International exploration

Consumers are excited to explore global cuisines and flavors, especially those in the 18-34 age group, according to Technomic’s Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report. Chefs in college and university and business and industry operations, in particular, are spicing up the menu with more unique ethnic ingredients and flavors, sometimes mashing together two or more different cultures into one dish. But K-12 and healthcare operations are also digging into the cuisines of the world for inspiration, exposing customers to dishes from less familiar countries and regions.