Restaurant and Food Service Blog

When you think about globalization and how it affects the food industry, there are probably two immediate impacts that come to mind—the outsourcing of jobs to cheaper labor and the need for enhanced communications options for those with English as a Second Language or who do not speak English at all. But globalization affects the industry in a much bigger way. And even the small, local shops are being influenced, possibly without even knowing it, by trends that have evolved through globalization.

In 2007, Mr. Mats Östblom, Independent Operator Representative for the IH&RA Board of Directors made a presentation to the Chinese Food Festival in Qingdao, China titled “Trends in the Global Restaurant Industry. Following are the ten food services trends he says are being seen on a worldwide basis.

Quick-fix Prepared Foods—With an increased focus on family and quality time doing less menial tasks, consumers are demanding meals that will allow them to spend the least amount of time in food preparation.

Drive-and Go Take Out Foods—People worldwide are moving at a faster pace and are demanding their food be prepared in a way that complements this lifestyle. Additionally, a large portion of the population has evolved way from the typical 3 meals a day toward the 5 to 7 smaller “snacks” instead. Consumers want portable, on-demand items that are conducive.

Inherently Healthy Foods—These are the items that have a positive pharmaceutical benefit that goes beyond basic nutrition. This includes oatmeal, whole-grain breads, cranberry juice, nuts, etc. which offer consumers added benefits such as anti-oxidants, omega 3, and cholesterol-lowering ingredients.

Fancy Premium Gourmet Foods—Have you noticed that the local burger joint has begun advertising a fresh fish option? This is in line with the trend that consumers want to see more gourmet options from their everyday favorite places to eat.

Authentic— The push toward organic and other inherently healthy foods has never been so great. Consumers are growing not only to expect such options from their local grocer, but from food service establishments as well.

Ethnic Foods—The true sign of increased globalization is the desire for more ethnic foods right here at home. You no longer have to go to Epcot Center to find the tastes of different lands around the world – you just have to go around the corner.

Security in Foods—Not only is contamination in the spinach and tomato fields here in the U.S., but in other places from which we import food products. Globalization makes the world much smaller—increasing the ease of doing business with and importing from countries where production is cheaper. But with it comes the responsibility of safety and security for consumers’ health…a trend much more closely monitored these days.

Layering Flavors—As other cultures permeate our own, our palates change, a trend most noted in the increase in demand for more flavor including spices, oils and vinegars.

Healthier Snacks—Candy bars just aren’t cutting it any more for many. Instead, health-conscious individuals are looking for smoothies, frozen yogurt, and health bars.

Calorie-Minded & Light Products—Going out to eat no longer is taken as a “free pass” to eat whatever one wants. Consumers expect that food establishments will offer them light and/or calorie- and fat-minded choices as well.