What Changes are Expected in the Food and Drink Sector Over the Next Five Years?
Have you ever wondered what the food and drink sector will look like over the next five years? Some businesses can fear change, and understandably so. However, taking some time to understand the upcoming transitions in the food and drink industry can help a company seize more opportunities and reach its goals in a quicker timeframe.
The following is an overview of the expected changes over the next five years in the food and drink industry and the potential benefits they can offer a business.
Ghost Kitchens Will Rise in Popularity
Given that food delivery apps have garnered a lot of traction recently, it should be no surprise that ghost kitchens have seen a resurgence in popularity. In the past, kitchens designed exclusively for takeaways and outdoor dining may have been deemed substandard compared to conventional restaurants. However, this is no longer the case.
Many restaurants had to adapt during the pandemic, and providing customers with takeaway options allowed them to remain in business. Many have continued the service, and while some dishes may be simplified compared to the in-house dining options, takeaways have proved profitable for restaurants.
Ghost kitchens will also allow businesses to test markets in other countries. JustKitchen is a provider of ghost kitchens in Canada that has recently stepped into Singapore. Telok Ayer and Tampines offer customers a wide range of Western treats.
Following this method, other restaurants and eateries will find that they can trial potentially profitable areas without risking a considerable investment.
Modern ghost kitchens can create higher quality food in a more petite time frame. Takeaways and outdoor dining areas can offer similar options to in-house dining, regardless of the cuisine.
Technology Will Continue to Evolve
Evolving technology is commonplace, but not everyone is aware of technology’s role in the food and beverage business.
Regardless of the sector, a business operates within the food industry, and technology will continue to play a prominent part in one form or another. For example, small food deliveries will be carried out by autonomous vehicles and drones, whereas food manufacturing businesses will benefit from automated fulfilment centres.
Technology will evolve in several ways but ultimately aim to further streamline the manufacturing and delivery process and enhance the dining experience. Some of the major changes which will occur will be takeaway pre-ordering and self-service.
There Will Be an Increase in the Production of Functional Food
Although there will always be a demand for food that tastes and smells good, diners are focusing more on the health aspects of their food. Recently, functional foods have seen a rise in popularity, including vitamin-enriched beverages,
This doesn’t mean that there will be less demand for classic dishes that have been adored for centuries, but those wanting to capture a larger audience will consider offering dishes that count as functional food.
Research has shown that functional food trends are already developing, meaning that those able to meet the demands of modern food enthusiasts can embrace a new demographic of customers.
Non-Traditional Food Will Become More Commonplace
Although people have broadened their horizons regarding food, this vision will expand over the next five years as people search for an alternative source of protein. In addition to plant-based options, those searching for food will also show interest in sophisticated options, including mushroom-based products and insects.
This, in partnership with the growing demand for vegan products, shows that updating menus, inventories, and meal options will be a viable way of increasing turnover in the future.
There will undoubtedly be other changes that occur during the next five years, but many of them will surround technology and a shift toward healthier meals options.
Of course, people will continue to enjoy food via conventional methods, but being aware of the changes in the industry ensures a business can cater to all types of customers.
