Dessert not only post-meal treat: Technomic

Chicago – Opportunities for dessert sales are growing in Canada as consumers consider dessert more than simply a post-meal treat, suggests a report from research firm Technomic.

This shift in thinking points the way toward more flexible, anytime dessert opportunities that will call for more portable and snackable options. “Shifts in the way consumers are thinking about dessert align with the increasingly on-demand nature of foodservice in general,” said Bret Yonke, manager of consumer insights at Technomic, in a news relesase. “We are also seeing dessert become more of an experience as trending items such as over-the-top milkshakes and neon-coloured sweets lead the way on this front by piquing the curiosity of adventure-seeking consumers.”

Highlights from the report:

• Mood plays a major role in dessert consumption, with 63 per cent of consumers saying they are more likely to eat dessert when they want to treat or reward themselves
• 48 per cent of dessert occasions that take place after a restaurant meal do not occur at the same restaurant where the meal was consumed
• Younger consumers (ages 18-34) are willing to pay $1.50 per dessert topping, compared to just $0.70 among older consumers (ages 35+)

According to the Canadian Pizza National Industry Survey, 13 per cent of pizzerias found desserts a significant source of sales, fifth behind wings (58 per cent), salads (52), pasta (41), sandwiches (22) and beer (19).

To learn more, visit technomic.com.