3DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 4 . 2018

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. NANDO'S NINO DELIVERY

Nando’s UK is trialling its first express format called Nando’s nino (meaning ‘little version of’) in Twickenham. The new micro format offers a streamlined menu, specifically designed with speed, delivery and takeaway in mind. There is also a selection of new menu items for the nino format including a selection of burgers and pittas such as the Churrasco burger, which was removed from Nando’s menus last year, as well as craft beers, juices and smoothies. Nando’s revenues climbed 14% to £847.9m for the year to 26 February 2017, crediting innovation through new menu ideas, service models and front and back-of-house technology as key to its recent and future growth.

2. BOPARAN EYES SLIM CHICKENS

One company likely to be following Nando’s growth plans is US fast casual chicken chain, Slim Chickens. The 70-store chain based in Fayetteville specialises in fresh, hand-breaded chicken tenders, wings, salads, wraps, chicken & waffles, house made sauces and other Southern-inspired dishes. Slim Chickens has announced a partnership with London-based Boparan Restaurant Group to open a number of locations in UK/Ireland, aiming to have an international footprint of 600 restaurants by 2025. The Boparan group has an established portfolio of casual dining brands including Giraffe World Kitchen, Burgers & Cocktails, Ed’s Easy Diner among others.

3. DOMINO'S MENU REFRESH

Domino’s is keeping its European menu fresh with a Latin American vibe. In Greece there is a new Fajita Chicken Pizza (spicy fajita chicken, sour cream, cheddar, fresh tomato, green peppers, onion and mozzarella). Domino’s Poland offers a Tex-Mex pizza with beef, spicy Jalapeño peppers, chili flakes, red beans, corn, onion and pepper, and a salsa sauce. Meanwhile, fresh from its Hallo Pizza store takeover, Domino’s Germany is promoting its “echt chicken” (real chicken) message with 2 new pizza editions: Sweet Chilli Chicken and Smoky Chicken using chicken breast.

4. FLAMEGRILLING THE COMPETITION

Fast food wars are definitely firing up in the US. Burger King launched a Double Quarter Pound King Sandwich in direct competition with McDonald’s, claiming “We’re flame grilling the competition.” This comes after Burger King released a video during the festive break in which the King presents McDonald’s with a flame grill – watch it here >> In other burger news, Burger King has introduced a new potato rosti range (the Rosti BBQ & Bacon Burger, Rosti Peppercorn Angus, and the Tendercrisp burger). KFC has also rolled out its new Smoky Mountain BBQ Fried Chicken - the latest addition to its Southern-inspired flavour line-up.

5. HEALTH ON A BUDGET

New research from IGD reveals that 59% of consumers feel it’s more expensive to eat healthily out of home. Eating on-the-go is all about taking the easy option, however a third of consumers (35%) feel healthy options should be outlined more clearly on the menu or in-store. Consumers also want greater choice - one-third of consumers would eat out more if healthier options were more readily available

6. ALDI FIRES UP MORE STEAK

As veganuary draws to an end, when better to celebrate steak with a “mighty meat fix”. Aldi is launching a new promotional drive behind its premium Specially Selected steak range, targeting those feeling the need to splurge after a punitive January. With prices starting at £3.59, 30-day-aged sirloin, ribeye and fillet steak will be on special offer.

7. AMAZON GO GONE LIVE

A year later than expected, technological breakthrough Amazon Go has opened in the US – click here to find out more >> It’s basically a cashier-free convenience store, you will need an Amazon account, a recent smartphone, and the Amazon Go app. As soon as you enter one of the 6 high-tech turnstiles, your movements will be tracked. Everything you add to your shopping cart is added to a virtual shopping cart, everything you put back is taken out. Initially at least the shelves are primarily stocked with packaged and pre-made foods.

8. UPCYCLING PUBLIC SPACES

The rise of food halls is starting to overshadow street food in some respects. In London alone 3 new market halls are opening this year. The ‘Market Hall’ brand will upcycle unused public spaces with “architectural or historic interest” into food halls. 1) Spring – at Fulham Broadway Underground Station there will be 10 kitchens, a bar and covered seating for 180. 2) Summer - Victoria Station’s new 300-cover site on 3 floors will have 14 kitchens and 3 bars. Third and largest location will be in the West End – this will host local producers, retailers, restaurants and street food vendors as well as 4 bars, a demo kitchen and space for events.

9. INSPIRATIONAL MAC 'N CHEESE

Elbows Mac ‘n Cheese in Southern California specialises in no less than 17 different ways to serve mac ‘n cheese as well as offering build your own menu. Meat lovers can rejoice as suggestions include sweetcure bacon, pulled pork, shortrib, fried chicken and salami - click here to find out more about this iconic “fun, filling iconic food” >>