Foodservice Flavor Lifecycle Accelerates as Ingredient Variety Explodes

CHICAGO, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Forty percent of consumers say they are more willing to visit a restaurant that offers new and/or innovative flavors, according to the new Technomic 2015 Flavor Consumer Trend Report. Though classic flavors still appeal, consumers are increasingly driven to experiment with foods and beverages with unique flavor profiles.

Technomic research shows that heightened interest in new tastes has accelerated the time in which many spices, ingredients or preparation methods go from "emerging" to "mainstream." As the variety of flavor offerings increases, consumers become desensitized to new and unique flavors more quickly. To meet demand for new flavors and maintain customers' interest, it will be critical that operators and suppliers stay ahead of flavor trends.

"Restaurants trying to plan a menu launch and marketing campaign around the next big thing might find themselves too far behind a trend and risk becoming another 'me-too' concept," explains Kelly Weikel, Technomic director of consumer insights. "To get credit with consumers for innovation, operators can leverage Technomic insights to catch emerging flavors early in their lifecycle and ride their rise in popularity.

"Flavor research can also help ensure the right variety of new and mainstream tastes—in the right combinations—that make the menu a consistent crowd-pleaser."

Compiling findings from more than 1,500 U.S. consumers, as well as operator interviews and Technomic's MenuMonitor and Digital Resource Library, the Flavor Consumer Trend Report also reveals:

• 40 percent of all consumers and 52 percent of Millennials say they would like more restaurants to offer foods that feature a combination of flavors;
• At limited-service restaurants (LSRs), 63 percent of consumers are very likely to try new flavors at sandwich restaurants, 62 percent at pizza and 62 percent at Mexican LSRs. When visiting a full-service restaurant (FSR), 69 percent are likely to try new flavors at varied-menu restaurants, followed by 67 percent at Italian and 66 percent at steak FSRs;
• Grape is the fastest-growing lunch and dinner entree flavor at Top 500 restaurants (16 percent operator incidence increase), followed by buttermilk (10 percent) and cilantro (9 percent).

[View larger INFOGRAPHIC: Spotlight on Flavor]

The Technomic Flavor Consumer Trend Report is one of many topics in its 2015 Consumer Trend Report series, offering the most current analysis, insight and opportunities to help grow your business. Our best-in-class intelligence combines 50 years of foodservice expertise with critical findings from over 7,000 menus per year and nearly 30,000 annual consumer interviews.

Find more information about the Flavor Consumer Trend Report here:
https://www.technomic.com/Reports_and_Newsletters/Consumer_Trend_Reports/dyn_PubLoad.php?pID=54

Technomic publishes a complete library of Consumer Trend Reports. To learn more, please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below. For Technomic updates, please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or our blog.

Contacts:
Report Details: Kelly Weikel, (312) 506-3830, or [email protected] 
Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, or [email protected]

About Technomic

Only Technomic, a Winsight company, delivers a 360-degree view of the food industry. We impact growth and profitability for our clients by providing consumer-grounded vision and channel-relevant strategic insights. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, or other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry. Visit us at technomic.com.

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