Weekly Roundup – Week of 12.9.24
December 13, 2024
Trends Issue – Dive into the top 2024 food and beverage trends and get a glimpse of what’s on the horizon for 2025 – all curated by our team of strategists and food enthusiasts:
Gen Z and Alpha: Trends Manufacturers Should Watch In 2025
Chef Joe Labombarda, senior VP of culinary at Chartwells Higher Education, oversees 280 higher education foodservice operations and has observed a significant shift in dining habits among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. These younger generations are highly health-conscious, viewing food as fuel and embracing adventurous eating. Chartwells’ Emerging Food Trends report, based on a survey of over 72,000 students, highlights surprising trends such as the resurgence of cottage cheese, the popularity of sweet-and-spicy chamoy pickles, the versatile use of miso in campus dining, and clean eating preferences. Read Article
Datassential’s Outlook For The Food & Beverage Industry
Datassential’s 2025 Trends Report offers a comprehensive look at the foods, flavors, and beverages set to define the industry in 2025 and beyond. Key themes include Living for the Now, where indulgence and the “little treat” culture take center stage as a response to global uncertainty. The report also explores Sustainable Kitchens of the Future, highlighting innovations and practices shaping eco-conscious culinary spaces. Additionally, it unveils What’s New, featuring emerging casual dining formats, social media-friendly bakery reinventions, and a new wave of functional foods. Find A Preview Copy, Here
How Technology Will Drive C-Store Business
As the convenience store industry prepares for 2025, technology trends such as AI, automation, and personalization are set to reshape the market. Mike Templeton, VP of Digital Strategy at NexChapter, highlights loyalty programs and personalization as key focus areas, enabling C-Stores to deliver greater value and boost customer lifetime value amidst economic uncertainty. For small to mid-sized chains, a mobile-first strategy is essential, ensuring technology investments align with customer needs. Learn More
The Next Level Of Flavor Innovation
The food and beverage industry continues to thrive with exciting innovation. Drawing insights from the Symrise North American Trend Report, four key flavor trends have shaped menus and grocery aisles this year: Mindful Sips, Time-Honored Preparations, Microluxuries, and Supercharged Swicy. These trends go beyond taste, reflecting shifting consumer priorities such as wellness, authenticity, and adventurous eating and have boosted flavor innovations in retail and foodservice this year. Will these flavor innovations resume in 2025? Read Story
Explore The 2025 State of Restaurants Report
The restaurant industry faced a whirlwind of challenges in 2024, from soaring food and labor costs to cautious consumer spending amid persistent economic uncertainty. Yet, independent full-service restaurants (FSRs) found a way to thrive, reporting increases in both traffic and profit margins despite the odds. Consumers, it seems, are willing to prioritize full-service dining experiences, even at a premium, while quick-service restaurants struggled to maintain their value-driven appeal. The latest TouchBistro State of Restaurants Report highlights how operators are navigating this unique landscape, with 82% seeing a boost in takeout and delivery sales and 89% embracing AI to drive operational efficiency. Download Report, Here
Find more trends, insights, and industry news in our weekly roundup every Friday.
