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Global Update on Consumer,

Market & Menu Insights

Top Nine Issue 22 | 2024

01 Trending on Social Media This Month

As November settles in, the cozy chill of winter inspires a fresh wave of indulgent food trends that warm both the body and spirit. This month, the Chilli Crisp Pizza Sandwich and Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich make a memorable entrance, celebrating a fusion of flavours. The Garlic and Chipotle Chicken Tacos and Cheesy Egg & Beef Breakfast Rolls redefine comfort food with savoury twists, while sweet-toothed fans will love the Churro Brunch Pancake Burrito. Just when you thought charcuterie could not get any better, the Charcuterie Hand adds an artistic touch that was both fun and festive for Halloween. 

02 Christmas QSR Offerings

Papa John's has launched its limited-edition ‘All the Trimmings’ pizza, topped with pulled turkey, sage sprouts, crumbled potato tots, and cranberry drizzle, served with gravy mayo dip. Festive sides like Pigs in Blankets are also available in a box of eight. Popeyes UK has debuted its first-ever festive menu with items like the Festive Superstack Sandwich, featuring chicken breast, sage and onion hash brown, and cranberry habanero sauce, and the Festive Feastin’ Roll with sausage, bacon, and cranberry sauce. Taco Bell introduces a UK-first Christmas Burrito with grilled chicken or black beans, cranberry chili sauce, and veggie stuffing. Talk to our team today about our range of ready to order winter favourite protein solutions for Christmas and beyond.

03 Deliveroo's Top 100 Trending Dishes

Deliveroo's 2024 top 100 trending dishes showcase how customers are embracing every chance to try new cuisines and stay on top of food trends. This year’s list mixes global takeaway classics with trending dishes and grocery essentials. Key trends highlighted include "TikTok to table," as social media-driven dishes gain traction, proving the influence of viral content on consumer choices. ‘Glocal’ flavours remain popular, with traditional style dishes making up 30% of the top 100. Timeless classics continue to hold strong, with pizza and burgers making up 8% and 15% of the list, respectively. Notably, sandwiches and wraps are back in demand, more than doubling their appearances from last year, with 8 mentions across 5 countries in the top 100. These insights reveal a blend of novelty and nostalgia shaping consumer tastes this year.

04 The Rise of K-Food

Bunsik, a growing Korean quick-service restaurant brand, is exploring franchising opportunities as demand for Korean street food rises in the UK and Europe. The global Korean Wave, projected to boost spending on Korean cultural products to $143 billion by 2030, has fueled interest in Bunsik's affordable, grab-and-go offerings like corndogs, ddukbokki, kimbap, and bubble tea. Founder Jae Cho aims to expand quickly, drawing from his childhood memories of Korean street food. Bunsik is focusing on budget-friendly options, leveraging TikTok and Instagram to build visibility, and plans to introduce new items, including vegan-friendly dishes.

05 Seasonal Sandwiches

Making a comeback on Costa Coffee’s Christmas menu are the Pigs and Blankets Toastie, the Hog Roast Toastie, Brie, Bacon and Chilli Jam Panini, Turkey and Trimmings Toastie and the Turkey Feast Sandwich. Phat Pasty has announced its 2024 festive range, with an emphasis on the free-from market. The Wild Boar, Apple and Cider gluten-free pie is joined by the Christmas Dinner Pasty filled with turkey, bacon, sausage and cranberries, the Festive Chunky Sausage Roll, and the Festive Vegan Bake. Phat Pasty’s festive options are available in Bidfood, Brakes, and other national and regional wholesalers. Lastly, Gregg’s has announced its Festive menu offerings which includes a Pigs Under Blankets Baguette and a Festive Bake filled with chicken, sage & onion stuffing and sweetcure bacon, covered in a creamy sage & cranberry sauce. Ask about our traditional pork or veggie stuffing and our delicious Pigs in Blankets, also available as plant-based. 

06 Innova Insights' Top Ten Trends 2025

Innova Market Insights' 2025 Top Ten Trends highlights "Ingredients and Beyond," emphasising that ingredient quality is now a key consumer driver, with 58% prioritising it in food and drink purchases. Companies that elevate quality beyond basic ingredients are expected to thrive. Other trends include personalized nutrition, gut health, natural plant-based products and inventive flavour mashups. Consumers seek functional, health-focused products and the market also shows growth in plant-based, gut health and sustainable offerings. Overall, the trends reflect a shift toward more personalised, natural, and creative food experiences.

07 The UK's Largest Sandwich Shop

Sandwich Sandwich is set to open the UK's largest sandwich shop at Mark Lane in London, occupying 3,500 square feet. This new flagship location will offer a wide Grab & Go selection, with custom sandwiches made by skilled deli experts. It will also serve as the brand's headquarters for catering services, increasing production to meet rising demand. The brand is celebrated for its popular sandwiches, including Southern Fried Chicken, Jerk Chicken, Spanish Chicken, Chicken Kyiv, Hoisin Pulled Pork, and Tandoori Chicken, freshly prepared on white or granary bread.

08 SIAL Insights Report

SIAL Paris has created a SIAL Insights report in collaboration with Kantar, ProtéinesXTC, and Circana, which uncovers the fundamental shifts shaping the future of the food and food service sectors. The report identifies three food industry trends: Feeling, where food provides emotional comfort amid crises; Connecting, emphasising food as a shared experience that bridges traditions and global flavors; and Caring, with consumers focusing on health, sustainability, and self-care. These trends highlight a shift toward mindful, socially responsible eating. The report also notes how recent crises have reshaped food production and consumption, highlighting the need for a fair and sustainable food system. Rising living costs challenge long-term goals, but SIAL Paris' "new food optimism" reflects a collective move toward a more sustainable and transparent food future.

09 Candied Bacon & Deep Fried Turkey

With Halloween behind us, American QSRs are looking towards their next festive launches. Candied bacon is back on the menu at Hardee’s, adding a layer of sweet and savoury goodness to sandwiches. Customers can add to breakfast biscuits, the Candied Bacon Frisco Burger and as a Snack Pack to go. Arby’s are getting ready for Thanksgiving by offering a Deep-Fried Turkey Gobbler and Deep-Fried Turkey Club. The Gobbler features thick sliced deep fried turkey breast with crispy onions, everything seasoning, Swiss cheese, savory Herb Spread, lettuce and tomato on a toasted buttery brioche bun.

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

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