The food and beverage industry is subject to numerous trends and these trends have an impact on business success or decline. A trend is defined as ‘a line of general direction of movement, a prevailing tendency of inclination, a style or preference, a line of development, or the general movement over time of statistically detectable change’ (Google Thesaurus, 2011). Whereas, a fad is considered to be a temporary popular notion, artistic activity, fashion or food that is usually followed by a large group of people for a short time (Google Thesaurus, 2011).
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This paper analyses trends in the wider food and beverage industry and provides insights into the trends that are most likely to influence future business success. Trends, such as, consumer expectations, consumer spending, dining out, health, obesity and wellness, demographics, convenience, food trends and the food service industry’s world wide top 10 trends are discussed. This paper is based on primary and secondary research providing a comprehensive snapshot of trends in the sector. Primary research was carried out through focus group interviews and an in- depth case study of the trends in catering in Dundrum Shopping Centre, Dublin.
This paper provides insights into the implications of these trends for operators of food and beverage businesses and considers drivers for success.