McCain Foodservice released a report that looks into the trends of food service for 2018 that every business should keep in mind if they want to stay ahead of competition and Brexit’s uncertainty.
“As new trends come and go, changes to what consumers eat, where they eat, and how they eat take place. Operators take influence from fresh new cuisines, bold new flavours make it on to menus, and new dining options emerge. Technology also has a big influence,” explains Jo Simmons, McCain Foods Senior Brand Manager.
Every business runs differently and each one has its own values, therefore the report looked into a few key aspects that every business can relate to and apply them to be ahead of the competition.
The first one of the list is ‘Value Scrutiny’. Consumers always analyse their spending decisions, so value for money is very important. What they look for is hearty portions, great value food, and excellent standards of service. ’Convenience’ is central to everyone’s busy lives and 2017 saw a 6% rise in quick-service lunch visits. Making sure diners can get a great meal quickly and easily will be a key growth area across the industry in 2018.
Another important aspect is making sure your business is up to date with the technology. Results show that 40% of 25-37 year olds prefer ordering food on their phones, while 67% of them actually spend more when ordering on the phone than in person. For those willing to take a change, integrating the latest technology can make their business sink or swim.
Consumers see eating as an opportunity to socialise, catch up, and take a break from their busy lives. Many venues have started seeing success by creating a casual dining environment, where people can share their food, enjoy communal seating, and are approached with a ‘pay first, leave whenever’ attitude.
