Innovation, change and new development are coming to the food and beverage industry at a rapid pace. As hotels, restaurants, and ghost kitchens work with a changing world and customer base, there are some trends that are here to stay and are growing quickly across the industry. Here are the top new restaurant trends to watch in the coming years.
1. Massive Growth for Food and Beverage DTC
The direct-to-consumer model for the food and beverage industry is seeing massive growth. This is due in part to the changing consumer behavior, as well as the increasing availability of technology and data. This has led to a surge in food and beverage companies developing and marketing their products through DTC channels. Now companies can increase profit margins and reach customers directly with more targeting selling.
2. More Robot Kitchen Assistants
As the food and beverage industry becomes more automated, robots are becoming increasingly common in kitchens. These machines are used for tasks such as preparing food, cleaning, and serving customers. As technology continues to develop, we can expect to see even more robots in kitchens across the globe. For now, single-purpose robotics are the most popular for automating simple tasks in prep kitchens and on the line.
3. Vertical Farming on the Rise
Vertical farming has more visibility than ever, thanks to its many benefits. These benefits include the ability to produce more food with less land, as well as the reduced environmental impact it has. As the food and beverage industry becomes more sustainable, vertical farming is likely to continue to grow in popularity, with traditional farming adapting along the way alongside new startups blazing the trail.
4. Consumers Demand Vegan Food Options
Consumers are demanding more vegan food options, and the food and beverage industry is responding by developing vegan products in every foodservice channel. This is a trend that is likely to continue as more consumers become aware of the benefits of veganism, and menus in restaurants, as well as takeout selections, are sure to continue to expand.
5. Connected Kitchen Gadgets Gain Traction
As the food and beverage industry becomes more connected, kitchen gadgets that allow for remote monitoring and control are becoming increasingly prevalent. This allows chefs and kitchen staff to manage the kitchen from a distance, which is a great advantage in today’s fast-paced world. Data collection is also increasingly important for kitchens looking for ways to optimize operations.
6. Home Cooks Find Inspiration on Social Media
As the food and beverage industry becomes more visible on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Tik Tok, home cooks are finding inspiration on social media. This is due in part to the increasing availability of cooking videos, recipe blogs, and other food content on social media. As the food and beverage industry becomes more engaged with social media, it is likely that this trend will continue to grow.
7. Food Becomes a Wellness Category
Wellness is now comprised of food and beverages in a more prominent way. This is due in part to the increasing awareness of the benefits of eating healthy and the popularity of health and fitness documentaries. As the food and beverage industry becomes more popular, we can expect to see more food products marketed as healthy and good for you.
Social media influencers are also contributing to this trend and bringing more wellness-based food content to their followers.
8. Fermented Drinks Grow in Popularity
Fermented drinks are growing as a food and beverage trend because of their health benefits, which have largely remained more obscure in the past. These drinks are made from fruits, vegetables, and grains that have been fermented, which gives them a unique flavor and texture.
9. Mushrooms Become a Consumer-Favorite
Mushrooms are quickly becoming a consumer favorite because of their unique flavor and texture, as well as the fact that they are a healthy option no matter what diet you are on. Mushrooms can be used in a variety of foods and even some drinks. They are a source of protein, fiber, and vitamins, and they can be used in dishes that are typically considered unhealthy, such as pizza and pasta.
10. The Food Industry is Moving Quickly to Adapt to New Restaurant Trends
No matter what the food and beverage trend is, the industry is moving quickly to adapt to them. The restaurant industry has typically been traditional and slower to move, but that is changing as technology and changing consumer behavior plays a bigger role. This has led to a number of new restaurant trends that are still evolving, such as the rise of fast-casual restaurants and the growth of the delivery food industry.
From these and other hotel food and beverage trends, we can see that there are endless opportunities for new innovation. Learn more and stay on top of all the new restaurant trends with Total Food Service, the leading foodservice industry news publication. Subscribe today!
