31 Jan |
Seven Food Trends for 2024 |
January is the time for predictions. So what does AC Services think might be the top seven food trends to be aware of in 2024 for its catering colleagues?
2023 was all about the cost of living crisis and trying somehow to keep going, despite the significant increased costs in energy and food. This year inflation is lower, but still nowhere near what it was for the previous decade. Keeping a tight rein on budgets will continue, but the reliable five will still be a bedrock for success alongside the newer trends:
- Classic comfort food;
- Fast convenient quality food;
- The simple done well;
- Food which awakens the senses; and
- Indulgence worth the price.
Seven Food Trends to Watch in 2024
Some of these trends have already emerged in earlier years, but are still gaining strength.
- Health and Wellness. There is increasing consciousness of healthy eating and the need for minerals, vitamins and probiotics. This means that food not only tastes good, but is believed to be doing us good. It’s part of that personalisation of food that can be quite difficult when cooking commercially.
- Plant-based Products. Gone are the days of a ‘vegetarian option’. Now we cater for flexitarians, pescatarians, vegans and others too long to list. Some are looking for a meat alternative to reduce their carbon footprint; others because of trend 1. 2024 might be the year that mock meat catches on. Either way not offering plant-based products is not an option.
- Ethics and Sustainability. The weather is increasing awareness of the need for action on climate and for everyone to take small and big steps. For catering colleagues offering packaged products, the need to reduce packaging and to use truly recyclable or compostable products is increasing. Fair Trade, local and animal welfare are also increasingly coming to the fore as the ethical choice.
- Global Flavours and British Fusion. Catering from the middle of the last century has increasingly taken inspiration from abroad. The British palate now reliably tastes global flavours. The opportunity is now to match those flavours with British classics with a twist of spice or presentation.
- Research shows that worldwide when eating out, 44% of customers say they enjoy the classics. 26% are looking for something new and different and a further 22% are looking for exotic flavours. The latter might be more tangy, nutty or toasty. This might underpin trend 4. But it might also be something simple. Some are predicting that 2024 will be the year of the cold coffee.
- Convenience and Value. This one is all about perception of the customer. Most customers understand the cost of living pressures for catering companies and that some trade-offs are necessary. We’ve all experienced the reduction or changes in package contents as manufacturers aim to maintain prices despite the increases. But sitting in a cold room in peak hours because heating is restricted to the main area, is a counterproductive saving.
- Trust and Tighter Supply Chains. Over the years AC Services has promoted local sourcing as the way to build stronger partnerships and to develop distinctive flavours. 2023 has caused many to review their suppliers based on reliability and openness. Working closely with all suppliers enables mutual flexibility and reduces obstacles.
December’s Judgement
The beauty of predictions is looking back on them and see what came true. We look forward to seeing how close we are in December with our catering colleagues on our seven food trends for 2024!