DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 24| 2021

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. RISING FOOD PRICES

Supply chain pressures continue which is resulting in rising food prices. Operators are having to increase menu prices to cope. Restaurant chains in the US including McDonald’s and KFC are paring back $5-and-under “value” items in favour of more expensive $10-to-$30 combination meals, a strategy employed to lift sales and profits and offset these rising food costs. While in the UK, almost 40% of grocery retail suppliers said they expected costs to rise by more than 7% this year, with more than 15% expecting increases into double-digit figures. The cause of these supply chain pressures include labour shortages, rising transport costs as well as a shortage of containers globally.   

2. CONSUMER TRENDS GETTING PERSONAL 

The previous FMCG marketing journey had focused on products and groups of consumers, but now there is a shift toward individuals and engagement. More than ever before, brands need to become human-centric which involves letting consumers to own and architect the brand. The shift from focusing on consumers to people is not easy. Nestle USA have set up services such as the ‘Toll House Cookie Coach’, a web-based service that helps people learn more about baking and personalizing snacks. 

3. MYMCDONALDS LOYALTY PROGRAMME

McDonalds kicks off their MyMcDonalds loyalty programme in the US next week. The Rewards programme which has been tested for several months gives consumers points for every dollar they spend in the chain's restaurants. McDonalds see the loyalty programme as a gateway to knowing what the customer wants and as a way of driving sales and traffic. Earlier this week an expansion drive for McDonalds in the UK and Ireland was announced with plans to hire 20,000 workers and open 50 new restaurants. 

4. GROCEMANIA'S FIRST DARK STORE

Grocemania, the online delivery platform has launched it’s first dark store in Kingston, followed by a second one due to launch next month in Twickenham. The new stores allow consumers to order groceries and have them delivered to their home within 15 minutes. Over 300 retailers have already signed up to the app, including Nisa, Londis and Budgens, and will benefit from a more cost-effective storage system. Grocemania have big plans to expand the dark stores further across the UK later this year.  

5. MIGHTY PLANTS ONLINE PLANT-BASED SUPERMARKET

Mighty Plants, the UK producer of dairy-free ice cream, ‘Fravocado’ launches the UK’s first plant-based only supermarket online, enabling consumers to order sustainable products delivered to their front door. The online ‘frozen aisle’ will offer dairy-free ice cream, vegan ready meals and plant-based meat alternative. The brands are carefully selected and show the same ethos as Mighty Plants, including innovative ingredients, plastic-free and using biodegradable packaging. With recent investment from Dimatrix, the founders are ready to take Mighty Plants to the next level.  

6. TACO BELL VEGAN CHALUPA SHELL

Taco Bell are trialling a vegan chalupa shell made from pea protein. The new launch will kick-off in California and will sell for $3.49. The idea stems from it’s popular Naked Chicken Chalupa which launched back in 2017, and has appeared on the menu in following years as an LTO. Taco Bell strives to be the leader for meat-free choice in the QSR industry. Consumers can also order any meals in ‘fresco’ style which means the meat and dairy will be replaced for vegan suitable add-ons.  

7. CHICKPEA PIZZA CRUST LAUNCHES

California Pizza Kitchen introduces chickpea pizza crusts, made from chickpeas, chai seeds and a touch of honey. Alternative crusts are a popular way for the health-conscious consumers to add protein and fibre to their meal whilst cutting carbs. Oath Pizza also jumped on the trend a couple of weeks ago as it replaces cauliflower crusts with a chickpea option, available in 50 restaurants. The switch of ingredients came as more consumers ask for more gluten-free and vegan options.  

8. AMERICAN MENU TRACKER

Barbecue and fruity options are hitting American QSR menus in time for summer. According to the latest menu trackers in the US, citrus inspired BBQ concepts are trending. Fat burger and Elevation Burger both launch a Hawaiian Grilled Pineapple burger, Wendy’s brings back it’s strawberry chicken salad and Taco Bell introduce a Crispy Chicken taco with honey mango sauce. Other trending ingredients featured include corn and chickpeas.  

9. EXCLSUIVE DINING AT LA SAMARITAINE 

The long awaited, historic La Samaritaine department store has reopened in Paris after 16 years of renovations.  Its entire 5th floor is devoted to food with 12 exclusive dinging areas each the result of an exclusive concepts. Top names include Michelin starred restaurant Voyage, Signature Bakery Ernest, Street Caviar. Dalloyau, Dinette. Voyage menu items include mini croque monsieur sandwich bites made with wagyu beet and filet of sole in a champagne. Snacking is not to be outdone and options include sustainable coffee at the Zinc kiosk or the Sweet Corner by Bogato. 

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