The world of foodservice is a fast-paced, ever-changing industry that is highly impacted by consumer eating habits. It is important for restaurant technology providers to gain insight into contemporary consumer trends in order to better cater to the needs of the industry. This article will explore the top 10 things to consider when researching current consumer eating habits and explain how it can inform the decisions of restaurant and food manufacturing technology providers.
First and foremost, it is important to understand current dining environments and how they are impacting consumer eating habits. With the advent of technology, more people are opting for contactless delivery and takeout options instead of dining out in person, leading to an increase in the off premise dining trend. Meanwhile, some technologies have been correlated to the rise of online restaurant platforms, which enable customers to order food through their phones or computers. Additionally, as many restaurants are increasingly trying to create unique experiences, new technologies are being employed to provide customers with immersive dining experiences.
Overall, restaurant technology providers should consider trends related to how individuals are purchasing restaurant food and where they are doing so. This includes not only analyzing data trends but also researching digital platforms used to purchase food (if any) and the percentage of sales that are done in a traditional or contactless setting. Additionally, understanding the types of lifestyles customers are living and how they respond to perks such as loyalty programs and discounts can be invaluable for insight into the current foodservice industry.
Next, analyzing menu trends and understanding customer preferences is integral when exploring consumer eating habits. This includes tracking current menu items and prices of restaurant dishes, as well as the trends of nutrient-dense ingredients and healthy lifestyle food trends. Restaurant technology providers should analyze menu items that people are most likely to order, as this data will allow for a more fine-tuned understanding of consumer preferences and a better chance of targeting the right customers. Understanding specific diets and whether customers are looking for complete meals versus individual items is key when considering purchasing preferences.
Furthermore, restaurants should stay up to date on seasonal trends and regional food preferences. Identifying local food preferences enables restaurants to target their desired target audience by providing them with customized menus and food products. Staying knowledgeable about seasonal trends in recipe ingredients and the types of proteins customers are looking for can allow restaurants to meet the needs of their customers while also taking advantage of cost-effective ingredients. Finally, understanding how customer reviews and national news are affecting the way customers view restaurant technology is important (e.g., PPP loan programs).
Ultimately, it’s important for restaurant technology providers to stay informed on the latest customer trends and take advantage of data-driven insights. By understanding the types of dining environments customers are utilizing and the types of menu items they are most likely to buy, restaurants can develop nuanced strategies that will help them to better-serve their customer base. Furthermore, understanding regional preferences in terms of cuisine and item selection can enable restaurants to provide more tailored services to their local customers as well as assist in marketing efforts.
