Trends and Insights

Patrons are consuming more fruits and vegetables—but haven’t abandoned meat. They’re called “flexitarians.” Learn how to appeal to this taste trend with craveable, delicious menu items that focus on plant-forward foods.

Plant-forward cooking is super popular, and Asian cuisine is the easy way to rock the trend. Learn which Asian styles will please your guests and work for you.

Warm weather means an uptick in cold beverage sales. Be ready with signature thirst quenchers. We have the rundown on the very best coolers.

Warmer weather signals a great time to offer on-trend iced tea specialties and kombucha, an attention-grabbing new category made from fermented, sweetened tea.

Seasonal is a word that customers look for on menus, along with fresh, local, and sustainable. Respond with these 10 tips to help you manage your seasonal menu offerings and keep customers coming back.

Delicious food is about flavors—and texture. Learn how to add and manipulate textures to make every mouthful a pleasure of taste and crunch.

Learn why sustainable seafood, including a traceable supply chain, is important to the planet, consumers, and you. It’s more than just “doing the right thing.” It’s an intelligent business strategy.

Everyone snacks between meals. Learn how different and better snacks can set your operation apart from the competition while satisfying consumer demand.  

Grab-and-Go foods are super popular with on-the-run consumers. And nothing fits the niche better than sandwiches and salads. They are delicious and hold well. Discover extra ways to showcase these in-demand menu items.

Grab-and-go is growing fast due to customer demand for tasty food that’s instantly available. Discover ways operators are responding—supermarkets, c-stores, hotels, colleges, and employee dining, and restaurants at virtually every price point. 

Coffee breaks are perfect for a self-service catering program, and while you’re at it, boost sales with baked goods, snacks, and breakfast items.

Catering is on the upswing, and a self-service program is a good way to leverage the trend. You may already have the staff and resources available, so get ready to start—or upgrade—your self-service catering now.