The foodservice market is faced with challenging decisions as it attempts to anticipate and respond to food trends, so understanding the pros and cons of food trends 2023 is critical. Businesses must make sure they have the data and insights needed to make informed decisions, and this is where services like Brizo come in. With the help of such services, restaurant operators can use detailed market intelligence and data enrichment to assist in making key decisions about menu items, sales, marketing, operations, and more.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the current food service landscape and discuss the pros and cons of food trends for 2023. We will draw on insights from Brizo, as well as discuss other services and solutions such as sales prospecting, market segmentation, and kitchen personnel needs. Finally, we will conclude by summarizing the key takeaways about food trends 2023 and how restaurant operators can best prepare for what’s to come.
Overview of the Food Service Landscape
The food service sector is one of the largest industries in the US, employing over 18 million individuals and generating over $800 billion in sales. The sector is heavily dependent on consumer tastes and preferences, and as such, it is highly sensitive to changes in the food trends. These changes include industry specific trends in food technology, customer demands, and the collective preferences of consumers.
Customers of the foodservice industry are typically segmented into three main demographics: family diners, independent professionals, and business meetings. Each demographic has its own needs and preferences when it comes to food. For example, family diners prefer quick and simple meals, while independent professionals look for healthier options. Business meetings, on the other hand, often demand more luxurious choices.
Pros and Cons of Food Trends 2023
Food trends for 2023 are sure to bring some major changes to the foodservice industry. Here, we will outline the pros and cons of some of the key trends.
One of the most influential trends is the rise of plant-based proteins. Customers are increasingly favoring plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, and seitan over traditional beef and pork. This can have a positive effect on businesses, as plant-based proteins tend to be more affordable and have a greater variety of flavors. On the other hand, the alternative proteins are not as well-known yet, so restaurant operators need to ensure that they provide adequate information about the new proteins to customers.
Another popular food trend is the rise of the fast-casual restaurant. These restaurants offer higher quality food at a faster pace than traditional sit-down restaurants, making them an attractive option for customers on the go. However, this can lead to tensions between restaurant operators and customers due to long wait times, as well as customers potentially feeling like they’re being rushed through their meal.
Finally, the use of technology in foodservice is on the rise. With the increasing demand for delivery services, restaurants are turning to technology to help them manage orders, process payments, and control inventory. Customers appreciate the convenience of online ordering, but operators are incentivised to maximize profits and risk missing out on customer relationships if they become reliant on technology.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways
The foodservice industry is constantly evolving, and it is essential for businesses to keep track of the trends and understand the pros and cons associated with each one. Plant-based proteins, fast-casual restaurants, and the increased use of technology are some of the key trends that will shape the industry in 2023.
When considering the implications of these food trends, restaurant operators should consider how their customer base affects the availability and pricing of alternative proteins, the pros and cons of faster, technology-driven service options, and the importance of customer relationships when using technology. Furthermore, it is a good idea to utilize services such as Brizo to stay ahead of the industry and use data-driven insights to assist in decision making.
