2023 is just around the corner so we’re looking at some of the food and drink trends that will shape the next 12 months…
Budgets tightening…
As the cost-of-living crisis rumbles on, 72% of shoppers admit they are now being more mindful about what they are spending, according to @Waitrose & Partners’ Food and Drink Report. Consumers will be looking for ways to make savings when they buy groceries, as well as potentially minimising their out of home purchases. We believe people will still be looking to treat themselves, but as eating out in restaurants, cafes and bars is becoming more of a high-value luxury, it’s pivotal for operators to evolve their offering to provide something that can’t be recreated in the home.
Sustainability…
We’re looking to make more mindful choices when heading out for food and drink, with almost half (45%) of us saying that a venue’s commitment to sustainability is an important part of deciding where to go and spend money (Nutritics, 2022). With that in mind, chefs should embrace sustainability and in 2023 we expect to see more plant-based dishes on the menu, which can help to reduce the carbon footprint when compared to meat and dairy recipes.
There will be an increased demand for transparency on menus and packaging to help climate-conscious customers, according to @Whole Foods’ 2023 forecasts. For those businesses who want to clearly showcase the carbon emissions and water usage of their food, environmental tracking software such as Foodprint from Nutritics can empower consumers to make informed choices relative to planetary boundaries.
Social inspiration…
We’ll continue to look towards social media for mid-week recipe ideas in 2023, with TikTok a hub for delicious, decadent and downright peculiar foodie inspiration. Hospitality outlets can join in the fun as well and raise their own awareness, showcasing their culinary expertise to a wider audience via popular how-to videos.
New and old flavours…
Foodservice provider @Bidfood identified a growing interest in retro-themed dishes in the months ahead, tapping into nostalgic childhood flavours, especially when it comes to sweet treats. Looking further afield, they picked out Cuban and Sri Lankan food as two emerging cuisines that could shine in 2023, as well the evolution of the humble pizza, with its versatility lending itself to creative innovation.
That’s plenty of food for thought.
What shines through from our recent consumer research is that menus and outlets that are honest and open about their sustainability credentials, as well as the steps being taken to further reduce their environmental impact, will give themselves a good foundation for a successful 2023.
About Foodprint from Nutritics…
Foodprint is the pioneering, fully automated Environmental Impact scoring system for the Hospitality and Foodservice sector. Foodprint has been created by Nutritics, the market leader in foodservice technology with a track record of creating best-in-class solutions. Our vision is to be the world’s most trusted food data management software, delivering valuable insights to enable better informed food choices.