Consumers are getting more adventurous about trying global flavors and ingredients—a cue for foodservice operators to dive deeper into ethnic cuisines on the menu. Technomic’s 2018 Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report reveals that 24% of consumers are trying more unique types of ethnic foods and beverages now than two years ago, a number that rises to 35% for 18- to 34-year-olds.
Not only do younger consumers have a stronger demand for global fare, they also seek unique and emerging ethnic flavors, finds Technomic. One reason: Gen Zers and millennials are more ethnically diverse than older generations. Plus, they grew up eating international cuisines that are now mainstream, such as Mexican and Japanese.
So, how to appeal to the global palates of today’s consumers? Tap into these five trends cited in the report.
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