DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 48| 2018

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. PAPA JOHN’S CELEBRITY OSTRICH

To celebrate the launch of the hit ITV show I’m A Celebrity, which hit almost 12mn views on its first episode earlier this month; Papa John’s UK launched a limited edition BBQ Ostrich Pizza nationwide. This features ostrich meat crumble on a BBQ base topped with red and green peppers, red onions and mozzarella cheese. Ostrich meat is only half the calories of the leanest protein choice, turkey. For in-store excitement Papa John’s also challenged customers to join them for their own ‘bush tucker challenge' - click here to find out more>  

2. 10 GLOBAL SNACK TRENDS

US snacking trends show health continues to dominate, with particular emphasis on clean label and protein claims. Launches highlighting protein claims grew at a 31% CAGR with Nuts & Seeds and Meat Snacks leading the sub-categories last year (Innova Market Insights). As snacks become healthier, more wholesome and satisfying, they are increasingly fulling the role of mini meals. Snacks incorporating savoury ingredients such as meat, cheese, herbs and spices invigorate the snacking landscape. Meat sticks in a bag continue to be a growing segment along with artisan style, ‘adultification’ and portable packaging. Click here to watch 10 Global Snack Trends >>

3.  FITNESS-FOCUSED READY MEALS

Look out for a new range of ready meals exclusive to Tesco targeting everyday athletes by British food manufacturer, Samworth Brothers. Responding to increasing consumer demand for healthier convenience options, EatFit meals come in three variants – Cajun Chicken, Turmeric Chicken and Pad Thai Chicken. They are high in protein, clean dec, low in fat, sugar and salt as well as being ‘healthy, hearty and delicious’. A simple name with a strong message; EatFit’s brand strategist sees it as a “serious brand with weighty nutritional claims, not a faddish challenger”. EatFit is co-branded with Samworth’s sports-supplement brand SCI-MX. 

4.  DOMINO'S OFFICIAL PIZZA PREP

The latest installment of Domino’s UK ‘Official Food of Everything’ campaign sees it take on the role of what to eat when getting ready for a night out.  As the ‘Official Food of the Night In Before the Night Out”, Domino’s wants to own the occasion. Since it launched in 2017, Domino’s has been the official food of everything from breakups to Valentine’s Day and the aftermath of a children’s party – watch the clip here> 

5. CHRISTMAS DAY DINING OUT

UK diners are increasingly tempted to hand over the stress of cooking Christmas dinner to restaurants, and instead enjoy the day with family and friends. In the last 5 years, Christmas Day dining rates in the UK have increased by 240%. According to OpenTable, Londoners are most drawn to dining out on Christmas Day, while the most popular go-to food choice is traditional British cuisine, ranking at 19% of all bookings, followed by Italian food, 12%, Modern European, 8%, and finally Indian and French food ranking at 7%.  Hoping to grow its share of Christmas footfall is Nando’s with its new warming peri-peri chicken gravy.

6. FAMILY TIME DINING

Frankie & Benny’s has outraged some of its diners with its recent mobile phone ban whilst eating. Aimed at families with young children, the American-style diner will have no-phone zones in 250 of its restaurants. Boxes at the table are provided to leave your phone in on arrival and collect on your way out. The restaurant chain has become the first UK outlet to test this initiative, which follows research showing that 72% of children wished their parents spent less time on their phone while over half of these children aged between 6-16 said they felt ignored. Kids eat for free for those families who go along with it.

7. THE GRAND WHISKEY BBQ

Burger King Spain has launched new limited-edition hamburgers – Grand Whiskey BBQ and Grand Whiskey BBQ Tendercrisp. Yes, that’s whiskey with an ‘e’. The beef or chicken burgers are topped with Whiskey BBQ sauce, a Goat’s Cheese medallion, tomato and come sandwiched in a beer-baked bread roll. Watch the Burger King video clip here>

8. HUT REWARDS IN THE UK

After a successful rollout in the US, Pizza Hut is to launch its first loyalty programme in the UK. The Hut Rewards programme will enable customers to earn a special reward currency called “Slices”, with one slice earned for every £10 spent. The rewards will be split into three levels – consumers will receive a free side dish for 5 slices, a free medium pizza for 7 slices, and a free large pizza for 10 slices, at which point the programme then restarts. This will enable customers to connect with the brand, receive promotions and earn rewards across channels.

9. ORKLA SETS SIGHTS ON KOTIPIZZA

European food manufacturing group, Orkla has announced its bid to buy the fast-growing Kotipizza Group, Finland’s largest pizza chain. The offer values Kotipizza at around €146mn, generating €84mn net sales in 2017. Kotipizza operates about 280 locations in the country which are nearly all franchise-operated and also owns the purchasing and wholesale company, Helsinki Foodstock. Following the completion of the deal, the business will be operated as an independent entity in Orkla, while retaining the existing management team. Orkla plans to expand into the dynamic delivery channel and sees promise in the growing Finnish QSR marketplace.