Sunday, 25th January 2015 | Marketing,Management
Food Trends in Canada
Is there a secret to success in the restaurant business? We’re not sure, but if you have it, we’d like to chat. Until then, it helps for you to stay informed about the ongoing changes in the marketplace. The sooner you identify and take advantage of new trends, the more you will benefit and the easier it will be to adapt to future changes.
Is there a secret to success in the restaurant business? We’re not sure, but if you have it, we’d like to chat.
Until then, it helps for you to stay informed about the ongoing changes in the marketplace. The sooner you identify and take advantage of new trends, the more you will benefit and the easier it will be to adapt to future changes.
Below are five trends worth watching:
- Fewer Menu Items - With customers valuing the ‘experience’ of dining out, more restaurants will stop trying to cater to every taste. Instead they will look at menu themes or focus on a few dishes that they do exceptionally well.
- Now You Need to Satisfy Both Boomers and Millennials - One wants healthier options and the other wants to deal with more connected and responsible businesses. And both of them have money to spend. Boomers will appreciate more gluten-free, low-salt and vegetarian options. Millennials will need to hear about you on Instagram or other social media, and they want to know that you offer socially responsible foods, like free-range chicken.
- Beverages Refined - While different, more exotic dishes have been an ongoing trend, in 2015 that trend will shift to your beverage menu. You will see a wider variety of teas and coffees (even Tim Horton’s now has its Dark Roast option), exotic juices and alcoholic options that include ciders (gluten-free), low-alcohol choices and oil-infused cocktails.
- More Hybrids - It started when chef Dominique Ansel combined croissant and donut pastry dough to create the Cronut in 2013. In 2015, the hybrid trend will grow to include dishes like ramen burgers, brioche/souffle mix (another mash-up from Ansel) and dessert pizza.
- Localization & Personalization - In 2015, local restaurants will continue to battle their big-box cousins for the hearts and tastes of diners. Two powerful weapons in that fight will be menu items made from local foods and offering customers more ‘choose your items/ingredients’ options.
Remember, no matter how hot the trend, what works for one restaurant doesn’t always work for another. Stay informed, talk to your customers and find out what works best for your business.
Source: https://blogs.technomic.com/technomic-spots-five-2015-food-trends-for-canadian-restaurants/
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Marketing ideas for your business in the new year
As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to revisit your marketing strategy to meet current consumer expectations. Forecasting trends is tricky, but what’s clear is that in 2023, customers value privacy, inclusivity, transparency, and overall authenticity, and it’s your job to show them how your business practices meet these ideals. Read on for six steps you take right now to market your business in 2023.
Understand your changing audience
The first thing you need to do is revisit your market. Review your sales and marketing data to make sure you have a realistic grasp on the size, demographics, and character of your target market. Pay close attention to any changes in your ideal customer and use this updated intel to seek out new opportunities. For example, if your business has grown or taken a new direction in recent years, it might be attracting a new audience. Make sure you’re communicating with the most appropriate market segment.
Update your website
Your website is one of your most valuable marketing assets so it’s crucial that it be in good shape. Review your site to make sure all the content is correct and up-to-date. Check to make sure that it loads quickly and displays correctly across desktop, tablet, and mobile platforms. You probably look at your site regularly so consider getting someone with “fresh eyes” to take a look. Ensure that your site works intuitively and offers a seamless customer experience. A site that’s pleasant to use will help you convert new visitors and retain returning ones.
Maximize the potential of social media
With more than 4.7 billion people using social media, your business cannot afford to ignore it. If you’re just starting out on social platforms, now is the time to claim your presence. Set up accounts for your business on top platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Investigate which sites your ideal customers might be using and ensure you’re on them too. Post relevant content, regularly, and make sure that you keep your profiles fresh and current. Try running contests or promotions to boost engagement, and take advantage of the built-in shopping capabilities available on many platforms. You can communicate a lot about your brand values by aligning yourself with other local small businesses through collaborations or sponsorships.
Leverage video content and live streaming
Video content has been a rising trend for the past several years, and is well-suited to businesses who want to increase awareness, improve lead generation and sales, and reduce support calls. Consider how video content might work for your business, keeping in mind that consumers appreciate being entertained. Live streaming is popular and an effective way to connect with your audience in real time. Engage your audience with quality storytelling. Inform them with a clear and concise script. Be creative.
Get interactive with your audience
When was the last time you did an online quiz or game? How about worked with an online calculator or map? Interactive content is engaging, which is why audiences–and marketers–love it. It’s low-cost and can help you increase brand loyalty, generate leads, and drive sales. Think about ways your business can use interactive content to grab your customers’ attention.
Respect consumer privacy
More than ever, consumers are concerned about privacy. Demonstrate respect for your customers’ privacy by compliance with standards like GDPR, by properly acquiring and using user data, and by continually informing your customers of exactly how you’re handling their information.
If you want to stay ahead of your competitors in 2023, now is the time to fine-tune your marketing efforts to communicate your business’ authentic brand and values. Take an inclusive, transparent, privacy-first approach, to reach your target audience.
Marketing