With all that has happened in the past 12 months, forecasting the hottest new food trends has perhaps not been the industry’s priority, especially as businesses struggle for survival.
However, now, with summer approaching and vaccines rolling out around the world, the industry can begin to look to some sort of recovery.
As businesses begin to open back up and the country gets back to dining out, foodservice outlets will have to catch up to the latest food trends after a year of closure or limited opening.
Technomic, a Winsight company, has given its trend predictions for the industry for the coming year in its new State of the Menu report.
Lizzy Freier, senior research manager of menu at Technomic, commented: “Taking a look back is crucial to understanding how the industry has changed and where we’re headed.
“Our many learnings from the data and analysis—which are reflected in the key themes and recommended actions—are essential for foodservice professionals to be able to plan for the year ahead.”
Key findings, Technomic said, include that chicken is the fastest-growing protein on LSR breakfast menus, up 30.8% year over year, and that Brazilian flavors are the fastest-growing global flavors on lunch and dinner full-service restaurant menus, at 5.6% year-over-year growth.
Meanwhile, 37% of best-in-class LTOs had brand mentions, proving that consumers find this appealing.
More can be found on the Technomic website.
