DAWN FARMS TOP 9 | ISSUE 26 | 2018

GLOBAL UPDATE ON CONSUMER, MARKET AND MENU INSIGHTS. 

1. MEXICAN MAINSTREAM MADNESS

Chipotle Mexican Grill is currently testing more authentic Mexican dishes such as quesadillas, nachos, avocado tostadas, Mexican-milkshakes, and margaritas in New York.  A rise in consumer demand for previously exotic ingredients such as chillies and cilantro, has pushed Mexican cuisine into the mainstream. With 1 out of every 10 restaurants selling Mexican Food and Americans consuming 4.5 billion tacos in 2017, Americanised Mexican foods are expected to continue to make their way across menus throughout 2018.

2. SUBWAY’S COLOSSAL FEAST

Subway have announced that they will realise their longest sub creation to date. The ‘Giant Sub’ can feed up to 25 people and features a combination of many different fillings. Currently in a trial phase, the first Giant Sub took two and a half hours to make by three sandwich artists and featured 96 slices of salami, 96 slices of pepperoni, 64 slices of ham, 64 triangles of American-style cheese to name a few. The Giant Sub costs £116 and is the same size of an average UK man. To get an idea of the size of this Giant Sub, you can watch the video here >>

3. GETTING DOWN & PICKLED

KFC have launched a limited-edition pickle-fried chicken in the USA due to an increased demand in stores for additional pickles on chicken burgers. KFC’s new chicken is coated in pickle sauce, and contains a blend of onion, garlic, buttermilk, and pepper to maximize the taste and is available until stocks run out. KFC also announced the return of the Double Down to UK menus on the 22nd July based on customer demand for the bunless burger – which has sold out in every country that it’s been released in.

4. TACO BELL’S GLOBAL EXPANSION

Taco Bell has announced that the brand has joined forces with Sforza Holding Group in Brazil and Casual Brands Group in Spain to sign its first ever master franchise agreements. Within the next ten years, Taco Bell plans on opening more than 400 stores making both companies two of Taco Bell’s largest franchisees globally by store count. By 2027, Sao Paulo, Brazil will have more than 200 Taco Bell restaurants. In addition, Spain will also be home to 200 more Taco Bell restaurants that will add 4,200 new jobs in Spain within the next decade.  

5. CONSUMERS ARE HUNGRY FOR DELIVERY

According to GO Technology, food delivery is booming in the UK as voice-based ordering and food tracking devices are becoming more popular. The report from Zonal and CGA indicates that food delivery will continue to grow as 28% of British consumers are ordering more food deliveries compared to a year ago. Brands that are leading the charge in offering innovative delivery methods are Starbucks, Domino's, and Pizza Hut. These brands are using everything from ordering a coffee from Amazon’s Alexa to pizzas through robot delivery. Click here to read more on food companies offering innovative food delivery methods >>

6. LEON FOR WHITE HOUSE  

Healthy fast-food chain LEON has announced they will open their first US chain in Washington DC at the end of summer. John Vincent (CEO) wants to introduce a new category of food to America to help consumers fall in love with fast-food again. Their Mediterranean menu is said to be ‘naturally great’, affordable and good for the planet. John said choosing the first American location is like choosing your favourite from a box of chocolates. Washington DC is the ambitious destination of choice due to its creative mindset, pedestrian friendly landscape and foodie lifestyle. Leon is aiming for 100% renewable energy, increasing plant-based dishes and removing all cutlery and plastic waste.

7. DELIVEROO’S PARISIAN TEST KITCHEN

Anton Soulier, one of Deliveroo’s early executives, is changing the future for eating in Paris. He is inspiring people to order delivery of restaurant-quality meals through his new start-up 'Taster'. Taster operates by using branded kitchens specifically designed for the use of Deliveroo. There are no waiters or dining areas, as the kitchens supply take-outs to be distributed through couriers from Deliveroo. Taster first opened its Paris location a year ago and has since expanded to six. There are plans to operate around 60 restaurants within the next two years.

8. SPANISH CUISINE TRAVELS

Restaurant Magazine’s list of the worlds’ 100 top restaurants, referred to as the Oscars of the food world, was recently unveiled and 13 Spanish restaurants made the list. This is not unusual for Spanish cuisine as its exceptional food establishments have been honoured time after time. Last year, Spain received 82.2 million tourists, with 15 million travelling for the food, according to royal Gastronomy Academy. Through mixing tradition and innovation, Spain has made a spot on the global food stage. For inspiration check out El Celler de Can Roca Instagram page here >> 

9. TOP FOOD CITIES IN AMERICA

Americans are going on adventures for food. It was found in a recent survey by Booking.com that Americans pick destinations according to reviews on food and drink and they specifically seek out local food hot spots. In 2018, top food destinations included New York City, known for its iconic pizza, bagels, cheesecakes and deli-style sandwiches. Another hot spot was New Orleans, Louisiana where people travel to taste the famous Southern Cajun and Creole. Charleston, South Carolina attracts foodies who seek out its raw bars, barbecue joints, and pancake houses. San Francisco is a huge destination as it is known as the best food city in America because of its famous Michelin starred restaurants and progressive chefs.