DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 46| 2019

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. PRAGUE FOOD SAFARI

The Czech Republic’s culinary history is widely influenced by neighbouring countries and nations with its capital city, Prague, at the crossroads of eastern and western routes. Diversity of cultures and traditions throughout the years has led to an array of flavours such as potato soup, traditional roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, fruit dumplings and apple strudel. Czech food can be best described as comfort food with meat at centre stage; pork being the most common. Our team toured around some local and international QSR and food-to-go chains to taste what Prague has to offer. Click here to view some highlights of the safari that gave us a glimpse of current trends across Europe >>  

2. DNA FOOD SHOPPING 

A DNA shopping service is currently being trialled in a Waitrose and John Lewis store for three months, following on from an initial 2018 clinical trial. DnaNudge uses shoppers' DNA profile to assist in healthier food and drink decisions, by taking a cheek swab to create a personalised DNA reading. Users then wear a wristband which contains their personal data to scan barcodes, which will turn green for products suitable to their needs and turn red if deemed unsuitable. The technology is developed on the belief that consistent nudges in the right direction, based on DNA and lifestyle, will lead to long term and consistently healthier habits. The DnaBand also includes a physical activity monitor, which will turn yellow if the user has been inactive for a long period of time.  

3. MCDONALD’S CHICKEN SANDWICH 

Chicken sandwiches continue to dominate in the US market. McDonald’s USA is the most recent entrant in the fried chicken sandwich war. It joins fellow QSR chains, Chick-fil-A, Popeyes and Wendy’s as they fry one another on social media over their chicken sandwich turf. McDonald’s deluxe crispy chicken sandwich is made with a fried chicken filet topped with tomatoes, lettuce and mayo on a potato roll. Despite McDonald’s offering a breadth of chicken sandwiches over the years, the chain is hoping this new crispy fried version will bring excitement, not letting close competitors have all the fun.  

4. HEALTH AND WELLNESS TRENDS 

New Nutrition Business recently reported key trends set to shape the health and wellness space in 2020. These trends promise a wealth of opportunities for food and drink producers across Ireland. Mega trends include snackification, the fluid dining culture of the 21st century, naturally functional foods, with consumers preferring natural foods over fortified benefits, fragmentation of food and sustainability. While there was a notable focus on digestive wellness, ‘good’ and ‘bad’ carbs were also relevant from a trend’s perspective. So too were plant-based options and meat ‘reimagined’, along with sugar, protein and fat reborn. Other key trends included provenance (origin) and traceability, energy and mood. See more about these trends here >>  

5. WRAP IT UP THIS CHRISTMAS 

Wrap It Up! enters the spirit of Christmas offering its festive menu consisting of new wraps and a burger range. The southern fried chicken wrap is an anticipated favourite, with tex-mex flavour and a spicy tinga sauce. Customers can also choose from a range of burgers: southern fried chicken, pulled beef brisket or a veggie peri-peri jackfruit. The innovative chain also allows customers to 'go wrapless’ by turning their wraps into rice or salad boxes at no extra cost this holiday season.  

6.  12 DAYS OF BURGER KING

Christmas has come early for Burger King fans, as the King of Burgers announced 12 days of free or discounted food. The deals will include free Whoppers, chicken nuggets, hash browns, sundaes and chicken fries. The 12 deal days begin on December 2nd kicking off with free chilli cheese bites. Some of the offers are completely free, but others require customers to buy items in store to avail. Some deals are time specific such as free Whoppers available before 11am on December 20th. Customers can view all Christmas deals on the Burger King app.  

7. UK’S FAVOURITE EAT-OUTS    

YouGov recently revealed Britain’s top dining out chains, citing LEON as Britain’s preferred restaurant for takeaways and eat-outs. Data from the favourite food map showcased a myriad of taste preferences across the UK with LEON followed closely by Miller & Carter Steakhouse, the Asian-inspired Wasabi, itsu and Vintage Inn coming in as the nation’s fifth favourite. Greggs secured itself as the North East’s favourite, with Cornwall locals still coveting their preferred pasty from West Cornwall Pasty Co. Wales and West Midlands love to chow down on Miller & Carter Steakhouse, while Yorkshire and the Humber, burger chain MEATliquor came out on top. Read more to find out who craves something a little sweeter and London’s favourite hot spots >> 

8. BURGER, PIZZA OR TACOS  

Three new indulgent launches for three big brands. Burger King launched a new Rodeo Stacker King Burger with two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, thick-cut smoked bacon with crispy onion rings, tangy BBQ sauce and their original stacker sauce. Taco Bell showcased their new $1 Shredded Chicken Taco, featuring a tortilla filled with shredded chicken, lettuce, red tortilla strips, shredded cheddar cheese, and a choice of spicy ranch, creamy chipotle or Buffalo sauce. Papa Johns kicked off with an American Hot Dog Pizza in South Korea, featuring the brand’s signature crust topped with whole hot dogs, chilli salsa sauce, mozzarella cheese, cheddar potato mousseline, onions, Dijon mustard sauce, pickle relish and parsley.  

9. AUTHENTIC CUISINES 

Consumers often crave authenticity in their meals, be that a freshly baked Mexican quesadilla or an aromatic Indian meal. These days it’s difficult to define what real ingredients are and what “authentic” food really means, particularly with the rise of fusion restaurants and a blended approach to menu offerings. Restaurants such as ‘Call your Mother’ are making light of the situation by taking an honest approach to their offerings stating that they are “Jew-ish”. Other chefs are taking a more radical stance on the matter by creating innovative fusions, such as Wolfgang Puck putting smoked salmon on pizza at Spago in LA. The conversation continues if foods should stick to their traditional roots or be elevated to their own definition of authentic.  

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