DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 37| 2020

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. DEFINING TRENDS FROM COVID-19

Insights platform, Sense360, have reviewed significant shift in foodservice trends due to global restrictions in varying degrees. Changes to work or school routines and public social gatherings had a big impact on breakfast and late-night meal occasions. Other factors that continue to influence food decisions are increased awareness of health foods, pay cuts and minimal contact. Many establishments are limited by their location to offer pickup windows or distanced dining, but trends show smaller spaces that are more tech friendly and have dedicated pick-up space.  

2. GIVE THE GIFT OF A TACO

Taco Bell is launching a service allowing customers to send their friends and family the gift of tacos via their website and app. The new ‘Taco Gifter’ service allows people to select a GIF, enter their intended taco recipient’s name, write a personalised message and then send them a link to redeem. This e-gifting initiative will become a permanent feature ahead of the holiday season and expands upon Taco Bell’s digital strategy for engagement while social distancing. As part of the Yum Brands, digital sales accounted for 30% of the total sales mix, or $3.5 billion, for the group’s restaurants in Q2 of 2020.  

3. CARL'S JR INTRODUCES PRIME RIB

American fast-food restaurant, Carl’s Jr. has introduced prime rib to their menu with three new offerings featuring their own take on the roasted meat. Carl’s Jr. has added the prime rib to breakfast options such as the new Prime Rib Breakfast Burrito, which takes sous-vide cooked prime rib and wraps it up with eggs, salsa, and cheese. Another breakfast offering is the Prime Rib Breakfast Biscuit, which features Swiss cheese and a fried egg on top. On the main menu, the Prime Rib Thickburger combines prime rib, a beef patty, caramelized onions and a cheddar sauce in this loaded hybrid.  

4. SAINSBURY'S FESTIVE RANGE

Sainsbury’s has revealed its festive range for Christmas that includes some meaty showstoppers. There is a Pigs-in-Blankets Stuffing Wreath or a Layered Pork, Chicken and Stuffing Pie, perfect centrepieces that will feed many. Due to the increased demand last Christmas for plant-based options, they have expanded their Plant Pioneer range with the addition of No Turkey Parcels and No Beef Wellington. 

5. WALMART PLANS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Walmart is adapting to the needs of its customers who plan to shop differently this festive season. Research indicates that consumers will start their holiday shopping earlier this year and Walmart expects these three holiday trends: increase in online shopping, changing wish lists, and the requirement for a safe and quick shopping experience. In preparation, Walmart will hire over 20,000 seasonal workers in its e-commerce fulfilment centres across the U.S. and is increasing the availability of gifts that reflect new lifestyles. As people spend more time in the kitchen, the brand has expanded its Holiday Bake Center and is stocking more kitchen appliances.

6. CO-OP'S FAKE-AWAY MEAL KITS

Co-op have recreated the UK’s favourite takeaway dishes with a new range of “fake-away” boxes that are available for delivery through Co-op or Deliveroo services or bought in select stores. The range includes a variety of cuisines such as Indian, Thai, Tex-Mex, Peri-Peri and Southern Fried boxes with mains and sides included. Each box retails at £8 and serves two. With more consumers opting for takeaways over dining out, the new box launch is hitting the market at a good time. 

7. WENDY'S COMFORTING CREATIVITY

Wendy’s quickly adapted their strategy at the onset of COVID-19 by responding with contactless service and reliance on core menu favourites that offer a sense of comfort at an affordable price. The brand focussed on their digital business to aim for seamless ordering and delivery along with a new rewards programme and use of their mobile Frosty cart to give back. Wendy’s plans to expand on the trend of comfort and craveability with new menu launches such as the Breakfast Baconator and Pretzel Bacon Pub Cheeseburger.  

8. THE TRAMSHED PROJECT FOOD HALL

The founder of Street Feast, a street food market concept, announced the launch of a new food hall in Shoreditch, London. The food hall, branded as the Tramshed Project, will bring together some of London’s top chefs, serving diverse food from around the world including jerk-infused treats, smoked meats and plant-based dishes. The 2,000 square foot space plans to host curated events, workshops and talks. The spirit of togetherness has been prominent this year for communities and is at the heart of the Tramshed Project’s mission to allow foodies to be creative and share their culinary innovations.  

9. MORRISONS FOOD BOXES FOR ALL

To curb panic buying across the UK, Morrisons has released around 15 different food boxes that cater towards a variety of dietary needs such as the ‘Gluten Free Box’, ‘Cupboard Essentials Box’, Family Meat Box’ and ‘Afternoon Tea Box’. Consumers can schedule weekly, fortnightly or monthly delivery subscriptions with next day delivery. Morrisons also offer a new ‘SOS: Serve Our Students’ delivery box providing for the thousands of young people who are self-isolating on campuses around the country. Students will be able to choose from four different food boxes – ‘Meat Essentials’, ‘Vegetarian Essentials’, ‘Easy Meals for the Week’ and ‘Big Night In’. 

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