In our app-happy age of head-spinning technological advancement, where more and more consumers have goods and services under their thumb—literally—thanks to their mobile devices, big data is a big deal.

Topics: Millennials, Restaurant Operations, Snacking, Trends

 It’s all good when it comes to whole grains, which seem to be on the front lines of the feeding frenzy for better-for-you fare. According to the International Food Information Council’s 2017 Food and Health Survey, 84% of consumers recognize whole grains as good for you, placing the foodservice staple among the top three wellness-promoting components (only vitamin D and fiber edged higher).¹

Topics: Millennials, Snacking, Trends

There’s a lot to love when it comes to social media. Today’s consumers certainly seem to think so. According to data from Mintel, a leading provider of market research, insight and analysis, 93% of Americans are social media users.¹

Topics: Millennials, Snacking, Trends, Marketing

Consumer demand for convenience seems to be picking up more and more speed in the foodservice industry. According to Mintel’s Foodservice Trends 2018, a quarter of consumers surveyed are dining out because they just don’t have the time to cook at home.¹ What’s more, the shift away from traditional office environments to a remote workforce could help drive demand for all-day dining and delivery, especially with nearly one in 10 survey participants dining out to work remotely.²

Topics: Technology, Millennials, Restaurant Operations, Trends

Limited-time offers have gone a long way for a long time, and foodservice operators continue to get a lot of mileage out of them as go-to business boosters.

Topics: Desserts, Millennials, Snacking, Trends, Marketing

Fast casual has been quick to turn a buck. As a subset of the limited service category, the segment seems to be feasting on market share. At a time when consumers hunger for quick and easy meal solutions that balance taste and nutrition, can an emphasis on good food fast be anything but a boon to the bottom line?

Topics: Millennials, Restaurant Operations, Trends

In a jam when it comes to boosting sales? Chances are jelly can spread them thick and sweet. Expected to reach $8.7 billion by 2021, the global jam, jelly and preserves market is projected to grow at a 3.2% compound annual growth during a six-year forecast period.¹

Topics: Millennials, Snacking, Trends

Foodservice may be in flux, what with shifting demographics, economic unpredictability and technological advances. But while foodservice operators can sometimes feel like their plates are piled high with uncertainty, there’s one thing they can count on: Flavor is always in favor, and 2018 is poised to be no exception. In fact, it seems on course to serve up a flavor fest.

Topics: Millennials, Snacking, Trends

Consumer interest in traditional approaches to diet and nutrition seems to be thinning out. While the focus for many weight-conscious consumers tended to be concentrated almost entirely on calorie intake, attention is shifting to a more holistic approach to wellness-oriented food consumption.

Topics: Millennials, Snacking, Trends

Good things come in small foodservice establishments, consumers seem to be saying. Despite a 4% falloff in total independent restaurant unit counts in 2017 compared to the previous year,¹ it looks like consumer demand for micro restaurants is having a sizable impact. According to the global industry analysis and advisory firm NPD Group, micro-chains are breaking the lock larger chains once had on growth.

Topics: Millennials, Restaurant Operations, Trends