Bidfresh’s three specialist brands, Campbell Brothers (catering butchers), Direct Seafoods (nationwide fishmongers) and Oliver Kay (fresh ingredient suppliers), have identified health as the most important factor for over a third of consumers (34%) when choosing food, followed by price (20%) and the environment (16%).
The report also found consumers now carefully assess whether they are getting their money’s worth and consider factors such as food quality, dining experience, ambience and unique selling points.
Jodie Gamson, senior marketing manager for Bidfresh, said: “It’s clear to see that consumers are looking for more than just great tasting food, they want food that nourishes both body and soul, while also being fully conscious of their impact on the environment.
“The announcement of last year’s Autumn Budget was a massive hit to the industry, including our British farmers, leaving questions as to whether consumers will still be eating out of home. However, we’re determined to boost the confidence of our customers, helping chefs and caterers navigate through this challenging time.
“Using this year’s report, we hope to help operators attract consumers with healthier and more sustainable dishes that showcase the fresh, high-quality ingredients Campbell Brothers, Direct Seafoods and Oliver Kay each has to offer.”
The four key trends identified across Bidfresh are:
- Feeding the soul: While fruit, vegetables and certain species of fish are associated with healthy eating, this trend presents the opportunity to highlight the nutritional benefits of meat in forming a balanced and nutritious diet.
- Closer to home: 43% of consumers would like to try Scottish, Welsh or Irish cuisine in the next few years, fuelled by a sense of identity and national pride.
- Proactive practices: The areas that consumers are most interested to see operators engage with are food waste, carbon reduction, seasonality, certifications, regenerative farming and sustainable seafood.
- Flavours less travelled – fresh meat: This trend celebrates the richness of diverse flavours, providing an escape from the ordinary, whilst maintaining authenticity in dishes. The top three cuisines are Argentinian, South States and Portuguese.