Weekly Roundup – Week of 4.10.2023
April 14, 2023
Discover the latest food and beverage-related news and hot topics in today’s weekly roundup – curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Zoomers Seek “Arm Candy” From Restaurant Menus
At the Future Menus 2023 conference, restaurant industry experts discussed how menu innovation can boost traffic from the influential Generation Z or Zoomers population. According to Restaurant Business, arm candy, defined as “eye-catching beverages or hand-held foods that provide a dash of sizzle” is the latest trend enticing Zoomers. This demographic is hyped up on social media, frequently sharing their experiences – and their “likes” – and restaurant operators can leverage this opportunity by making smart adjustments to their menus and restaurant experiences. From providing a unique dining adventure to customization and being Instagram-worthy, restaurants can appeal to this digital-savvy, influential generation. Find the full list of recommendations, HERE.
Plant-based Food Sales Reach $8 billion
Plant-based consumers continue to grow. According to statistics from SPINS and reported by the Plant-Based Foods Association and the Good Food Institute, at the macro level, plant-based foods have a 60% household penetration, and an 80% repeat purchase rate. When looking at specific offerings, plant-based milk, for example, was purchased by more than 40% of households, and had a repeat buy rate of more than 75%. Furthermore, frozen plant-based meat has grown to represent nearly 65% of plant-based meat sales as consumers seek more convenience. And some of the up-and-coming categories of plant-based meat — chicken, fish, and shellfish — all saw double-digit-percent sales increases last year. Read More.
Functional Ingredients Top Food & Beverage Trends
T. Hasegawa USA published a new report highlighting emerging trends in the functional ingredients category. Flavor topped the list as expert collaborators at the company cited that taste is the primary driver when it comes to functional ingredients. The study also found that category innovation supports both short- and long-term health and wellness benefits, and clean label and energy claims are becoming more important as consumers’ consumption of functional foods increases. Learn More.
Chipotle Goes Sustainable
Three U.S. Chipotle pilot locations utilize an electronic format that “maximizes energy efficiency in its equipment and systems and uses renewable energy from wind power and solar through the purchase of certified renewable energy credits”. The company plans to expand this format to 7,000 more North American locations, with 100 new locations in 2024 featuring these upgrades. Along with the above-mentioned enhancements, other key design improvements include smaller electric cooklines and improved exhaust hoods, energy management systems, and EV charging stations at select locations. Read Full Story.
Coming To Retailers Near You
Starbucks loyalists will be happy to hear they can now purchase some of their favorite beverages in ready-to-drink formats from their nearest grocer. Extremely popular and ever-so-colorful Starbucks Pink Drink and Starbucks Paradise Drink will accompany a selection of RTD flavors available nationwide. The consumer-created Starbucks Pink Drink became a social media sensation and thus, its popularity awarded itself a permanent place on their menu. Starbucks also plans to shake up the fashion world this spring by “combining the colors, flavors, and textures of Starbucks Pink Drink and Starbucks Paradise Drink with ready-to-wear fashion”. What fun!
On the colder side of things and just in time for summer, Entenmann’s is expanding its reach from baked goods to another area of the grocery store with its launch of new ice cream sandwich treats. The iconic brand will enter into the novelty category with six flavors, including Glazed Cookie Donut Ice Cream, Brownie Cookie Salted Caramel Ice Cream, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream. Yum!
