Now in its third edition, the annual report investigating foodservice and hospitality trends uncovers the key to meet the demands of new dining generations, with a particular focus on Gen Z.
For the report, Unilever Food Solutions UK&I has commissioned social research experts More in Common to investigate the habits of different demographics. This has yielded knowledge about Gen Z that restaurateurs and chefs can use to increase footfall. After all, as the report reveals, Gen Z as a generation eats out in the UK more than any other generation. In the survey, a majority of the group, born between 1995 and 2012, responded that they eat out at least once a week while 25% of them said they eat out multiple times every week.
Confirming several known characteristics of this generation, the report found that:
They want to create their own experience: one in ten respondents only visit restaurants that allow them to customise dishes; and 62% will return to a restaurant that offers this option.
They have an adventurous palate: 77% want to visit restaurants with global cuisine; 62% will return to a restaurant with modern takes on international food; and 60% stated a preference for fusion of food from different cultures. Additionally, 26% said they would be unlikely to return to a restaurant that offers only British cuisine.
The major trends drawn out by the report are: borderless cuisine; street food couture – traditional street food elevated to gourmet experiences; diner designed customisable dishes; and modernised comfort food.
“Future Menus is Unilever Food Solutions’ annual deep dive into the key trends that are reshaping menus worldwide, featuring unrivalled in-depth global market research and culinary insights,” says Colin Butler, managing director at Unilever Food Solutions. It’s a critical tool for chefs and operators to help spark culinary creativity, drive innovation, and create relevant, memorable dining experiences for customers that unlock spend and drive loyalty.”
At a time when foodservice operations face challenges on a number of fronts – Trade body UKHospitality has stated that the changes in the 2025 Budget will cost hospitality businesses £3.4bn – any tips to minimize the pinpoints will be welcome.
The Future Menus Volume 3 report is available for download here: www.ufs.com/futuremenus
