DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 37| 2018

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. SUMMER OF FLAVOURS  

While street food is arguably the ‘go to’ destination for inspiration on what’s hot in global flavours (value est. £1.2bn, MCA 2018); it's also worthwhile to see how these trends are manifesting in mainstream food-to-go and retail (note Iceland’s 12 new Mexicana ready meals). This summer’s media was dominated by the World Cup and the Royal Wedding but we also picked up on some core ingredient and flavour trends. Be inspired by how food brands have interpreted global cuisines in their Summer 2018 launches - click here to download our Summer of Flavours snapshot >  

2. SUMMER @ SUBWAY GERMANY

This summer Subway Germany launched a premium BBQ Beef Supreme sub available until November (holding onto the taste of summer) - watch the Subway video clip here> It proved an instant hit with German consumers in its 2017 testing phase - 82% of consumers said they would reorder on their next visit.  Meanwhile in the US, Subway has launched a new BBQ Rib Sandwich to rival McDonald’s popular McRib. It contains a boneless pork rib patty topped with BBQ sauce, pickles, onions and lettuce. 

3. JAMIE OLIVER & TESCO TEAM UP

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is teaming up with Tesco for the first time, as part of a health initiative. He'll create ‘healthier’ recipes from scratch and provide ‘helpful little swaps’ in store, ie alternatives with reduced levels of salt, sugar and fat, as well as on digital platforms. Some of the ingredients from the recipes will be reduced in price and placed together in-store to make it convenient for shoppers. Response from the media has been mixed; Jamie Oliver has featured in the press recently for his restaurant closures, but ultimately ‘influential retailer joins forces with influential chef in the fight against obesity’ seems to be the overriding opinion.  

4. CASUAL DINING IN FLUX  

Despite ongoing challenges and several high-profile closures, the casual dining sector gained an extra 35 million visits (7%) during the year ending June 2018 (source: NPD Group) to represent 5% share of the total out-of-home foodservice industry. Key growth drivers include ‘word of mouth’ recommendations on social media platforms and review sites along with an increase in family and young adult visits. Other drivers are the growth of delivery services which reduce barriers for entry for smaller brands through platforms like Just Eat and Deliveroo (up 9% YOY) and the use of meal deals and promotions and click & collect services which are up 25% YOY.  

5. RESPECT KATSU @ KFC  

KFC Singapore has just introduced its newest limited edition – the extra crunchy Tori Katsu Burger - watch the clip here> A marinated chicken fillet (tori means chicken) is coated in Japanese panko breadcrumbs and topped with shredded white cabbage and a savory Katsu sauce with mayonnaise drizzled on top. The Bonito Fries are also coated with the same sauce and mayo combo but topped with Bonito flakes.  

6. MOVE OVER AVOCADO TOAST...  

Staying with a Japanese theme; onigirazu is said to be the latest ‘alternative sandwich’ trend to emerge from Japan, taking Pinterest and other social media sites by storm, following in the footsteps of sushi, sushi burritos and steamed buns. Some say it is the new ‘avocado toast’ - simple, easy and insta-friendly. It’s a popular feature in Japanese bento boxes. The recipe varies but the main component is rice and can be made with any vegetables, meat, or fish all wrapped up in nori seaweed.

7. SUNDAY MUNCH AT PIZZA HUT

Ditch the Sunday roast and take the family to Pizza Hut instead. Pizza Hut has decided to roll out its unlimited pizza buffet nationwide as well ‘Buffet-exclusive’ prices on sides on Sundays on a trial basis between September 9th and October 28th.  In addition, the brand is also hiding 5 golden slices in restaurants across selected locations – London, Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff - offering diners the chance of winning £100 or £500.  

8. STARBUCKS STIRS THE COFFEE SCENE

Starbucks has entered the Italian retail market, with its "most beautiful Starbucks in the world". Located in Milan, Starbucks has transformed an old post office into a testing ground for ideas like using liquid nitrogen to freeze the ice cream for an affogato. The new café features a roastery, bar, bakery, and wood-fired oven serving up hand crafted pizzas to expand the brand’s current menu offerings. By night, the cafe transforms into traditional aperitivo offering cocktails, and light nibbles such as Starbucks’ rendition of Eggs in Purgatory, a spicy Italian egg dish. Click here to get an inside sneak peak of the 25,000-square-foot coffee roastery> 

9. EXPANDING SCOPE OF FOOD DELIVERY 

UK consumers ordering delivery has increased from 31% to 36% in the past six months (Deliveroo/Morar HPI).  Consumers enjoy the convenience and growing choice of meal options they can get delivered wherever they are; some two-thirds (67%) order from in front of their television. People still appreciate the social aspect of eating out, but food delivery is a popular option for an easy night in. According to Deliveroo, the scope for delivery has grown – no longer seen as a special occasion treat, it can be affordable, healthy and suit breakfast to late night meal occasions.