Lumina Intelligence loves a framework for organising thoughts, market growth drivers, data implications…the list could go on. Food and drink trends are no exception and a framework for trend developments has been at the centre of its Menu & Food Trends Report for several years now. Lumina Intelligence defines eight mega trends that underpin all developments across all areas of the market and consumer behaviour, bucketed across lifestyle, cuisine, product, drink, and experience trends.

Lumina Intelligence’s eight mega trends:

  • · Value scrutiny
  • · Healthier eating
  • · Customisation
  • · Sustainability
  • · Quality-led
  • · Experiential
  • · Convenience
  • · Indulgence

2023 has been defined by footfall recovery, economic challenges, and geopolitical conflict. Mega trend evolution has delivered some of the most important new trends to watch:

Thrift & Frugality – revival of vegetable-centric dishes

Linking across healthier eating, sustainability, quality and value scrutiny, high food inflation has led to many consumers turning away from meat and towards vegetables to bulk out meals. Inexpensive vegetables are becoming increasingly popular across the market, with dishes reimagining vegetables including onions, leeks, carrots, mushrooms, sweetcorn, and courgettes. Hash Hut is a loaded hash brown vendor, based at Boxpark Croydon. Offerings include Nacho Cheese Browns with Jalapeno cheese powder, nacho cheese, crushed Doritos and chives and Sriracha Mayo Browns with Sriracha mayo, crispy onions, spring onions, black sesame, and chives. Plant-based meats have been around for a while, but recent trends are focusing on the “plant” alternatives rather than complex imitation meats. Mushrooms, legumes, and nuts are all products gaining popularity as meat-alternative proteins.

Stout

New stouts, to rival market leader Guinness have been emerging across the market. Popular breweries have introduced their own versions of the classic, while flavoured stouts are also increasingly on offer, tapping into novelty credentials. Brewdog launched its own draught stout in February 2023, describing the new drink – Black Heart - as ‘brewed in and for this century’. In May 2023 Camden Town Brewery launched its own stout, with the focus of the launch being to ‘inject some character into the stout category. Vocation brewery has launched a limited-edition sticky toffee pudding stout, with an ABV of 5.8%, focusing on emulating the classic British dessert. This trend is expected to accelerate in 2024 with Guinness opening a new microbrewery in London’s Covent Garden, promising a roof top bar among other key features.

Party dining

Inflation, hotter summers, rail strikes and changing work patterns are leading to consumer shifts away from late night out of home visits. The decline in nightclubs has fuelled the growth of late-night entertainment in premium restaurants. Consumers today seek a holistic value proposition, where the immersive ambiance, aesthetically pleasing interiors, and opportunity for social media-worthy moments contribute notably to value perceptions. Consumers looking to replicate the experience of a night out are being driven towards experiential restaurants that offer DJ’s, live entertainment and well-invested in, aspirational interiors.

Sexy Fish continues to deliver on the party dining trend with its latest opening in Manchester placing experiential dining at the core of its offering. The venue will feature luxurious Asian-inspired interiors including bespoke fish lamps, glass columns and a bar set back against a waterfall.

Maximalist venues

Maximalist venues are aimed at providing consumers with a memorable and immersive experience beyond just the food and drink. Social media appeal has played a key role in the growth of the trend with aesthetic interiors serving as a backdrop for user-generated content, boosting brand visibility. Bacchanalia Mayfair opened in December 2022 in a former Porsche showroom. The Greco-Roman interior is inspired by classical mythology and features five large, suspended statues alongside impressive Sistine Chapel-style frescos. The site is a best-in-class example of how unused spaces can be transformed to create a special experience.

Maximalist venues including Fenix, Bacchanalia and Big Mama group’s Jacuzzi are capitalising on this shift in consumer preferences, creating experiential hubs that elevate the dining experience and align with evolving social media culture.

Less than a month away 2024 is destined to bring a close to the economic instability of the past three years. Lumina Intelligence forecasts a challenging yet opportune year for operators across the market to re-adjust and capitalise on the new normal for consumers. Mega trend evolution is promised with a change in Government that could see a shift in policy priorities and a renewed focus on legislation surrounding healthier eating and sustainability. Further Brexit legislation will heighten the need for streamlined supply chains, supply chain sustainability and local sourcing. Artificial intelligence-powered customer service including voice bots, ordering assistants, bespoke menu items and pricing will streamline experiences and boost operational efficiencies – furthering the automation of convenience and experience in the sector. The one enduring fact that will remain is that eating and drinking out is part of the culture in the UK and a key driver for the economy, there are high rewards for operators that remain consistent, agile, and true to their brand identities.