DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 15| 2020

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. KICKSTART THE AMERICAN ECONOMY 

Eager to kickstart the American economy, Trump has selected more than 200 leaders from various areas such as business, travel, agriculture and sport to assist the federal government in strategic planning. There are 17 industry groups and the food and beverage group consist of leaders of major restaurant groups and suppliers. Those participating include the CEO’s of McDonald’s, Subway, YUM Brands, Papa John’s, Chick-fil-A, Tyson, Perdue Farms, Sysco, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Kraft Heinz and many more. The CEO’s of the National Restaurant Association and the International Franchise Association will also be participating in the collaboration. Trump plans for a “rolling recovery” to restart the economy imminently.

2. BURGER KING NEW LAUNCHES 

Burger King Canada has launched a Roasted Garlic King Sandwich which includes two beef patties, two cheese slices, crispy onions and bacon topped with Renée’s Garlic Aioli sauce. The new burger will be available at select locations for a limited time. Meanwhile, Burger King South Korea has partnered with Pinfong, creators of viral children’s song, 'Baby Shark', to introduce a range of three Baby Shark Family Shrimp Burgers to appeal to Baby Shark fans. In the US, Burger King is giving students a chance to win free Whoppers by answering academic questions correctly. The chain will be quizzing people on their social media channels on subjects such as chemistry, math and literature.

3. QSR’S PLAN TO REOPEN

Some of the UK’s leading foodservice providers have announced plans to reopen safely. Burger King have decided to reopen 4 stores across the UK on a trial basis, offering a limited menu. Staff will be wearing masks and gloves and will be trained to operate delivery only. Similarly, KFC have reopened 11 of their restaurants in the UK with a limited menu and delivery only. Pret a Manger will reopen 10 stores within proximity of London hospitals to cater for NHS staff, offering them half-priced food. Aldi has announced the launch of an online delivery service, which has been specifically designed to help their vulnerable customers. Shoppers will be able to order food parcels on Aldi's website for home delivery which contain 22 shelf-stable products.

4. A CHANGED INDUSTRY

The Food People have revised their trends forecast for 2020-21 as the industry navigates this unique situation which allows for long-term innovation. The main theme they see is ‘Thoughtful Capitalism’ as consumers are now concerned with where products have come from, what is in them, who they should buy from and how they can make the most of them. Our food systems have been redefined as shopping locally and online is necessary and hygiene standards are raised. There is also more acknowledgement given to those previously overlooked such as cashiers, local shops, producers. Ultimately, the foodservice industry will never be the same as supply chains are now in the spotlight. 

5. DELIVERIES ON THE RISE

Reports show fewer office or corporate orders, with employees working remotely, but with often   lengthy online grocery slots for supermarkets, people view takeaways as a more convenient option. Comfort food is key with a notable increase in pizza and other such favourites. Just Eat reported that consumers are also eating approximately 2.5 hours earlier at 5pm with a surge in takeaways from Monday through Wednesday. Lunch orders also follow this pattern, with most requests being placed before mid-day. With consumers tiring of at-home cooking, or simply seeking to revamp their daily routine, food delivery apps are a way to shake up the norm. Both limitations on movement and restaurants visits mean consumers are ordering much more frequently than pre-COVID-19.

6. REACHING FANS AT HOME

With eating in a Wahaca restaurant currently off-limits, Wahaca will come to you in their new online series. Over the next few weeks, Wahaca co –founder, Thomasina Miers, will be filming easy recipes for fans to cook up a storm with the brand’s Mexican-inspired dishes at home. Coupled with feisty Wahaca-vibe playlists and signature cocktails, there are plenty of fun things to do for all of the family. Fans will be able to satisfy their cravings with Wahaca renowned recipes such as Tommi’s Chilli Picadillo, Chilli Chicken Quesadilla’s and Beef Barbacoa. Wagamama is hosting a similar online series called ‘Wok from Home’, in which their head chef leads fans through making a signature dish from his own kitchen every week.

7. CREATE THE NEXT PRET SANDWICH

Pret a Manger is calling all customers to get creative in their hunt for the Next Pret Sandwich. The winning sandwich chosen from public submissions will be featured as a ‘Chef’s Special’ in their stores for a limited time. Entries can be made via social media on all platforms and by tagging Pret a Manger in their photo submission. Along with having your sandwich creation available for other customers to try, the winner will receive a £500 Pret gift card and an honorary Pret chef apron. Inspiration for entries are already being shared on Pret’s Facebook page, including ‘Greek Summer Gyro’s’ and ‘The Perfect Mac n’ Cheese’ sandwiches. 

8. TESCO’S FOOD LOVE STORIES 

Tesco has launched a new ad in its long-running ‘Food Love Stories’, highlighting the importance of food in people’s lives amid COVID-19. Research shows a dramatic increase in online searches for ‘recipes’ in the UK since lockdown began and unique downloads of ‘face-time’ apps such as Zoom, Houseparty and Skype have also skyrocketed. In Tesco’s latest ad, the ‘Food Love Stories’, we see a family coming together (by staying apart) via video call to prepare and cook their grandmother’s traditional lamb dish for Easter. The ad was shot remotely with directions from the crew being issued via smartphone. Each person was in their own home, while the delicious Easter feast was prepared elsewhere and delivered to their door, all in line with social distancing recommendations. 

9. INNOVATION HOT SPOTS

Innovation is key in times of change and these brands are providing new and exciting offerings for their customers. Sonic Drive-in, still in operation, has launched an all-new Sweet & Tangy Bacon Burger. D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches are providing family-style rice bowls with the choice of chicken or steak, with black beans and vegetables over rice. Oath Pizza has a variety of care packages sent via mail that including frozen, ready-to-cook pizza kits, whereby customers can build their own or simply pop in the oven. Snooze is offering BLT-riffic Kits and Taco Tuesday Packs filled with barbacoa beef, pulled pork, sauce, avocado, corn and tortillas. Their BLT-riffic Kit provides customers with sourdough bread, slices of bacon, vegetables, hash browns, cheese and eggs.  

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