Townsend

The innovation showcase at food and beverage trade exhibitions consistently delivers valuable insights for R&D professionals seeking emerging formulation trends. At the 2025 SIAL Canada conference in Toronto, cutting-edge CPG (consumer packaged goods) brands and food tech innovators presented their technical breakthroughs during the annual Startup Pitch Competition, competing for substantial funding and development resources.

1 month ago | supplysidefbj.com | Audarshia Townsend

The Black Women in Food Summit has officially entered its "boss" era, transforming into a powerhouse event in just its third year. The dynamic two-day conference, which serves as a vital gathering space for Black women across the global food and beverage ecosystem, celebrated a milestone with more than 500 participants — a record achievement for founders Nina Oduro and Maame Boakye.