Summary
This article addresses food trends due to the decline in our economy. It focuses on trends predicted in 2010 and future years. Many of these predictions have and are still proving true. Many of the trends are focused around lower consumer incomes, however social and psychological needs are also taken into consideration. The first two trends address the consumer’s emotional and social needs. The author says a consumer’s choice to share a meal is not only economical but also social and makes them feel connected. Another trend that was mentioned is the organic or hand-made trend. People want to know that their food is safe. By buying their food from farmers markets they think that they are getting fresher, safer food. Trend number seven also addresses safer, healthier food. In the past few years additives like transfats and artificial coloring have become a don’t. Consumers want their food healthy and restaurants need to start addressing these concerns. The author also noted the change in consumer tastes over the past few years. People’s tastes are changing from sweet to tart. Instead of French fries and onion rings, people want pickled vegetables and leeks. Finally, restaurants are changing their menus to keep sales up. Pizza places are adding pasta and wings to diversify the menu and smoothie bars are adding snacks and salads. Restaurants are suffering as much as other businesses in this economy and need to diversify to keep up.
Reflection
This article made predictions for 2010. I thought a lot of the predicted trends were really accurate and a couple of them were things that I have changed in my dining activities. For example, I have begun sharing meals almost every time I go out to eat. Usually the meals are big enough for two people and I was taking half of it as leftovers anyways. Now it’s an easy way to save money. Also eating safer healthier foods has become a concern of mine as I have gotten older. In the past few years I’ve started to notice how different foods make my body feel. When I eat food loaded with fat and grease I feel sluggish and sometimes sick to my stomach. When I eat healthier I feel better. The changing taste trend and the eating cow and lamb tongue trend are things that have not caught on with me. The tart foods and animal tongues the author talked about are not foods I am interested in eating. Maybe my taste is juvenile but I like to eat things that taste good. Pickled veggies and lamb tongue are definitely not on my list of thing to buy from the grocery store. Overall I thought this article was really accurate. The economy has taken a downturn and consumer’s needs and tastes are changing. Restaurants have to keep up with the changing trends in order to stay afloat during this trying time.
Baum, Whiteman."Dining Trend for 2010 Predicted." 4 Hoteliers. November 2009. http://www.4hoteliers.com/4hots_fshw.php?mwi=4557
