Datassential

We hate to say ‘you had to be there,’ but the first annual Elevate Experience in Chicago earlier this month was a rousing success and a unique moment for food and beverage industry professionals to see, hear, and of course taste the latest trends that are growing on menus and are expected to climb in the future. Datassential team members and industry experts shared their knowledge in this one-of-a-kind event that left attendees excited for the future - but we promise, no one left hungry! To all who participated we offer our gratitude and thanks, and to those of you who haven’t joined, check out this rundown of the event, and we really hope to see you in this inner circle soon! https://hubs.la/Q02DL_Dx0 #datassential #foodandbeverage #foodindustry #beverageindustry #menutrends #foodtrends

U.S. restaurants reported lower operating hours last year compared with the year before COVID, across the country and regardless of segment, according to a Datassential analysis. Datassential found that U.S. restaurants have reduced their operating hours by an average of 2.6 hours per week in 2023 compared with 2019. This runs counter to a lot of expectations, with most assuming that average open hours would increase after COVID. But persistent economic and industry challenges have caused restaurant operators to make hard choices about when and how long they’re open. Still, there is some reason to feel optimistic. This 2.6-hour average reduction in 2023 is a significant improvement from 2022, when restaurants were open an average of 6.4 fewer hours than in 2019. Read the article here for much more information on which segments, states and metropolitan areas were hit hardest: https://hubs.la/Q02DzpXR0 #restaurants #foodservice #covid #restaurantdata #foodindustry

Learn the latest seasonal food and beverage trends as well as limited-time offer (LTO) trends. Join in on Thursday, July 11th, 12 CT for a lively discussion on how best to incorporate trending flavors in everything from warming beverages to enticing entrees. And if you've ever wondered how consumers feel about special-edition/limited-time products and immersive experiences, you won't want to miss the coverage of our special report on brand activations. Tune in to: 🍁 Discover fall flavor trends and how best to incorporate them in everything from warming beverages to enticing entrees 🍁 Uncover overall seasonal trends and LTO performance throughout the year 🍁 Get insights into consumer preferences and behaviors towards special-edition products and experiences 🍁 Explore unique brand activations that are capturing consumer interest Register for our Simply Smarter series today: https://hubs.la/Q02DpQtr0 #fallflavors #falltrends #consumerinsights

Achieving success in today’s market is not left to chance; rather, it requires a scientific, data-driven approach. Delve into our latest blog to gain insights on harnessing the power of data, uncovering strategic breakthroughs, enhancing sales performance, and unlocking the full potential of your business in Europe. Click the link to read now: https://hubs.la/Q02D5b1x0 #dataanalytics #HoReCa #europe #foodservice

Europe boasts a diverse culinary landscape, with independent restaurants playing a pivotal role in showcasing the region's rich gastronomic heritage. Our comprehensive overview unveils the numbers, segment leaders, and distinguishes between full-service and limited-service independent establishments across nations. Brace yourselves as we uncover the top countries with the most fast-casual, casual dining, and fine-dining independent restaurants, revealing the true powerhouses of culinary diversity. 🤔🔍Can you guess which nation in Europe reigns supreme in the realm of fine-dining independent restaurants? Click here to download your sneak peek into the world of European independent restaurants today now: https://hubs.la/Q02CQ_m30 and find out if your guess was spot on! #europe #restaurants #foodandbeverage #foodservice

Perceptions of plant-based eating are evolving - and social media is turning the tide. About one-quarter of U.S. consumers now limit meat in their diet, but two-thirds of Americans say they have made at least one concrete change to their diet based on digital media content - regardless of how much they’re on sites like TikTok and YouTube. How do foodservice operators optimize their menus for a rapidly changing consumer? Click below to get your copy of the 2024 Datassential Plant-Forward Opportunity report today, with scores of insights on how consumers are eating today and how digital content motivates them to eat plant-based foods and beverages. You don’t want to miss this valuable research. Get your copy now! https://hubs.la/Q02CGblF0 #plantbased #foodindustry #foodandbeverage #foodservice #healthytrends #foodtrends

Our research has shown repeatedly that consumers are split between a focus on health and indulgence when eating out, but when it comes to making that final menu decision, indulgence consistently wins out. Three in four consumers (74%) say they’re more likely to try a new menu item if it’s indulgent, compared with 26% of those that would say they were more likely to try a new menu item if it was healthy. This is despite the fact that consumers are virtually evenly split when asked if healthy vs. indulgent offerings are “very motivating” on menus. Sure, it’s important to offer healthy menu options, but new items that lean toward the rich and satisfying will likely prove more popular, as most customers will opt for a splurge when they eat out. #coolstat #menudevelopment #restaurants

Exciting news for Datassential! 🎉 Our own Megan Lynberg has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales, North America. As an industry veteran with decades of experience, this appointment positions Lynberg to lead Datassential to new heights. Megan was most recently the Vice President of Sales and has been with Datassential since October 2020, when she held the role of Senior Director, Key Accounts. Please join us in congratulating Megan on her new role! 👏 Read more: https://hubs.la/Q02BJ-x10

Your idea of a balanced diet in college may have meant a healthy dose of dining hall spaghetti, take-out burritos, and beer. Today’s college students may well love all those things, but they’re focused on honing a more sophisticated palate. More than four in ten (43%) of college and university students consider themselves foodies, according to our recently released 2024 College & University keynote report. And nearly half (47%) of those surveyed said food gets them excited, while only 10% said that they eat because they have to. Here’s the sign for all food and beverage companies to amp up the excitement in dishes and drinks for young consumers, who may well end up being lifelong customers. #coolstat #foodie #collegedining #universitydining #campusdining #genz

Last week we hosted an exclusive experience in Chicago that brought together food and beverage industry leaders for two days of immersive sessions on the future of the consumer, artificial intelligence, emerging food and drink trends, and so much more. With speakers from various industry consultants on topics from venture capital investment to personalized nutrition, and scores of Datassential in-house experts, the event was designed to foster innovation and collaboration. We were honored to host leaders from some of the most renowned companies in the industry, including Beam Suntory, Cargill, Casey's, Dot Foods, GALLO, General Mills, Griffith Foods, Lamb Weston, Schreiber Foods, Wawa, Inc., and many more! This event provided a unique opportunity for these industry leaders to come together, share insights, and explore cutting-edge technologies and strategies that are shaping the future of food and beverage. It was a true meeting of minds, where ideas were exchanged, partnerships were forged, and the seeds of innovation were planted. Interested in joining us next time? Learn more here: https://hubs.la/Q02BbR0V0