DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 1| 2021

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. DOMINO'S TASTY NEW PIZZAS

This January, Domino’s UK have expanded their vegan-friendly range with their new Chick-Ain’t Pizza and Nuggets. The pizza is made with vegan dough and cheese, tomato sauce and is topped with plant-based strips, crunchy onions and finely chopped green and red peppers. The plant-based strips are proving a popular topping in many of Domino’s markets as they have also been added to the Les Basilica Vegan Pizza in France and the Vegan Feast Pizza in Iceland. 

2. SUBWAY ADDS T.L.C.

Subway UK and Ireland have added a vegan ‘T.L.C.’ (Tastes Like Chicken) sandwich to its menu following the success of recent launches in both Germany and France. The vegan ‘chicken’ is designed to taste like Subway’s roast chicken breast strips and appeal to both meat eaters and vegetarians thanks to a bespoke recipe. The T.L.C sub is fully customisable and available as part of a six-inch or Footlong sub, salad, or wrap. Meanwhile, Subway in the U.S. has introduced Protein Bowls as a lower-carb option that include a Footlong’s worth of protein plus veggies and sauce. Prices range from $7.49 to $10.49 and customers can “Go Pro” and double the protein in their Protein Bowl and sub for an additional $2 for a limited time. 

3. TOP TRENDS SHAPING 2021

The National Restaurant Association has forecasted the top trends that will shape the American restaurant industry in 2021. Some main trends that serve as a sign of things to come are streamlined menus, off-premise dining taking precedence and blended or bundled meal deals. Meal kits and subscription services have greatly expanded as consumers crave their favourite restaurant’s dishes at home. Comfort foods such as burgers and pizza and nutritious offerings strongly influenced consumer orders as they looked to satisfy their preferences.  

4. BURGER KING'S REBRAND

Burger King are taking 2021 by storm with plans to refresh the whole brand for the first time in 20 years. The global brand is beginning a new era with a focus on their appearance specifically a new logo, store design, packaging and employee uniforms. Burger King’s redesign is expected to rollout over a couple of years across all domestic and international stores with the intent of staying modern and fresh.  

5. LEON'S CARBON NEUTRAL LABEL

LEON is investing in forests to offset the carbon emissions of some of its most popular menu items with plans on becoming a net-zero emissions business by 2030. The business partnered with ClimatePartner to measure the carbon impact of its burgers and fries and now invest in rainforest conservation projects in South America and afforestation efforts in the UK, so that the trees can sequester the carbon emissions equivalent. This allows LEON to offer ‘carbon neutral’ menu options as consumers are becoming more aware of their environmental footprint. Since 13th January, a ‘carbon-neutral’ label has been added to some of its most popular menu items.  

6. FACTORS IMPACTING THE ECONOMY

McKinsey research group has identified factors that business leaders should be mindful of during this ‘year of transition’. Businesses are finding their way through our re-structured global economy by diversifying portfolios and adjusting work routines. When confidence returns, consumer’s pent-up demand will drive spending and mobility. The crisis initiated a wave of innovation and entrepreneurs. Digitisation, productivity and healthcare practices have changed substantially, and people are forming new businesses globally which will lead to job growth and economic activity during the recovery period.  

7. FEEDING CHEESE-LOVERS IN FRANCE

Cheese is certainly on the menu in France this month, with leading QSRs launching new cheese-centric offerings. Burger King added new burgers to their Masters range featuring Fourme d’Ambert cheese produced in the mountainous regions. In addition, McDonald’s launched a new Signature burger that includes a generous slice of Abondance AOP cheese to delight French cheese-lovers. Lastly, KFC have added Raclette to their Tower burger and Original Wrapper along with slices of crispy bacon.  

8. EL POLLO LOCO FIT BOWLS

The Mexican grilled chicken chain, El Pollo Loco, have announced plans to bring back their popular Pollo Fit Bowls. These are low calorie and carb meals made with double the citrus-marinated fire-grilled chicken, organic super greens, and cilantro lime cauliflower rice. There are three different bowls available: Double Protein Avocado Pollo, Double Protein Fajita Pollo & the Double Protein Mexican Caesar Pollo Fit Bowls. All three are available for a limited time at all 485 El Pollo Loco locations in the U.S. 

9. ORIGINALITY WITH PIZZA PIES

The raging popularity of pizza as a pandemic comfort food of choice has been well documented. Nation’s Restaurant News reported that same-store sales of pizza chains in the third quarter of 2020 surged 12% in the U.S. With a high demand for pepperoni, chefs have looked towards alternative toppings and bases to set their pizzas apart. Squash, potatoes and Italian-style beef with Giardiniera are among the latest innovative toppings being used. Pizza crusts have also started to be combined with other favourite dishes such as the Lasagne pizza or Tikka Masala pizza to create the ultimate comfort dish.  

GDPR took effect Friday 25th May 2018. At Dawn Farms we take your privacy seriously. We keep your data secure and do not pass this information on to any other organisation for marketing purposes. You will always have the option to opt-out from the TOP 9 by clicking on the unsubscribe link which is located at the bottom of every issue.
Many thanks for continuing to be a valued reader of the Top 9 weekly Newsletter.

If you would like to read our privacy policy please do so by visiting www.dawnfarms.ie/privacy-policy/