bake Special Report - January 2022 - 31

Top trends
Mondelēz International Foodservice has identified
the top trends expected to elevate the foodservice
industry in 2022 and beyond.
When the pandemic emerged in early 2020, the
entire foodservice industry faced fast and unexpected
change. Across segments, operators were forced
to rapidly adjust operations-initially to stay afloat
and then ultimately succeed long term in this new
industry environment. Some of those quick-adapts will
continue to shape foodservice as we head into 2022.
Here is a look at the top trends expected to impact
foodservice in the next year:
Social Responsibility on the Menu
When choosing where to spend their dining dollars,
consumers will seek out brands that align with their
personal values and beliefs1. In order to set themselves
apart, operators will need to find ways to connect to
their customers on an emotional level. Issues identified
of increasing importance include reducing food
waste, ethical sourcing and social justice.
Advanced Automation and Advancement in Tech
Digital tools that allow for greater automation
will be even more valuable to operational ease,
especially as operators continue to face labor challenges.
Operators should identify how automation
can help better enhance their business needs and
find ways to be efficient with increased takeout and
delivery services.1 More than half of Gen Zers want
automated/AI menu suggestions.2
Innovative Takes on Classic Comfort Food
While comfort food will continue to be in high
demand, many customers would like to see innovative
new versions of classic dishes. No area is off limits
when it comes to innovation opportunities2, which
means operators can flex their culinary creativity when
developing new recipes that play on nostalgic favorites.
Expansion of Grab & Go in Noncommercial
Foodservice
To-go and off-premises eating occasions are here
to stay, making it more important than ever for
noncomm operators to optimize offerings for this
new normal. To keep customers coming back, operators
should consider infusing retail-level speed,
convenience and " craveability " into their service.3
Reengaging Eatertainment
The consumer demand for the away-from-home
experiences they've missed during the pandemic is
growing every day.4 As we head into 2022, we can
expect to see eatertainment venues promote family-friendly
offers, new menu items, interactive games,
and even virtual brands, as well as curbside, delivery.5
Expansion of the Plant-Based Category
The comfort food craze that took hold in 2020 did
nothing to stunt the growth of (or demand for) plantbased
foods and ingredients. The entire segment is
taking huge strides forward with tasty innovations,
analog meats, vegan cheeses and other ingredients
that give their meat-based counterparts a run for
their money. This trend is particularly relevant among
younger consumers, with nearly half of Gen Zers
expressing a willingness to try plant-based meat.
1 2021 MIDYEAR U.S. TRENDS UPDATE, TECHNOMIC, JULY 2021
2 WHAT'S NEXT FOR INDEPENDENT RESTAURANTS, IFMA 2021
3 PLANNING PROGRAM, TECHNOMIC 2021
4 CONSUMER FOOD TRENDS: CONSUMER APPETITE FOR AWAYFROM-HOME
EXPERIENCES, TECHNOMIC JUNE 2021
5 MANNING, LAUREN, " FOOD IS GEN Z'S TOP SPENDING
PRIORITY, SURVEY FINDS,' FOOD DIVE, APRIL, 14, 2021
Bake Magazine Digital Special Report 1 | Volume 3 | bakemag.com
31
JOHN UNREIN
http://www.bakemag.com
bake Special Report - January 2022

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