Click here to view this email in your browser.
|
|
Global Update on Consumer,
Market & Menu Insights
Top Nine Issue 7 | 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01 Global Chicken Trends
Kerry's assessment of global chicken flavour trends provides great insight into market dynamics and changing consumer preferences. The report highlights trends such as local influences, international fusion, and formulas that are more health forward. Kerry examines the potential for food producers to profit from the enduring appeal of chicken, by developing distinctive flavour profiles that appeal to the modern consumer, with an emphasis on more innovative and sensory eating experiences. Meanwhile, M&S has launched a limited-edition Italian and Indian fusion, the Chargrilled Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta, a creamy, rich, and lightly spiced tikka masala sauce with chargrilled chicken and rigatoni with aged parmigiano. This is the first creation ‘in a series of epic summer hybrids’ promised by the supermarket.
|
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
02 Protein Snackification
YouTube Group, The Sidemen, have launched a new snacking brand, Sides, in partnership with New World Foods. The brand will launch into Tesco and One Stops with three ambient Halal meat snacks: Chipotle Steak Strips, Korean BBQ Steak Strips, and Buffalo Chicken, each under 100 calories, with 10g of protein. Meanwhile, UK snacking brand Peperami has launched an innovation range, the Peperami Tapas, featuring two new snacks – Chorizo and Salami. According to Emily Prince, Head of Peperami Brand Marketing, the new range “brings the essence of Spanish charcuterie into the comfort of the home.” RRP will be £2 for a pack of 6 sticks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
03 Bringing the Sweet Heat
QSR's are stepping up their sweetness game with new, succulent additions to their menus. KFC's iconic chicken nuggets get a flavour upgrade with the nationwide launch of Saucy Nuggets. These bite-sized pieces come smothered in one of five sauces such as Korean BBQ, Honey Sriracha, and Sticky Chicky Sweet ‘n Sour Sauce, for just $5.99 for a 10-piece order. Meanwhile, Popeyes launched a Buffalo Ranch Chicken Sandwich and Buffalo Saucin' Wings LTO into the UK. The sandwich features Popeyes' signature fried chicken, marinated in their spice blend, slathered with hot Buffalo sauce, cooling ranch, and pickles, with the wings drizzled in a tangy Buffalo sauce.
|
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
04 Subway Talk Innovation
Deniz Safa, Subway’s director of Innovation & Culinary EMEA, reveals their balanced approach to innovation, blending science and intuition. Deniz and her team adopted this approach in the creation of the UK&I Subway Series, where they incorporated top-selling flavours, while also introducing local twists like the Breakwich. Maintaining the brand's identity, amidst the move from purely customized options, posed a significant challenge, particularly with rising costs. To address this, Subway introduced its Saver Subs, offering a balance between premium quality and affordability. Deniz promises ongoing innovation, and hints at upcoming launches for this summer, with more excitement in place for the brand.
|
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
05 Shaking up Breakfast
With the introduction of its morning menu at both Canary Wharf and Mansion House, ShakeShack is expanding into the coveted breakfast market. The consumer-favourite burger chain is making a strategic move by expanding into the profitable breakfast category, with four breakfast burgers: the Wake-Up Shack, the Sausage, Egg N' Cheese, the Bacon, Egg N’ Cheese, and the Egg N’ Cheese. Shake Shack will also be serving crispy potatoes, served with Shake Shack’s signature breakfast sauce.
|
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
06 Rising to Sustainability
The UK's food and beverage (F&B) industry is rising to sustainability challenges amid shifting consumer expectations. Producers are innovating to tackle issues such as climate change, water stress, and post-Brexit agricultural transitions. Tate & Lyle's development of sustainable starches exemplifies this proactive approach, addressing environmental concerns while meeting consumer demand. Although Brexit-related labour shortages and economic pressures persist, the industry is adapting, focusing on enhancing transparency and embracing clean-label ingredients. These efforts underscore a collective commitment to resilience and sustainability, highlighting the industry's capacity for positive change through collaboration, innovation, and great ingredients.
|
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
07 McDonald's Remix Menu
The new McDonald’s Remix menu has just launched in Canada, aiming to introduce some iconic menu items to a new generation of fans. Available throughout the month of April, the new Remix menu will include a Surf and Turf, a single sandwich with a piece of battered Alaska Pollock, with two beef patties, cheese slices, pickles, and burger sauce. The menu also includes a Chicken Cheeseburger that combines the chain’s burger and chicken sandwich, and the Sweet Chili Junior Chicken sandwich, with the battered chicken patty, with sweet chili Thai sauce and mayo. Meanwhile, McDonald’s UK welcomes the return of the Chicken Big Mac from April 17.
|
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
08 Welcome Aboard the PizzaExpress
PizzaExpress and Heathrow Express have joined forces to announce the launch of the world’s first moving pizzeria – ideal for those jetting off from London Paddington to Heathrow airport. Passengers will be welcomed on-board to enjoy a selection of PizzaExpress favourites, from customer favourite American Hot to the exclusive Pesce D’Aprile pizza. Each table will have a ‘push for more Dough Balls’ button for that added Express service, to start your holiday off in style with your favourite slice.
|
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
09 YUM for AI
YUM Brands, parent company of Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC, is aiming for "AI-powered" fast food, investing heavily in AI to automate tasks, improve efficiencies, and personalise customer experiences. Their "SuperApp" for managers allows them to ask questions and get real-time guidance, and their AI is also being tested for voice-ordering at drive-throughs and for analyzing customer data to optimize menus and promotions. While some worry about job displacement, YUM reports that AI will empower employees and improve customer service. This push toward AI reflects the industry's need to keep pace with tech-savvy consumers and rising labor costs.
|
Read more
|
|
|
|
|
Dawn Farms, The Maudlins, Naas, County Kildare, Ireland
Click here to unsubscribe or to change your Subscription Preferences.
|
|
|
|
|