FOOD EXPORT ASSOCIATION OF THE MIDWEST USA /FOOD EXPORT USA -NORTHEAST ®
®
The bi-monthly newsletter for importers of U.S. foods
January/February 2023
Vol. 19 No. 1
Foodservice Demand Remains Solid IN THE FACE OF INFLATION
While high inflation has more consumers choosing to dine in, demand for foodservice remains strong in the U.S. In fact, 47% of operators reported an increase in consumer traffic compared to 39% who saw a decline, according to Datassential. Additionally, 46% of adults say they’re not using restaurants to dine on-premises as much as they would like, according to the National Restaurant Association. Restaurants are looking for compelling reasons to convince budget-conscious shoppers to visit their locations, which means they need to be on top of the latest ingredient and menu trends. The right dish at the right price can be the difference between someone choosing to cook for themselves instead of treating themselves to a night out. The National Restaurant Association (NRA) expects consumers to be on the lookout for comfort fair, and the top food in this category will be fried chicken. A survey found that 70% of chefs say the “chicken sandwich wars” are still in play, creating opportunities to stand out with spicy, sweet or combination variations on the classic sandwich. The rise of chicken sandwiches coincides with the reopening of offices across the country, which has led more and more consumers to seek convenient lunchtime meals and dinners. This also offers an opportunity for restaurants to fight back against rising ingredient costs, as chicken sandwiches can use less expensive cuts but still make a flavorful meal. Other handheld menu options, such as French toast sticks, are expected to grow in popularity as well due to their convenience. (Continued on page 2)
www.foodexport.org