DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 11| 2020

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. STRONGER TOGETHER

Across the world, the impact of COVID-19 has been both sudden and extreme in the past week. The EU and National governments have recognised the important work the food industry, in all its guises, has played in keeping their citizens, our consumers, fed. The maintenance of a secure supply chain is critical in the days ahead. Battling the health and human consequences is paramount. We would like to pay our tribute to our colleagues in the sector who whether open or closed, in their offices or at home, in trucks, warehouses or in stores, continue to play their part to keep the wheels turning. The Dawn Farms group of companies remain open with the health and safety of our colleagues and customers top of our priorities. We, like you, look forward to the day when this emergency is behind us. In the meantime, we quote from an old Irish proverb, "Ní neart go cur le chéile" - We are stronger and better together. Thank you.

2. RISING TO THE COVID-19 CHALLENGE

The Covid-19 Coronavirus has impacted how we work, live and operate to temporarily help curb the spread of the virus. Food delivery services are rising to the challenge with chains such as Domino's, KFC and Pizza Hut introducing contactless delivery options to mitigate the risk of exposure for employees and customers. The delivery drivers are expected to confirm their arrival via a phone call before dropping the food/drinks order at the customer’s front door. Several chains such as Chipotle and KFC are even offering free delivery in select regions in response to those working remotely or social distancing themselves. In the U.S., Burger King will begin offering two free kid's meals per adult meal due to more schools being closed, alleviating worry for families who rely on school lunches to feed their children.

3. KEEP THE BURRITOS COMING 

Taco Bell announced the launch of their new value-based Toasted Breakfast Burrito Menu set to hit stores soon in the U.S. The brand launched their breakfast menu back in 2014 so this is a welcome addition to the range which includes a Cheesy Toasted Breakfast Burrito, Grande Toasted Breakfast Burrito and a Hash Brown Toasted Breakfast Burrito all of which give consumers the option of adding bacon or sausage. In addition, Taco Bell also launched new $1 Grande Burritos with the Loaded Taco Grande Burrito featuring seasoned beef and Chipotle Chicken Grande Burrito incorporating shredded chicken and a spicy chipotle sauce with rice in a tortilla. 

4. PEPPERONI CUP N’ CRISP 

Hormel Pepperoni launched a premium retail pizza topping, ‘Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp’ which, unlike traditional pepperoni, curls into a bowl-like shape as it crisps up during the cooking process. The new topping was inspired by pepperoni which is currently trending in New York pizzerias, and is a key feature on Buffalo-style pizzas. Hormel’s Pepperoni Cup N’ Crisp is offered in original and bold flavours at select U.S. retailers for a price range of $3.49 to $3.99 for a 5-ounce pack.  

5. THINK PINK LIKE KFC 

In Vietnam, KFC is debuting a new chicken sandwich with a surprisingly pink-coloured bun made with dragon fruit. The reason for incorporating dragon fruit is due to the country's struggle to sell the ripened fruit, as consumers have been unwilling to purchase amid the coronavirus outbreak. KFC will begin serving their new Dragon Fruit Burger on March 20th as a limited time offer at select locations across Vietnam. Customers have a variety of flavour options such as the Shrimp Dragon Fruit Burger, Flava Roast Dragon Fruit Burger and the Zinger Dragon Fruit Burger.  

6. BREAKFAST AT BAO  

Bao is set to open a new all-day restaurant serving breakfast for the first time this Spring. Café Bao, the brand’s fourth permanent location, will be serving up dishes such as “bao loaf” with syrup and butter, baked ham hock congee pie and bacon, egg and cheese spring onion pancakes. The new site at King’s Cross will also host Bao Bakery Goods, where diners can pick up a pork pie baozi and salted egg muffin bao. Founders took inspiration for this new concept from Yoshoku cuisine, Bolero, one of Taiwan’s oldest restaurants, and the historic kissatens, or tea rooms, of Japan. 

7. IMPACTFUL RESPONSE DURING CRISIS  

While many restaurants globally are set to lay off thousands of employees, Domino’s in the U.S. is looking to hire around 10,000 in response to the current pandemic. In the search for delivery drivers, pizza makers, customer service executives, managers and truck drivers, the demand will vary across the country. Domino’s is well positioned and known for their delivery service which accounts for 55% of total orders. With some companies closing shutters temporarily, Leon is turning its restaurants into mini supermarkets to ease the panic around grocery shopping. The brand plans to transform its shops and launch an e-commerce platform that enables customers to book their delivery slot a few days in advance. Leon will provide restaurant-quality ready meals, sauces, meats and other food that customers can store and eat at home.

8. NEW NUTRITION FACTS LABEL   

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has updated the Nutrition Facts Label on all packaged food and drink products. This is the first major update to the label in over 20 years. Serving size and calories are now listed in a larger, bolder font and serving sizes have been updated to better reflect the amount people typically eat and drink. Daily Values for nutrients have been updated and added sugars, vitamin D, and potassium are also listed on the label. The FDA has created a campaign surrounding the launch of the updated label to educate consumers, aiding them in making more informed food and beverage decisions to support a healthier diet.  

9. CLUB MEXICANA HERE TO STAY

From humble food market beginnings and pop-ups across London, Club Mexicana will open their first restaurant in Soho, London this May. The Mexican-Californian inspired street food operator will be London’s first vegan taco restaurant and promises great vibes, tacos and cocktails. Their signature dish is a smokey shawarma-style dish of house made seitan covered in their secret marinate made with 5 types of chillies, a handful of spices and fresh pineapple. Other speciality dishes on offer include a beer battered Tofish Taco, a Cheezeburger Taco and a Mexican fondue of melted vegan cheese topped with spicy chorizo. 

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