DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 19| 2020

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. THE REASSURING WHOPPER 

Burger King India has rolled out their new ‘Reassuring Whopper’ campaign to encourage families and loved ones who are not quarantined together to ‘share’ their favourite burger together virtually while apart. Developed and launched by Famous Innovations and FoxyMoron, the objective is to promote a sense of togetherness and familiarity in these challenging times. Consumers across India can take part by tagging #ReassuringWhopper with Burger King India's social media handles. When tagged, the innovative brand will deliver a Whopper to both consumers.  

2. DINING IN A PERSONAL GREENHOUSE  

In a changing foodie landscape, many establishments have had to rethink how they can open their doors while keeping customers safe and socially distanced. An Amsterdam waterfront favourite, Mediamatic ETEN, has renovated their restaurant to allow for social distancing and implemented impressive step changes outside too. Creating individual greenhouses with tables inside, diners can intimately enjoy their meals whilst still enjoying the lovely canal-side views. Dishes are served on large planks of wood, enabling staff to also keep a safe distance, without direct contact with customers.

3. MORRISONS MEETS CONSUMER NEEDS

Morrisons is set to expand its grocery delivery reach in partnership with Amazon Prime. The same-day service will cover most of London and more UK cities across 40 stores, compared to just 17 stores in early March. In further innovations to increase convenient food sales, Morrisons is set to launch a new ‘speedy shopper’ system whereby food-to-go customers can avoid lengthy queues in-store. With a notable decrease in its £3 meal deal and similar offers, the brand had been forced to temporarily close its food-to-go counters of recent but expects sales to pick up as lockdown restrictions are slowly lifted.  

4. PENT UP DEMAND  

Dining at a favourite sit-down restaurant was the top post-lock down activity Datassential reported amongst American survey respondents, which concluded at the end of April. More than 78% said they would order a ‘familiar favourite’ and 68% would order something ‘indulgent’. Saying that, consumers may be cautious as 72% of respondents said they do not trust others to act responsibly when businesses reopen. Restaurants reopening with a limited menu must decide which items to include and to continue to reassure guests it is safe to dine-in once again, with greater transparency in new safety procedures.  

5. FOOD SERVICE OPERATIONS RESUME 

Food service operators in the UK are taking first steps to open their doors as the government relaxes restrictions. Chipotle reopened 3 sites for delivery as well as another Mexican-concept, Tortilla, who opened 8 locations including its first dedicated delivery kitchen. McDonald’s and Burger King are bigger chains starting to reopen drive-thru lanes and off-premise operations. McDonald’s have set a £25 maximum spend on orders as the business adjusts to smaller teams and social distancing in their kitchens. M&S are resuming takeaway of hot drinks in certain cafes as people are looking for coffee-to-go once again.  

6. SUBWAY STORES RECOMMENCE 

Subway has commenced a phased reopening of its stores in the UK and Ireland, with approximately 25% of stores having reopened this week. Subway introduced several measures to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers alike, to include the installation of new fixtures, directional signage, increased hygiene practices and supplies of PPE. These measures were tested in stores which remained open to service front line workers. Subway continues to support NHS and HSE workers, by offering 25% off their orders with all orders over £10 placed through Just Eat, Uber Eats or Deliveroo qualifying for free delivery. Similarly, Subway France announced the gradual reopening of 300 restaurants for takeaway and delivery following the introduction of their own new social distancing measures.

7. TAKE AN ITSU CULTURE CLASS

Asian-inspired Itsu is launching culture classes which will showcase a variety of Asian-centric topics and cooking methods. Fans can learn how to make a range of dishes, including gyoza, bao, noodles and seaweed, and discover the history of chopsticks, dragons and origami. Itsu’s aim is to keep children and parents entertained and informed with these activities amid lockdown restrictions. With schools closed, they are keen to support their community of insiders, whilst parents take on the role of being teachers at home.  

8. ‘GO’ BUFFALO WILD WINGS 

Buffalo Wild Wings has created a fast-casual version of their restaurant focussed on takeaway and delivery orders. Its first ‘GO’ model in the U.S. will feature heated takeout lockers for customers who order ahead, digital menu boards, a walk-up counter, less seating and televisions to entertain guests while waiting for their order. With off-premise sales growing over 140% in a recent 6-week period, the 'GO' unit could be rolled out across the chain’s 1,250 locations.

9. WAITROSE HAS THE ESSENTIALS 

Waitrose has relaunched its own-label Essential range, with more than 200 new and refreshed products. Most of the range supports a healthy and balanced diet, with at least a third of the products labelled with a ‘Good Health’ mark. In addition to health, the range aims to deliver the highest welfare, quality, value and a greater focus on sustainability. Waitrose is committed to reducing the Essential range packaging materials by 15% come September. 

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