We are delighted to reveal the five key trends we believe will drive significant change across all sectors of the foodservice industry in 2020 and beyond.
The five key trends identified, which you can find full details of in our Trend Guide 2020/21, are titled Children of the Revolution, A Change of Pace, TRIBE, An Alternative Reality and Sustain, Regain & Connect.
Alongside the five key trends highlighted, the Trend Guide will also delve deeper into Generation Alpha, a new group within the Generation of Change section, as well as looking at five micro trends making a macro impact including Tokyo 2020, The Roaring 20s, The Science of Food, Wild for West Africa, The Non-Alcoholic Happy Hour and FOMO Turns to JOMO.
Five Key Trends to Look Out for in 2020
Children of the Revolution – Child and adult roles have flipped, with Greta Thunberg addressing some of the world’s most influential leaders, cutting through the red tape of nay-sayers and inspiring an entire movement of children across the globe to stand up and fight for what they believe. Whether it’s to stop the extinction of certain species, the demand for a better lifestyle or increased opportunity and equality, young people are no longer accepting their fate they are fighting for their future.
A Change of Pace – The increase of smart technology may have made us more efficient in many ways, but it is also creating cross-generational burn out. A heady combination of speed and impatience which are imbedded in our lives along with the multitude of products, adverts, social media and app alerts are vying for our attention. The result is a wave of mental and physical health issues, which can only be combatted by slowing the pace down.
TRIBE – The connection between humans and the need for us to form an alliance or ‘tribe’. The types of alliances we form have evolved significantly but the overarching need to belong and identify with others of a similar mind-set is still strong. There is no doubt that we are living through a period of substantial change, the potential for conflict amongst nations, cultures and neighbours has risen which is causing unrest and anxiety in many people. Tribes offer friendship, fun and learning at a time when people are yearning for community, a place where they can unite and feel secure.
An Alternative Reality – This is a discussion around the increase in consumers seeking an ‘escape’ from their day to day busy device filled lives which can be linked to the current ‘political hellscape’. Consumers are increasingly seeking experiences over commodities and these experiences are manifesting into methods of escapism; for the travel and leisure sector, they mean niche market locations and personalised luxury and off-the-grid getaways, for Gen Z it could mean escape into technology such as gaming and social media or extreme sports and for the care sector it can mean a chance to take a step back in time, revisiting a past filled with warm memories and nostalgia in a dementia care immersive pop-up experience.
Sustain, Regain & Connect – After millions tuned in to watch the second series in the acclaimed Blue Planet documentaries, the sense of responsibility for reducing waste and pollution weighs heavily on the nation’s shoulders. This burden for sustainable lifestyles is felt no more so than with Millennials, Gen Z and Gen Alpha who are looking at an uncertain future for themselves and their children.
The announcement coincides with a fresh and exciting rebrand for Stir it up Magazine which will see a new logo and design to the magazine introduced from January 2020. The magazine continues to be a must read for caterers and chefs and is read by over 50,000 people in the industry.
Emma Holden, Marketing Manager of the Country Range Group, said:
“With the new year fast approaching we’re thrilled to reveal the five trends which we believe will take hold of the foodservice and catering industry in 2020. The trends form a key part of our Stir it up Magazine Trend Guide 2020/21 and is a valuable resource and business booster for chefs and caterers across all sectors. With our industry moving at such a fast pace it’s vital caterers stay ahead of the competition and use every resource possible to improve year on year.”
