Twists on classic fare big in 2017: Technomic

Chicago – Technomic has identified five themes that will define consumer food-service behaviour in the U.S. this year is a leaning toward modern, unique twists on classic items.

“Overarching trends related to increased demand for high-quality, better-for-you fare and unique yet convenient foodservice experiences will not subside,” said Kelly Weikel, Technomic’s director of consumer insights, in a news release. “However, the way that consumers define these important elements and their willingness and ability to pay more for them increasingly varies from one consumer to the next. This year it will be especially important for operators to understand niche consumer groups and meet expectations at a range of value tiers.”

Technomic’s 2017 Consumer Trends Forecast highlights five areas of focus:

• Patronage polarization — Instability has reached new levels due to increasing uncertainty. Though lower- and middle-class consumers will curb food-service spending until instability subsides expect few cutbacks among affluent consumers.
• Creating community — Concepts will increasingly be positioned as places for people and communities to connect, give back, recuperate, and foster diversity and inclusivity.
• Old World Revival — Today’s consumers crave new foods and experiences but seek the comfort that familiar options provide. Look for more modern, unique twists on classic fare.
• Food beyond fuel — Healthy intentions are starting to drive healthier orders, even away from home. Operators will increasingly tout a balanced approach as the “best medicine” to support an overall healthy lifestyle.
• Robotic takeout tech — More operators will provide technology such as delivery drones and robots, chatbots and enhanced online ordering to drive off-premise sales.

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