The foodservice industry is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing tastes and preferences of consumers. One of the biggest trends in the foodservice industry is the growing demand for desserts. From cakes and cupcakes to cookies and brownies, desserts are becoming increasingly popular in restaurants, cafés, and other establishments dedicated to foodservice.
This surge in demand for sweet treats has led to an increased interest in dessert culture. Restaurants are increasingly turning to innovative recipes and flavors that are creating a new appreciation for desserts. Consumers are more likely to pay for desserts if they believe the dish is unique and of higher quality than something they could make at home. With this in mind, restaurants are revamping their dessert menus and offering more creative options.
This article will provide an in-depth look at dessert trends in the foodservice industry. We’ll explore the increasing demand for desserts, the innovative recipes and flavors being introduced, and the strategies restaurants are using to stay ahead of the competition. Finally, we’ll analyze the impact of these trends on sales and discuss the need for foodservice providers to remain informed of the latest developments in the dessert trendscape.
Demand for Desserts
The demand for desserts has grown rapidly in recent years as people from all walks of life come to appreciate the indulgence of a sweet treat. This has been particularly true for millennials and younger generations, which have a profound appreciation for enticing sweet experiences. A 2018 survey revealed that 78% of Millennials have a “sweet tooth.”
This increased demand for desserts has been fueled by the proliferation of dessert-centric influencers, such as Instagram bloggers and YouTube videos, who have become successful food celebrities by introducing unique recipes and styling ideas for desserts. These influencers have allowed consumers to discover new ways of enjoying desserts, inspiring them to experiment with different recipes and flavors.
Innovative Recipes and Flavors
In an effort to meet the rising demand for desserts, restaurants are introducing innovative recipes and flavors to captivate their target audience. From savory ice creams and salted caramel macarons to blackberry rose crumble bars and vegan raspberry cheesecake, restaurants are introducing imaginative dishes that are difficult to recreate at home.
The trend towards using unique, exotic ingredients is also increasingly popular. Think turmeric macarons, matcha tea ice cream, and plant-based mug cake. Restaurants are also experimenting with healthier alternatives, such as coconut-based pudding and fruit-based tarts and parfaits.
Strategies to Stay Ahead of the Competition
To maximize the success of their dessert menus, many restaurants are adding dessert platters, pairing desserts with drinks, and offering dessert boxes and special deals.
Dessert platters allow restaurants to create multiple options for customers who want to sample different flavors of desserts. Pairing desserts with drinks, such as offering a coffee combo with cakes and puddings, is another popular strategy. This is especially popular for cafés and cafeterias, where customers can purchase a complete meal consisting of drinks and a dessert.
Restaurants are also appealing to customers by offering dessert boxes, which are a great way to make sure everyone gets a taste of each new flavor. Many restaurants have also implemented creative loyalty programs to reward customers who continue to purchase their desserts.
Impact on Sales
It is no surprise that as dessert trends become increasingly popular, sales for restaurants that offer desserts are increasing rapidly. According to a survey of restaurant owners, most of them experienced significantly increased dessert sales in the past year. The survey revealed that 82% of restaurant owners have seen an increase in dessert sales compared to the year before.
This proves that restaurants offering unique desserts are seeing the benefit of catering to the increasing demand of their customers. As the demand for desserts grows, restaurants will continue to benefit from the trend by successfully leveraging the sweet treats.
Conclusion
As the dessert trend continues to gain steam in the foodservice industry, restaurants must remain informed of the latest developments to stay ahead of the competition. By introducing innovative recipes and flavors, pairing desserts with drinks, offering dessert boxes and loyalty programs, restaurants can enjoy rapid growth in dessert sales. By leveraging the latest trends in dessert culture, restaurants can ensure that their customers are satisfied and coming back for more.