DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 38| 2018

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. FOOD SAFARI IN LONDON

Our talented team here at Dawn Farms has created a virtual food safari unlike any other. Watch this video to see where we draw inspiration from for our culinary innovations> Just like the Lunch! food to go exhibition in London this week, the market is awash with innovative indulgent and health-inspired food-to-go products. Here we showcase a variety of taste influences from Asia, Latin America, and unique twists on old classics. Many ideas taken from the 13 stops in our safari have been since been tested in our kitchens. 

2. HONEY’S A HOT TOPIC AT KFC 

KFC America recently launched a nationwide Hot Honey campaign, featuring a mash-up of golden honey blended with a kick of mild peppers, and the furriest Colonel yet; Colonel Bear inspired by the nostalgic honey bottles in the shape of a bear. The new flavour joins the brand’s existing Southern-inspired flavors – Nashville Hot, Georgia Gold and Smoky Mountain BBQ – as a saucing option on Extra Crispy Tenders, Crispy Colonel Sandwiches, Chicken Littles and Extra Crispy Chicken. Click here to watch KFC’s Hot & Honey Ad>

3. AUTUMN MENU LAUNCHES

Earlier this week, Autumn hit the high street with the leading brands launching new seasonal lines. Greggs introduces the spicy BBQ Chicken Wrap, Cheese and Chutney Toastie alongside a hearty gluten-free Chicken, Roast Butternut  Squash and Greens Soup and even a Pumpkin Spiced Latte – click to view Gregg’s latest range> LEON has added new plant-based items to its autumn menu range while Pret A Manger’s range includes new toasted baguettes such as Spicy Chicken, Salt Beef & Pickles, Artichoke and Mozzarella and Prosciutto and Mozzarella. Costa’s seasonal offer includes an Ultimate Breakfast Wrap and spicy Chilli Con Carne Rice Pot. 

4. AUTUMN SUB-SAVERS @ SUBWAY  

There is a chill in the air but Subway is getting hot on price. Subway’s new Savers menu offers a range of snacks at entry level low prices. Newcomers include Hash Browns (6 for 99p); the Chorizo Flatbread (£1.19) which resembles a thin-crust pepperoni pizza slice. It has also launched topped Nachos (Doritos) with Taco Beef available as an add on (£2.99) targeting the mid-day snack. The Taco Beef also comes in a mini wrap (£1.49) along with salsa, lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese and light mayo. Subway’s ‘Sub of the Day’ also features in the Sub-Savers menu, offering consumers value for money every day of the week. 

5. AMAZON FRANCE 2 HOUR SNACKS 

Amazon and Monoprix have launched a virtual store on Prime Now that schedules delivery within just 2 hours and offers a much wider choice of products. For those in the eligible geographical zones, there is free delivery of more than 6,000 products including more than 270 catering products and 35 salads, sandwiches, and pizzas. With this move, suddenly Amazon France is in the takeaway arena>

6. FOODSERVICE GOES RETAIL 

Foodservice brands Giraffe and Ed’s Easy Diner have entered their first retail partnership with Tesco. From the start of this week, retail ranges will launch across 300 Tesco stores in the UK. Included in Giraffe’s range, priced at £2.50 each, are Patatas Bravas, Harissa Spiced Lamb Kofta, Pulled Beef Empanada and Fiery Korean Wings. Its main courses (£4) include Malay Vegetable Curry, Sri Lankan Prawn Curry, Lamb Tagine, Chicken Tinga, Katsu Breaded Chicken and Tamarind Duck Noodles. The foodservice to retail trend is gaining momentum, with other restaurant brands like Nando’s, TGI Friday’s, Wahaca already well-established in retail.

7. AMERICA’S FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS 

Fast casual is a recurring theme among America’s favourite restaurant chains in 2018 (Harris Poll, 77,000 consumers). The best burger restaurant is Five Guys; the best casual dining is The Cheesecake Factory and Texas Roadhouse; the best chicken restaurant is Chick-fil-A; the best Mexican restaurant is Taco Bell, the best pizza chain is Blaze Pizza, and the best sandwich shops are Panera Bread and Subway. Last year, Moe’s was voted best Mexican restaurant over Chipotle and Taco Bell but now Taco Bell is back on top. Dave and Buster’s Entertainment Inc is also entering the market with its own fast-casual "twisted-and-traditional food truck” concept called TNT Tacos.  

8. ICHIBUNS SCANNABLE BURGERS

Japanese diner Ichibuns has launched London’s first “burger bun-branded QR code”. Currently available for the spicy chicken karaage, wagyu beef and tempura veggie burger buns, each burger arrives with a dotted geometric pattern toasted into the top of the bun. Customers simply scan the QR code with their mobile device and will receive £7 off their first bill with the chance to receive 50% off their second purchase. This embraces digital devices in a way that engages with diners. By closing the loop on waste from bill receipts, these buns allow customers to keep on top of their spending while being connected to their meal.

9. MOVE OVER QUINOA 

An interesting new super grain from Thailand called Riceberry Rice has sparked a wave of interest amongst consumers for its distinct colour and nutritional benefits. Riceberry is a new  ‘insta-worthy’ rice variety that is black/purple in colour, aromatic, light and fluffy in texture and a flavour similar to Thai jasmine rice, making it an alternative to traditional milled ‘white’ rice. The grain’s wholesome nutrition profile is rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, and high in fibre and bran oil which aids in digestion, and slow down the effects of aging. Tt is typically an accompaniment to a meat dish and salads, where it compliments with other colourful vegetables.