The Hot Trends In Summer Eating Out: Our Expert Team Weigh In
The contemporary hospitality landscape is a dynamic and exciting world where innovation meets tradition, functionality meets experience, and value remains paramount. The fusion of diverse cuisine influences the desire to eat well and increasing consideration of sustainable and ethical factors shapes how, what and where guests choose to eat.
Join us as we summarise the food and dining trends that will hold sway over consumers this summer.
What Are Consumers Looking For?
Ultimately, guests are seeking an experience beyond food and a greater differentiation between what they can make/enjoy at home. The outlet environment – be it making the order quicker or making the experience immersive, is increasingly affecting choice and value perceptions. Pop-ups, themed menus and collaborations continue to excite diners and drinkers.
The Rise Of ‘Informal Influencers’
We all know the rise of influencers has been meteoric, and the power of social media unparalleled. Both have had a huge impact on the UK’s foodie culture, and counter-culture.
More and more diners are looking to share their own food experiences. Plates and dining experiences that are share-worthy are a real draw and savvy restaurants now consider everything from how their plates look on a screen to how their dining experience translates on a 30 second video.
Diners are also looking to their friends, and friends of friends, to help decide where to spend their money. These so called ‘informal influencers’ hold huge power in consumer decision making.
Choosing Comfort
Comfort foods, little treats and blow-out indulgences aren’t going anywhere. Who doesn’t love a Friday night spent sharing a classic margarita at your local pizzeria with friends?
Indulgent food and food experiences feed into our reward mentality as consumers. It’s a way for us to treat ourselves, to give ourselves a pat on the back after a busy week.
Mindful And Balanced
While burgers nights and delicious desserts aren’t going anywhere, a consumer’s menu choice isn’t all about fancying a treat. It’s likely to take into account wider eating habits (that day or the next), the desire for variety and the benefits of super-tasty, super-functional foods – fermentation and fibre being two key things on consumer’s radars.
Elevate The Everyday
Budget consciousness may restrict frequency, but it’s also had a positive impact on guests being more discerning (and demanding) in their choices. A menu which elevates a simple meal into a memorable one will deliver added value guests are willing to pay for.
Summer 2024 Trends: A Summary
Dining environment: this summer we’ll once again see diners prioritising their dining environment. Things like beautiful outdoor spaces with beautiful views will draw the crowds.
Experiences: experiences are still high on people’s list too with consumers wanting to feel they’ve stepped out of the everyday.
Social media: food and dining experiences that tell an easy story on social media will thrive.
Flavours: fusion foods and traditional favourites with twists (including how the dishes are cooked and served) will excite. And, the much longed for sunshine will encourage diners to embrace local and seasonal foods, making guests feel better about their choices.
