DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 27| 2019

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. BURGER KING TAKES ON TACO BELL

Burger King USA is encroaching on Taco Bell’s territory with the introduction of its $1 Crispy Taco. The crunchy, seasoned ground beef tacos feature iceberg lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese and taco sauce. The Crispy Taco is rolling out nationwide following a successful test launch in its west coast restaurants, emphasizing both crunchy texture and value for money aspects. In another step away from the typical burger build, it has launched the Pulled Pork King, pulled pork served with crispy onions, pickles, and hot & spicy BBQ sauce. Meanwhile, Burger King UK has followed its Nordic colleagues and added a Halloumi burger to the menu. 

2.  BIG MAC INDEX 

Since 1986, the Economist’s Big Mac Index has become a ‘go-to’ gauge of affordability globally, using the price of a typical McDonald’s burger as its yardstick. Recent reports for example indicate the euro is overvalued against sterling by about 13.7% (down from 16.9% six months ago). The pound is also 27% undervalued against the dollar; its weakest in 18 years. The downwards trend of the pound is indicative of the ongoing sense of uncertainty in the UK. BRC reported retail sales as having “the worst June on record”, despite an upturn in car production and solid retail performance in May.  Official GDP figures also showed the economy grew faster than expected in May.

3. MCDONALD'S SWEDISH PICNIC 

Summer’s here and burgers are the ideal outdoor food. In the height of summer, Swedish consumers savour longer brighter days, relaxing in the park, at the beach or by the pool. McDonald’s Sweden wants to be a part of that experience, firstly communicating its compatibility with food delivery services like Uber Eats while introducing its latest innovation- a picnic blanket complete with QR code capability. This means consumers can scan their picnic blanket to order their McDonald’s delivered wherever that might be. 

4. IMPULSE BUYS IN DECLINE

Impulse purchases are in decline in the convenience channel, largely due to the fact the younger generation’s attention is being grabbed by FTG specialists. While young Millennials aged 18-24 are the most likely to purchase on impulse in convenience (source: MCA/HIM), the typical convenience shopper is aging (now 48 years). Speed, ease of shopping and meal deals are more important to younger shoppers than older shoppers.  Health is also a factor – almost 1 in 4 Millennials is following a high protein diet. C-store retailers are increasingly under pressure to cater for both young and old range and service needs. 

5.  SUPERCHARGED KFC MENU

KFC Australia has introduced The Triple Stacker, also known as its “biggest burger ever”. Featuring on its ‘secret menu’ this monster burger contains 3 Zinger fillets, layers of bacon and cheese and a chili relish sauce. Also check out the Nug-a-Lot burger (nuggets, cheese and supercharger sauce) and Kentucky Sliders. Meanwhile, KFC UK/Ireland will reportedly launch special bottles of its Supercharger hot sauce next week in response to customer demand on social media (on sale for £4) as well as new dipping pots.

6. DELIVERY ENTERS DINE-IN SPACE 

A new development in the Uber Eats app now allows customers to pre-order their food... then eat it at their restaurant of choice. Uber Eats recently launched a service in select markets (US, not UK yet) offering customers the option of ordering ahead and dining in the restaurant instead of having their meals delivered. The service waives delivery and other fees for customers who select the dine-In option. Likewise, participating restaurants subsequently pay a lower fee than their charges for delivery orders. Uber Eats is inserting its service into more and more food transactions in and outside the home, always finding “new ways to enhance the Eats experience”. 

7. FTG AT HOLLAND & BARRETT

Health retailer Holland & Barrett was formed in 1870, and now has over 750 stores in the UK and Ireland. It’s currently undergoing a brand refreshment program. This includes an update to its loyalty scheme and introducing new ranges such as food-to-go.  The new food to go range in partnership with Soho Sandwich company will have a fresh, healthy and nutritious positioning (eg grain-based salads, protein pots) and will be trialled initially in 6 UK stores. Like its mainstream competitor Boots, supermarkets and the impact of online retailing is pushing Holland & Barrett to explore new revenue streams to expand its audience.  

8. MICHELANGELO OF PIZZA

Chef Gabriele Bonci opened up Pizzarium Bonci in Rome in 2006 and in recent years has been opening outlets in the US. It’s worth a look because of its mouthwatering recipes and premium slice concept. The Roman style al Taglio pizza line-up changes daily, sometimes hourly, depending on what seasonal produce and toppings are available. In fact, in 2011 Bonci came with more than 1,500 types of pizza in one year alone. Bonci is not afraid to experiment with ever-changing toppings, such as Meatball, Sopressata, Zucchini Ricotta Lemon Black Pepper, Potato Mozzarella and Rome’s staple street food, Suppli. Chefs from around the world are inspired by Bonci ‘s innovative concepts and visit his restaurant to learn from Rome’s “Michelangelo of pizza.” 

9. JUST THE CRUST

Staying with pizza, New York restaurant chain (over 225 outlets) Villa Italian Kitchen is making sure nothing is wasted as it launches boxes of crusts for just under $3 targeting carb lovers. Click here to read more about the importance of a good crust >> 

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