Food trends change as new products enter the market and new demographics express their food preferences. As with any innovative industry, there are frequently asked questions about food trends – definitions, why they matter, and how to track them. In this article, we answer those questions and provide an overview of the food trend research conducted by Brizo, a sophisticated data insights firm for the foodservice industry.
A food trend is the dominant food or flavor that is popularized and consumed both in restaurants and by the general public. It is not restricted to a specific dish or product – although dishes often spark or reflect food trends. Food trends are usually differentiated by flavor or ingredient, though they may also include new cooking techniques, such as sous vide cooking or smoking. These can be classified as “long-term trends” that are deeply rooted in the culture and will last for years, or smaller-scale “short-term trends” that are based on current food fads.
Food trends are important for both restaurant owners and food companies for a variety of reasons. For restaurants, understanding the current food trends helps them to create menus that keep up with the times and attract new customers. At the same time, restaurants can track sales on popular menu items and adjust their recipes accordingly. Food companies also use food trends as a basis for developing new products to capitalize on current taste preferences and maximize sales.
Food trends are tracked by data-driven research firms like Brizo. Brizo’s FoodTrends Database contains tens of thousands of menus and kitchen operations from restaurants around the world, providing detailed insight into the culinary trends and preferences of consumers. This data helps food companies identify profitable product lines, assess market saturation and guide product placement decisions. Additionally, Brizo also provides timely data on restaurant tech usage, sales funnels and restaurant growth trends, giving corporate professionals a complete view of the foodservice industry.
Businesses can use Brizo’s food trend insights to enable sales and marketing strategies tailored to the preferences of the foodservice market. Sales teams can use this information to target prospective customers more efficiently and convert leads more quickly. For marketing, trend data can be used to gauge potential customer interest and optimize promotional campaigns. Food companies can identify potential areas for growth and expand into new markets with confidence.
