DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 1 2018

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. GLOBAL INFLUENCES TAKE HOLD

Bon Appétit has revealed its top 5 food predictions for 2018. These include the growth of Portuguese-inspired culinary creations, Japanese-style breakfasts and the torta ahogada – a crispy Mexican sandwich. The Portuguese love of rustic simplicity and the country’s rising appeal as a foodie destination – beyond salt cod and custard tarts – is putting the spotlight on snacks such as prego and suckling pig (hog roast). Peruvian food including ceviche and anticucho is typically colourful and packed full of flavour, bringing awareness of the cuisine to a more global audience. In other trend forecasts, the foodpeople highlight the return of ‘Craft Carbs’, fuelled by enthusiasm for ancient grains, sourdoughs and artisan pastas.

2. LEON AND PRET KEEP IT FRESH

Leon is making a fresh start to the New Year with some new menu additions. These include 2 new salads (squash, sage and kale & rainbow mezze salad), a roasted beetroot and squash wrap and a winter warmer chilli con carne with fiery horseradish and bright pickled onions. Also keeping us warm in January is Pret with its new range of hot pots, starting with Chicken & Butternut Squash and Cauli & Sweet Potato Dhal. The chicken stew aims to deliver “fresh, delicate flavours in a big bold hot pot” – in this case by topping it with fresh spinach toasted seeds and a wedge of lemon at the last minute.

3. WAITROSE LAUNCHES 'GOOD HEALTH'

'Good Health’ is Waitrose’s latest healthy eating initiative, inspired by the consumer insight that a third of shoppers struggle to work out what is actually healthy on shelf. The ‘Good Health’ label will be applied across relevant own-label products including fresh produce, juices and smoothies and pulses as well as some meal solutions like roast chicken mini fillets. Waitrose will also be introducing healthier often higher protein lines such as sausages containing up to 35% fruit or veg, an omelette sandwich to replace bread and edamame noodles.

4. GOING DUTCH PAYS OFF

Home delivery is a dynamic sector in the Dutch hospitality industry. Firstly, delivery outlets grew by 11% in 2017; 74% in the last 5 years, according to Datlinq. Secondly, a growing number of existing QSR operators now offer pick up points or a delivery service (around one in 4 operators in Amsterdam/Rotterdam compared to a national average of 16%). Whereas previously the dinner occasion was the main event, increasingly lunch is a focus (2,400 outlets now offer lunch). Let’s not forget either the coffee bar phenomenon. Grocery retailer De Hoogvliet in The Hague is tapping into this trend with its in-store Douwe Egbert 's self-service espresso bar (DE Coffee Kitchen).

5. STARBUCKS' SHANGHAI EXPERIENCE

Starbucks has opened its second roastery in Shanghai. Featuring some 30,000 sq ft of coffee experience, it comprises different bars where you can try over 100 small-batch, rare and exotic beverages that aren’t available elsewhere. China has become Starbucks’ second fastest-growing market, with 3,000 Starbucks in China, and plans to increase to 5,000 by 2021. Described as a ‘megastore’, it is more of a mecca for coffee lovers, rather than a café however Princi Bakery which recently opened in the Seattle roastery also features in Shanghai. Watch a short video on Starbuck’s latest Reserve Roastery in Shanghai here >>

6. CO-OP CHRISTMAS SUCCESS

Boosted by a strong Christmas performance, the Co-op has 100 new stores in its pipeline for 2018, 20 of which will be in London. Among other convenience retailers who likely benefitted from the demise of Palmer & Harvey in the run-up to Christmas, the Co-op enjoyed a 6.2% increase in sales vs 2016 (9% higher sales in seasonal lines) and is now the exclusive wholesale supplier to the 2,200 Costcutter stores. Driving its wholesale channel is very much part of the retailer’s 5-year-plan. In addition, Co-op is benefiting from consumer lifestyles geared more towards a smaller convenience shop than a large weekly shop.

7. NOÉ RAISES THE CONVENIENCE BAR

Franprix Noé is the follow-up concept to Mandarine which the convenience food retailer launched in early 2017. With the strapline “Your Local Food Store”, Franprix is constantly evolving its offer and now offers Waitrose private label products (upmarket UK retailer) in more than 150 of its stores. While Mandarine is an in-store café concept geared towards snacking, Noé is a sophisticated urban concept providing gourmet, organic and local produce. In a bid to encourage more responsible shopping habits, it also offers products in bulk including wine, cereals and spices. Another contemporary concept comes from Class’Croute targeting all-day informal diners looking for somewhere to relax, recharge and enjoy social snacking.

8. BURGER KING FRANCE 200TH STORE

Burger King France is celebrating the opening of its 200th store. It’s hard to believe the chain only reopened in France in 2012. The pace of openings has barely paused since the acquisition of Quick in late 2015 by owners the Bertrand Group and the plan is to continue with 100 additional units each year. Watch the interview with the General Manager of Burger King France and Quick here >>

9. ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

Did you receive any corporate gifts this festive season? How about a $2,800 Japanese bento box complete with 9lb of wagyu beef? Delivery service Gochikuru has taken the bento concept to a new level, here it includes slices of cooked sirloin, prime rib, brisket, tongue and more. Click here to see an incredibly stylish bento box of beef >>