Global keeps going

Consumers continue to crave ethnic dishes, so operators are digging deeper into Asian, Mediterranean and Latin cuisines to unearth innovative flavors and ingredients. Chinese, Italian and Mexican are solidly in the mainstream, but 18% of 18- to 34-year-olds are seeking emerging ethnic foods and flavors, as per Technomic’s Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report. In fact, 40% of younger consumers say they’re visiting a wider variety of restaurants now than two years ago to try new or unique flavors, according to Technomic’s Flavor Consumer Trend Report. Unique flavors can give noncustomers a reason to visit and draw in regulars who want a taste of something different.