Food Industry
Introduction
Currently, the restaurant industry accounts for four percent of the U.S. gross domestic product and is the nation's second largest employer next to the Federal government (Dumagan and Hackett, 1995). Seventy-five percent of restaurant customers report a significant increase in the number of restaurants from which they have to choose compared to only two years ago (NRA, 2001). Because of growing competition between restaurants, it is not surprising to see restaurant owners paying more attention to growing trends in Americans' eating habits. Restaurants that follow even the most minute trends could see a change in their market share and survivability. This paper will look at five of the largest food service trends in the United States and how to adapt to a more contemporary marketing mix.
Eating Trends
This paper will focus on five eating trends:
- The money spent at food service establishments.
- The role of convenience in consumers' food and restaurant selections.
- The increasing demand for meal variety.
- The importance of food safety in consumers' shopping patterns.