FOOD TRENDS

From Retail to Foodservice
Off-Premise Success
Plant-Based Food Offerings
Growth of Dietary Restrictions
The Power of Authentic Global Flavours
The Effect of Seasonality on Cuisine Choice

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1. FROM RETAIL TO FOODSERVICE

Despite the growing work-from-home culture, consumers still seek the convenience and unique experience that foodservice establishments offer compared to eating at home.

Last year, Canadians were primarily driven to choose foodservice based on craveability, convenience, and the overall enjoyable experience it provides.

However, it is important to consider the Canadian attitude towards rising prices and inflation. With menu inflation on the rise, consumers are becoming more conscious of their spending and often opt for main dish-only options, foregoing sides, appetizers, and desserts. Consider offering special combos that include a dessert and appetizer, providing added value and incentivizing customers to explore the full range of your offerings.

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2. OFF-PREMISE SUCCESS

In the upcoming year, off-premise dining, particularly takeout, will play a crucial role in driving growth within the foodservice industry. Takeout orders present a significant opportunity for expansion, especially when it comes to sides and appetizers.

Currently, approximately 32% of orders for sides and appetizers are made for takeout, indicating a strong demand for convenient dining options.

However, there is still untapped potential in the development of sides and appetizers compared to main entrees, which account for 41% of takeout orders.

This presents a valuable opportunity for foodservice establishments to enhance their offerings and meet the growing demand for takeout by expanding and improving their selection of sides and appetizers.

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3. PLANT-BASED FOOD OFFERINGS

There is a growing demand for vegetarian menu items among sustainability-conscious consumers. Those who actively prioritize sustainable products tend to choose a higher proportion of plant-based entrees and sides.

When considering vegetarian options for your menu, keep in mind that pizzas have become increasingly popular, with a rising trend of 21% as of 2023.

To attract this demographic, consider adding more vegetarian or plant-based options as pizza toppings.This will not only cater to the increasing demand for vegetarian choices but also provide a delicious and satisfying option for those seeking sustainable and
plant-based alternatives.

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4. GROWTH OF DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

Customers, regardless of their cultural identity or age, are seeking to minimize their consumption of ultra-processed foods and are actively looking for sustainable and healthy options that promote their overall well-being.

To meet their needs, it is important to consider categories that address their top health concerns. This includes offering low sodium products, non-dairy alternatives, and food and beverages that promote gut health.

This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also positions your establishment as a provider of sustainable and healthy options in the market.

_{Which product category would provide the highest value to your foodservice kitchen in catering to customers with dietary restrictions?}

Low sugar products
Non-dairy alternatives
Vegetarian options
Gluten-free products

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5. THE POWER OF AUTHENTIC GLOBAL FLAVOURS

Despite the introduction of new or imported cuisines, consumers still prefer popularized international cuisines like Italian and Chinese. However, there is a noticeable shift as consumers now seek to elevate these traditional dishes by incorporating new flavours.

This trend has led to a wide variety of multicultural dishes becoming popular choices on menus, inspiring flavour innovation in traditional menu items.

However, as global flavours continue to gain popularity, it is essential that your global menu items showcase authenticity alongside bold and enticing flavours. When it comes to exploring new cuisines, consumers value authenticity above all else.

A survey conducted by Ipsos revealed that among respondents who recently dined at a foodservice establishment offering a new cuisine, 8% of their visits were driven by the desire for authenticity.

This finding underscores the substantial influence that authenticity holds in attracting customers and creating a memorable dining experience.

Consider adding ingredients to your kitchen that bring in authentic global flavours. For instance, use Minor’s Fire Roasted Poblano Flavour Concentrate to add latin flair to your recipes without any added labour.

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6. THE EFFECT OF SEASONALITY
ON CUISINE CHOICE

The choice of cuisine is influenced by seasonality, with certain cuisines experiencing peak popularity during specific times of the year. Cuisines featuring "lighter" ingredients, such as Greek and Mexican, are favoured during the hotter summer months.

On the other hand, during the winter, many Canadians gravitate towards carb-heavy comfort foods.

Comfort foods take center stage during the winter season, particularly dishes like soups and those incorporating root vegetables.

Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and even chocolate are commonly used in both dishes and drinks. Italian and Asian cuisines emerge as the most popular choices during these colder months.