When it comes to food trends, there is often a wide variety of options and considerations. One of the most popular and trendiest foods items across the United States is pumpkin –– so how do foodservice professionals evaluate this popular trend? Since this type of seasonal food item is found throughout a number of different restaurant types and restaurants, it is important to take a look and dive deeper into this trend to understand what foodservice professionals should consider when evaluating the pumpkin trend.
To start, one of the key considerations when assessing any food trend is the product availability. With pumpkin, the availability of the product greatly impacts the food service provider as it influences the prices and the quality of the supply. Knowing when and where the product is available and being able to source it with enough time to prepare ahead, is very important. Investigations into the provider often need to be undertaken to ensure that the restaurant is purchasing a quality and safe product. Moreover, the availability must be verified to check the consistency of the supply, as shortages and product variability can lead to costly delays.
Furthermore, it is important to analyze the type of pumpkin that is available for sale. As we have already mentioned, pumpkin is a seasonal item, so it is important to ensure that the available pumpkins fit the desired season. It is also critical to check the varieties of pumpkin that are available to evaluate which are best suited for the preparations required. For example, pumpkins with sweet, rather than starchy, flesh are usually more suitable for preparation of desserts and custards. Ultimately, any foodservice professional should be able to find the right type for their needs.
In terms of pricing, foodservice professionals must take a comprehensive approach when it comes to pumpkin. Since this is a seasonal product, the prices are often subject to change. Also, since the availability may also depend on season, the cost could be far greater than what it was previously. As such, foodservice professionals should constantly keep an eye on prices and shop carefully for the best value. Furthermore, any discounts or promotions regarding pumpkin should also be taken into account in order to maximize savings.
Finally, pumpkin must arrive satisfactory with the restaurant or catering service. Quality assurance must be taken into account every step of the way, from farm to kitchen. Restaurants must ensure that the pumpkins they receive are free from rot, pests, and contamination. Pumpkins should also be fresh and ripe with no signs of spoilage. After the pumpkins have been assessed and checked, they must be stored correctly to ensure retention of their freshness and quality.
Foodservice professionals should consider a variety of factors in order to evaluate the pumpkin trend, including availability, type, pricing, and quality. Taking all of these factors into account and using specialized insights from the foodservice market analytics platform, such as Brizo, can help to ensure that this seasonal food category is handled properly. By using data-driven insights, foodservice professionals can streamline their operations and capitalize on this popular seasonal food item.
