Latest trends for the out-of-home market

A lot has been happening in the German out-of-home market. The organisers of INTERNORGA (Germany’s largest and oldest food service trade show which has just taken place in Hamburg have recently summarised 4 main trends in the sector:

1. Taste unlimited
Taste has been in demand since well before the onset of the pandemic. Consumers have become better informed and have developed much higher taste expectations. They expect more too – international dishes, regional ingredients, creative marinades, exotic spices. The rediscovery of fermentation has also led to more intensive taste, eg the pinsa, a successful pizza alternative.

2. Digiversion – the digital out-of-home world
Digitalisation has become a standard constituent in the work of food-service, hotels, bakeries and cake-shops eg in the planning of take away and delivery, process optimisation in kitchens or compensation for staff shortages.

3. Health – And it can taste good
Health oriented food remains popular for young and old and is relevant in the out-of-home market. Especially during the pandemic, meals which offered vitality and energy were in demand. Vegan and vegetarian have become a standard menu fixture. Chains offer even a meat-free burger alongside their standard meat burger. Fish alternatives are being launched, going as far as seaweed based products.

4. Sustainability – The battle of the profiles
Sustainability is a megatrend which has developed around the world as awareness for climate-change grows. Consumers expect solutions from manufacturers for a complex, multi-layered problem area – waste management, recyclable packaging and efficient use of resources. Reusable cups and bowls for delivery and take away or coathangers, serviettes or cutlery from sustainable materials all show future potential as their popularity grows.