The NPD Group has identified and shared 5 ingredients for foodservice success in 2015: you may not agree, but should be watching to check what happens and how it may impact your business.
1. Goodbye Blind Loyalty – choice and innovation breeding increased promiscuity
Consumers increasingly spoilt for choice will demand more if they’re to stay loyal.
Winners in 2015 will present attention-grabbing new food/drink items, backed up by enhanced customer experience, technology, and increased and differentiating marketing activity.
2. Squeezed Middle – the new appetite is for clarity of offering, with value and/or premiumisation
Consumers will search out nimble operators with a clear ‘mission-oriented’ offering.
Winners in 2015 will focus on efficient and creative price and menu architecture; providing value for money and the opportunity to premiumise or trade-up – communicating this clearly to consumers.
3. Authenticity, Freshness and Transparency – communicating provenance and preparation.
Consumers will be wary of ‘black box’ food, where preparation or provenance are hidden – consumers will want more transparency. Winners in 2015 will go back to basics, offering fresh and authentic quality ingredients, effectively communicating these attractive attributes to consumers, and opening up food prep areas where possible.
4. Healthy Indulgence – the new ‘treat’
Consumers will increasingly no longer view ‘treating’ as just meaning processed and unhealthy food.
Winners in 2015 will offer their customers the opportunity to treat themselves with new tastes and flavours from a wider range of fresh, natural and healthy cuisines.
5. Niche Cuisine Goes Mainstream – ‘newness’ and street food over traditional fare.
Consumers will look for new tastes, flavours, and foods, especially in large urban areas. Winners in 2015 will recognise the strong growth of fast casual dining and street food as a clear sign that consumers are willing to experiment with non-traditional food – if presented well.
About The NPD Group, Inc.
The NPD Group provides global information and advisory services to drive better business decisions. By combining unique data assets with unmatched industry expertise, NPD helps its clients track their markets, understand consumers, and drive profitable growth. Sectors covered include automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food / foodservice, home, office supplies, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless.
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