Focus on the Big Picture
Foodservice operators should continue to focus on the implications of changing demographics, just as they track food and operational trends, the economy, and other factors.
Societal changes that point to demand for convenience, eating on the go, menu customization, more choice and flexibility, and options that address health concerns (including plant-focused and “free-from” trends) will increase in importance as more members of Generation Z move into adulthood.
In addition, Datassential suggests that intelligent tech innovation will provide a way in to food-away-from-home options for many of the iGen cohort. According to the company, consumers overall cite a number of perceived benefits, including lower prices (mentioned by 47%), more discounts (33%), faster service (30%), fewer mistakes (28%), more customization options (21%), waste reduction/sustainability (20%), and more information, such as sourcing and nutrition (17%). Only 32% of respondents claimed they did not want to see more technology in the foodservice marketplace.
Other innovations:
These refinements plus the evergreen focus on value, craveable flavor, and uniqueness will help ensure that every consumer has a place at the table.
Sources: Technomic, Gen Z: What is the Next Consumer Generation Eating and Drinking? (April 2019); Datassential/IFMA Consumer Planning Program 2017/2018, Emerging Concepts & Disruptors; Datassential Creative Concepts, Technology and Robotics, November 2017