CHICAGO, Nov. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- What's the outlook for the U.K. foodservice industry? After identifying the top emerging trends in the U.S. and Canada, leading food research and consulting firm Technomic zeroed in on the U.K. market and sees these five trends impacting restaurants in the coming year:
Trend 1: Fast-casual fever. The U.K. is due for a fast-casual revolution. The centre of industry growth in the U.S., the limited-service fast-casual segment attracts consumers—especially Millennials—with modern settings, higher quality and better-for-you fare while maintaining affordable cheque averages. As U.S. fast casuals like Smashburger and Chipotle continue to migrate to the U.K., expect to see more British operators launch their own fast-casual concepts—while operators in other segments stay on trend by adopting fast-casual elements, like build-your-own meals and smaller, more focused menus.
Trend 2: Global hybrids. Chefs are infusing a range of global flavours into modern cuisine to create something entirely new. Ingredients and culinary techniques sourced from the Middle East, South America and Southeast Asia will inspire hybrid dishes and fuel more menu-mashup innovation. Look for fusion preparations like tacos stuffed with Korean-inspired fillings and dumplings that pair Asian with European ingredients for an unexpected take on the familiar.
Trend 3: Move over, meat. Vegetables are claiming a starring role in the centre of the plate. Playing into the well-entrenched movement around local British foods, regionally grown vegetables are more likely than ever to be presented as the full meal. Watch for main-course salads, eclectic interpretations of superfoods like kale, and heartier veggie-centric preparations to delight guests in search of meatless mains that are healthful yet flavourful.
Trend 4: Off the clock. The old meal paradigm is shifting, as dining patterns and eating-out occasions are starting to reflect an ever-evolving consumer sensibility. Consumers aren't sticking to strict mealtimes these days; instead, they're increasingly gravitating toward food and service formats that can seamlessly integrate into their rapid-fire lifestyle. Expect snacks like bar bites and shareable fare to drive appeal during the hours after dinner, while grab-and-go platforms will expand across segments to make eating on the run easier any time of day.
Trend 5: Potent potables. The desire for deeper, more complex flavour profiles is driving the ongoing influx of bolder drinks. Trends point to robust-flavoured cold brews as the next big thing in coffee, while behind the bar, housemade bitters, sour IPAs and lesser-known cocktails that tout Fernet, Campari, Aperol and amaro digestifs will spur on this renaissance for flavour potency in beverages.
Click here to download the UK 2016 Trends Infographic
To inquire about food industry trend-tracking insights from Technomic, contact one of the individuals listed below. To connect with Technomic and receive additional updates, please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ or our blog.
Contacts
Sales Enquiries: Adrian Greaves, 07888 917811 or agreaves@technomic.com
Press Enquiries: Darren Tristano, 001 312 506 3850 or dtristano@technomic.com
Only Technomic, a Winsight Company, delivers a 360-degree view of the food industry. We drive growth and profitability for our clients by providing the most reliable, consumer-grounded, channel-relevant data with forward-looking strategic insights. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry. Visit us at technomic.com
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