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Global Update on Consumer,

Market & Menu Insights

Top Nine Issue 23 | 2024

01 Paris Food Safari

Exploring the French culinary scene is always an interesting adventure. On a recent safari to Paris, our innovation team uncovered some key insights for understanding this market. While value has a big place here, it is about balancing price with a value-for-money option to appeal to all budgets. Global flavours are beginning to prove popular in France, with a mix of Asian cuisines becoming more prominent. The rule-breaking nature of reimaged classics can also be seen in Paris. Putting a spin on traditional offerings helps to create something different and draw consumers in.

02 Deep Dish Pizza Pies

Wall’s has introduced Deep Dish Pizza Pies, combining the appeal of pies with deep-dish pizza to attract younger consumers and families. Available in Three Cheese and Pepperoni varieties, the pies are designed to diversify the traditional hot pie category, which has typically appealed to older shoppers. Jason Manley, brand director, highlighted the need for innovation to remain relevant to younger audiences. These pies are marketed as ideal after-school snacks for kids or quick meals, with more flavour options expected in the future.

03 Macro Trend Predictions for 2025

New research from the National Restaurant Association highlights the growing demand for health-conscious, sustainable options in restaurants, particularly among Millennials and Gen Zs. Chefs are responding by focusing on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and offering "better-for-you" kids' menu items. Consumers want transparency regarding food sourcing and expect restaurants to adopt eco-friendly practices. Operators are also introducing value deals, limited time offers, and food or beverage “flights” to increase sales. Other key trends identified for 2025 include pop-up restaurants, hyperlocal sourcing, convenience proteins, AI integration, and more streamlined menus to meet customer preferences and economic challenges.

04 New Taste the Difference Meals

Sainsbury’s has launched a new premium line of ten Taste the Difference ready meals, designed for busy shoppers. Featuring world-inspired ingredients like Mexican chimichurri chicken and gochujang roasted cauliflower, these meals cater to the growing demand for more nutritious, convenient options. Aimed at mid-week diners, they offer a quick, microwaveable solution for customers seeking warm, wholesome meals. Some of the range options are Lemon & Thyme Chicken Risotto with tender stem broccoli and Smoky BBQ Beef Brisket with roasted sweet potato and creamed parmesan spinach. 

05 Tackling Food Waste Charitably

Supermarket and food manufacturing leaders, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Greencore and 2 Sisters, have launched the Alliance Food Sourcing initiative to tackle food surplus and poverty. This national programme aims to redistribute more edible surplus to charities while reducing food waste. The alliance, funded by 15 companies, focuses on cooperation across the food supply chain, from farms to factories. It will utilise surplus raw ingredients and partially processed food for redistribution. The project builds on the Coronation Food Project's success, which has already redistributed 940 tonnes of food. 

06 Chipotle Invests in Brassica

Brassica, a fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant founded in 2015, is positioning for growth following a minority investment from Chipotle. The brand, which currently operates six units in Ohio, prioritises quality ingredients, sustainable practices, and a simpler, high-level dining experience. Brassica's menu features dishes like fresh-baked pita, falafel, hummus and shawarma. With a focus on one-location-at-a-time growth, the founders plan to expand within two years, using the Chipotle investment to support the effort. They emphasise a commitment to excellent execution, customer experience, and creating a loved brand, with future units to be company owned.

07 Guinness Slow Cooked Meats Range

Guinness has partnered with Pilgrim’s Europe and The Flava People to launch a range of sous vide slow-cooked meat dishes, including Chipotle Pulled Pork, Beef Casserole, and BBQ Chicken Wings. Available in Asda stores starting this week, the meals are designed to offer easy, high-quality options for home cooks. After an initial three-month exclusivity with Asda, the range will be widely available. The collaboration aims to introduce brand-led innovation to the slow-cooked category, attracting younger consumers and exciting shoppers with the popular Guinness brand. Ask about our range of premium slow-cooked meats. 

08 Blackstone's Stake in Jersey Mike's

Private equity firm Blackstone will acquire a majority stake in Jersey Mike's, the sub sandwich chain founded by Peter Cancro in 1975. Cancro will retain a significant equity share and continue leading the company. The deal aims to accelerate Jersey Mike's expansion in the U.S. and internationally, alongside advancements in technology. The chain, which reached $3.4 billion in sales in 2023, is poised to hit $4 billion and 3,000 locations in 2024. Blackstone will help fund growth, enhance technology, and support franchisees. The deal is expected to close in early 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

09 Status of Fast Food Market in the UK

The first nine months of the year show that the UK fast-food market continues to evolve and grow. Meaningful Vision has released data showing that the number of locations amongst the 100 largest chains increased by 2.8%. An increase of 7% was seen in the number of chicken outlets, with both new and established brands adding to this growth. Ethnic food came in at number 2 for growth, due to the likes of Chopstix and German Doner Kebab. Around 1,200 openings occurred amongst chain restaurants between September 2023 and September 2024, with London accounting for 15% of all new store openings.

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

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