As the foodservice industry shifts to accommodate changing customer demands and the evolving needs of food and beverage distributors, understanding the impacts of the 2023 food trends need to become a priority. By understanding the direction of foodservice sales and marketing is headed, you can prepare and plan for the future.
The foodservice market continues to evolve to satisfy the ever-increasing needs of consumers. Understanding the 2023 food trends before they become entrenched in the industry is key to ensuring your sales and marketing plans remain stay successful. In this article, we address several of the most frequently asked questions about the 2023 food trends.
Are Millennials Still Driving the Foodservice Industry?
It’s impossible to ignore the major impact that millennials have had on the foodservice industry. Although their influence is undeniable, there is evidence that other generations are also beginning to drive the industry.
The National Restaurant Association reports that Gen Z is now following closely behind millennials, with both generations accounting for 43 percent of all restaurant spending. Boomers have also become an important segment of the industry, accounting for 41 percent of restaurant visits in 2019.
It’s clear that the focus on millennials in the foodservice industry is beginning to shift, with other generations now needing to be considered. Keeping up with this shift in the industry is essential to stay competitive.
What Technologies Are Impacting the Foodservice Industry in 2023?
In response to the need for fast and efficient service, restaurant technology has been continually advancing over the past few years. Self-ordering kiosks have become an expected feature in many restaurants and drive-throughs, and payment apps are being adopted at an impressive rate.
The trend toward automation is becoming more prominent as well. Automation will continue to help streamline service processes for both restaurants and distributors. Automated supply chain systems are being incorporated for smarter purchasing and inventory processes, and kitchen automation is becoming common, allowing machines to take on labor-intensive tasks.
In addition, augmented reality and virtual reality are being used to help create engaging and immersive experiences. Augmented reality can visualize ingredients and new dishes, while virtual reality can help train staff without the need for one-on-one instruction.
What Types of Cuisine Will Become Popular in 2023?
As diverse palettes and cuisines become increasingly more accessible, it’s important to stay up to date on what types of cuisine are emerging as popular.
Plant-based proteins continue to be a popular choice among health-conscious diners. Restaurants are increasingly offering plant-based options to accommodate these customer preferences. International cuisines, such as Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian, will also continue to be popular.
Sustainability will remain a major trend when it comes to menu design. Consumers are looking for foods with a smaller environmental footprint and are prioritizing natural, local, and organic ingredients. Smaller-portioned dishes are becoming more popular as well, offering diners a more casual and flexible dining experience.
What Ways Are Diners Becoming More Tech Literate in 2023?
From mobile apps to voice-controlled devices, diners are becoming increasingly tech-literate. Mobile payments are becoming the norm, and customers are increasingly interacting with restaurants via mobile.
Voice-activated solutions are also becoming more prevalent in dining experiences. Voice ordering allows for quick and precise orders, while voice searches can provide more efficient searches for restaurant information.
Augmented reality solutions are being used to help customers visualize dishes and compare between different restaurant options. These technologies, among many others, are making the restaurant experience more immersive.
What Should Food and Beverage Distributors Expect in the Coming Years?
The foodservice industry is always evolving, and the coming years are sure to bring even more developments and innovations. Staying on top of the trends and the technologies driving them is essential for food and beverage distributors and restaurants alike to stay competitive.
Nimble distribution models, such as e-commerce and delivery, will continue to grow in importance. Automated supply chain systems and better visibility into production and demand will become a major priority. A keen focus on sustainability will be necessary to remain competitive in the market.
SALES PROSPECTING IN THE FOODSERVICE MARKET
The foodservice industry continues to expand and food and beverage distributors need to stay ahead of the competition. By understanding the 2023 food trends, distributors can not only stay competitive but also grow their business.
Effective sales prospecting involves understanding the market and knowing how to target potential customers. By researching industries and menu items, distributors can identify new opportunities and target specific customer segments.
MARKETING TO THE FOODSERVICE MARKET
Marketing to the foodservice market requires closely following and adapting to the changing customer preferences in the industry. It’s important to stay up to date on emerging trends and technologies to ensure your marketing plan remains successful.
Personalization, campaigns, and modern technologies, such as chatbots, are becoming essential to delivering a seamless customer experience. Understanding customer preferences and utilizing data-driven insights will also be important for successful marketing.
FIND KITCHENS & EXPAND OPERATIONS
Streamlining innovation and expanding operations requires detailed and up-to-date industry insights. Finding the right kitchens and ingredients can be made easier by researching and analyzing the importance of specific ingredients, production trends, and locations.
Having access to quality data can help uncover new, strategic opportunities for expansion throughout the country. Expansions can be tailored to complement logistics and comply with food safety regulations.
DATA ENRICHMENT
Data enrichment is essential for more comprehensive market insights a food and beverage distributor needs to make confident decisions about its operations.
Accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date data can help food and beverage distributors streamline processes, gain better visibility, and create more efficient production cycles. Having access to reliable and accurate data can help uncover new customer segments and opportunities.
Understanding the 2023 food trends is essential for food and beverage distributors to stay competitive. By staying up to date on emerging technologies, cuisines, and customer preferences, you can continue to grow your business.
