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Global Update on Consumer,

Market & Menu Insights

Top Nine Issue 19 | 2024

01 The Return of Pret's Flatbreads

Back by popular demand, Pret A Manger has relaunched its Flatbreads. With an upgraded bread recipe and high-quality ingredients, the brand introduced three creative combinations. The Shawarma Spiced Chicken Flatbread features chicken breast mixed with a shawarma spiced sauce, hummus, pickled cabbage & carrot, red onion, cucumber and spinach, wrapped in a Lebanese-style flatbread. The Mediterranean Style Tuna Flatbread made with pole and line caught tuna mayo with spring onions, capers, Kalamata olives, roasted tomatoes, basil leaves, red peppers and spinach. The Falafel, Avo & Chipotle Flatbread features sweet potato falafel, avocado, chipotle ketchup, pickled onions, red peppers and charred corn salsa.

02 BK Delivery & Whopper Contest 

Earlier this year, Burger King launched its Million Dollar Whopper Contest, inviting fans to submit their dream Whopper creations for a chance to win $1 million, and have their sandwich featured on menus. After reviewing over a million entries, three finalists were chosen: the Fried Pickle Ranch Whopper, Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper and the Mexican Street Corn Whopper. These sandwiches will be available this fall in the U.S., with more contest details in November. In the UK, Burger King is testing a delivery-only brand called Gourmet Kings, available exclusively through Deliveroo in eight regions. The menu includes offerings like the Classic Angus Burger, BBQ Steakhouse Angus, and Smoky Chimichurri Angus.

03 Subway Goes Wild & Mild

Subway UK is spicing up its menu with the new Wild & Mild options, featuring two Signature Series subs. For those who enjoy heat, the Furious Chicken sub includes rotisserie chicken, waffle fries, cheese, lettuce, red peppers, onions, jalapeños, and a blend of Garlic & Herb and X-Spicy Chipotle sauces. On the milder side, the Steak Texicana offers Philly steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato and BBQ sauce. The menu also brings back Jalapeño Cheese Bread after a five-year hiatus and introduces a Ham & Cheese Toastie and X-Spicy Nacho Chicken sub to the Saver Subs menu. 

04 Chipotle's Cobotics & Brisket Return

To improve efficiency and consistency across all locations, Chipotle has used new kitchen technology to speed up the order assembling and guacamole processes. The Autocado helps cut, core and peel avocados before they are hand mashed to create its signature guacamole. Meanwhile, Augmented Makeline, a “cobotic” makeline is also being tested to build bowls and salads allowing Chipotle employees to make burritos, tacos, quesadillas and kid's meals. In addition, Chipotle brings back their Smoked Brisket, giving customers another opportunity to order the flavourful protein. Customers can "hack" the brisket into their dishes in creative ways such as a Smoked Brisket Fajita Burrito & Queso, Cheesy Smoked Brisket Dip Bowl or topping with a Chipotle Tabasco Sour Cream sauce.

05 Mac & Cheese: The Hot New Side

Domino's Pizza is adding macaroni and cheese bowls to its menu, available in Five-Cheese and Spicy Buffalo varieties. While Domino's has long offered pasta options, this marks the first time Mac & Cheese bowls are being introduced. The new dishes aim to meet customer cravings for comfort food and can be enjoyed as a meal or shared. Similarly, Schlotzsky's has launched a new line of Mac & Cheese dishes in three varieties: classic, a Mac & Cheese Bundle with additional items like breadsticks and drinks, and a Cheesy Meal Deal with meat and sides. 

06 Europe's Big 5 QSRs

The European fast-food market, particularly in the "Big 5" countries (France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy), is diverse and dynamic, with local brands dominating despite the presence of major American chains. Local brands make up 75% of fast-food companies and 50% of locations. Trends vary by country, with bakeries leading in France and Germany, coffee shops in the UK, and burgers in Italy and Spain. Challenges across all regions include rising costs and recruitment difficulties. Despite differences in the markets, the potential for growth remains, driven by franchise models and new international entrants like Chick-fil-A and Wendy's.

07 Plant-based Ribs & Hybrid Burgers

Juicy Marbles introduced the world's first plant-based bone-in rib last year and has now updated the recipe to Marble 3.0. This clean-label version contains no thickeners or binders. The ingredients include water, 24% soy protein concentrate, sunflower oil, natural flavors, pea protein isolate, and small amounts of red beet juice concentrate, yeast extract, salt, apple extract, and vitamin B12. In the meantime, Myco has introduced a 50/50 hybrid burger that combines meat and plant-based ingredients. This hybrid is meant to appeal to flexitarians aiming to reduce their meat consumption. The industry's dedication to striking a balance between flavour, sustainability, and consumer desire for alternative and blended protein sources is evident in both innovations.

08 The 50 Top Pizzerias & Triple Pepp

The 2024 50 Top Pizza Awards ranked Una Pizza Napoletana, a New York restaurant, as the world's best pizzeria. Italy led with 41 entries, while nations like South Korea, Bolivia, and India also made the list, highlighting the global reach of the awards. The winner focuses on naturally leavened, wood-fired pizzas with ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, Amalfi wild oregano, buffalo mozzarella DOP and Sicilian sea salt. In other pizza news, Marco’s Pizza has launched a new Triple Pepperoni Magnifico Pizza which features three types of cheeses and is topped with three different kinds of pepperoni: bold shredded pepperoni, crispy cupped Old-World Pepperoni, and classic pepperoni. Ask about our XXL and Cup n’ Crisp Pepperoni. 

09 Red Robin's "North Star" Plan

Red Robin’s “North Star” plan, launched in 2023, is gaining traction despite economic challenges and a more selective consumer base. The company is seeing improvements in guest satisfaction, shorter wait times and reduced complaints, along with record-high employee engagement. A revamped loyalty program has boosted traffic and revenue through personalized communication. Central to the strategy is a refreshed menu featuring new burger options like the Jalapeño Heatwave and a focus on promoting its 30 bottomless sides. Moving away from discounting, Red Robin emphasizes value through improved food quality and experience, with targeted promotions driving sales on slower days.

Dawn Farms, The Maudlins, Naas, County Kildare, Ireland

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