Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - We Cook It - Operators Take Credit - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Simplot GoodGrains - banner - both - 01.20

Simplot Sidewinders - Make Waves - banner - both - 01.20

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper with chef - both - 04.23

Ready to Eat Frozen Vegetables - banner - both - 03.23

Nestle - Every Season is Pumpkin Season - skyscraper - both - 08.18

Tork Compact Foodservice Cloths - banner - both - 07.17

Mini Cinnamon Swirl French Toast - banner - both - 09.23

Simplot Sidewinders - Bendy is Trendy - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Ambrosia Chocolate - banner - both - 03.23

Performance Dairy Clarified Butter - banner - both - 04.24

Dixie Ultra Surface Systems - banner - both - 02.23

Catch of the Season - banner - both - 07.22

Performance Dairy Convenience and Consistency - banner - both - 04.24

Culinary Canvas - banner - OE - 09.30 - 12.29.24

Sugar Foods - Turn Up the Beets Crispy Beets - banner - both - 05.18

Sunny Fresh Bacon and Cheese EggStravaganza - banner - both - 03.23

Shrimp that Brings the Big Picture - skyscraper - both - 11.22

McCain - Tactical Takeout Webinar - skyscraper - both - 05.20

Butterball - Quality, Versatility, and Consistency - banner - both - 07.19

Simply Potatoes Low Sodium Mashed Potatoes - skyscraper - both - 09.23

Your Partner for Flavor - banner - both - 01.23

Rich's Plant Based and Gluten Free Crusts - skyscraper - both - 07.18

Performance Plus Food Safety - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Beautiful Inside and Out - skyscraper - both - 04.18

McCain - Feed and Comfort Your Community with Family Sized Favorites - skyscraper - both - 05.20

McCain - Rebuilding Your Biz - Episode 1 - Hack Your Way Back - skyscraper - both - 05.20

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Mac Pizza - skyscraper - both - 04.19

Empress 5-Compartment School Food Tray - 05.22

McCain Free Takeout and Delivery Guide - banner - both - 05.20

Banner Ad - 2 - MM - Food calculator - Operator - Supersized

Tyson - Hillshire Farm - Legendary Brand - skyscraper - both - 04.21

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - banner - both - 07.21

Chef-mate We Can Better - skyscraper - both - 06.23

Sugar Foods - Turn Up the Beets Crispy Beets - skyscraper - both - 05.18

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Dress Your Table for Success - banner - both - 04.18

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Great Bacon in Half the Time - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt skyscraper - both - 04.23

Essity - Clean Dry Hands - banner - OE - 03.17

Hellmann's Vegan Dressing and Spread - banner - OE - 10.22

Rich's Plant Based Cooking Creme - banner - both - 02.18

Nestle - Hot Cocoa Bulk and Single-Serve Packets - skyscraper - both - 09.21

Nestle Stouffer's Comfort Foods Beyond Compare - video - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Culinary Canvas - skyscraper - OE - 09.30 - 12.29.24

Indiana Packers - Vertical Integration - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Dress Your Table for Success - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Skyscraper Ad - MM - Heat - Operator

America's Original Seafood Family - skyscraper - both - 02.24

Sugar Foods - Add Savory Beet Notes Crispy Beets skyscraper - both - 05.18

Banner Ad - 1 - MM - Recipes - Operator - supersized

Fabri-Kal - Packaging solutions for environmental and off-premise needs - banner - both - 11.19

Jennie-O No Basic Burger Here - banner - both - 03.20

Simplot RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Indiana Packers - All-in-One Pork Supplier - skyscraper - both - 07.21

Tater Tumblers Unseasoned Mix Free Sample - banner - both - 10.11 - 12.31.24

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - banner - both - 04.18

Jennie-O Premium Turkey Breast Turkey that Turns Up the Quality - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - skyscraper - both - 04.19

Tork Compact Foodservice Cloths - skyscraper - both - 07.17

Your Source for Wild Alaskan Seafood - Surimi - skyscraper - both - 10.24

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Customize Creamy Comfort - banner - both - 04.19

Potato Perks App - banner - both - 05.22

Wave of Inspiration - banner - both - 05.22

Mallo Creme - both - 06.13 - 12.31.24

RevelEats - Chef-Driven, Trend-Forward - OE - banner - 12.01 - 12.31.24

Certified Cage-Free Egg Bites - Portable, Protein-Packed Breakfast - banner - both - 09.23

Chef-mate - Save Time without Sacrificing Quality - banner - both - 06.23

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - banner - both - 03.23

Hormel - Fire-Braised Chicken - Now Serving Flame-Seared Perfection - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Cargill - Truvia Sweet Customer Satisfaction Naturally - banner - both - 03.19

Simplot GoodGrains - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Dan's Prize Pot Roast, Prime Rib, Short Ribs Time-Intensive Proteins Made Easy - banner - both - 04.20

Hormel - Fontanini - Handcrafted Meats - Unparalleled Flavor - banner - both - 02.20

Sugar Foods ecoSticks Style and Substance - skyscraper - both - 04.18

Sunny Fresh Bacon and Cheese EggStravanganza - skyscraper - both - 03.23

Hormel - Fontanini - Welcome to Our Family Tradition - banner - both - 02.20

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - banner - both - 01.20

McCain - Takeout and Delivery Menu Ideas - banner - both - 05.20

Performance Dairy Craveable Flavor and Time Savings - banner - both - 04.24

Hormel - Bacon 1 - Full Case of Bacon No Grease - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Maui Refreshers - both - 06.13 - 12.31.24

Roland Foods - Purveyors of Fine Ingredients - banner - both - 08.22

Nestle Minors Slow Simmered Stock - Free Sample - skyscraper - both - 02.20

Dan's Prize Sliced Meats Convenience - banner - both - 04.20

La Ranchera Birria Base - both - 09.24

Sugar Foods ecoStick Less Waste - banner - both - 10.16

Simplot Delivery Solved - Conquest Fries - banner - both - 08.20

Sugar Foods Barista Blend - skyscraper - both - 04.17

Essity - Impress Your Guests - banner - OE - 03.17

McCain - We're Here to Help - Learn More - banner - both - 05.20

Sunny Fresh Egg Bake Bites - skyscraper - both - 03.23

A Family of Fine Cheeses - skyscraper - both - 08.22

Cargill - Truvia Serve America's Best-Selling Stevia Sweetener - skyscraper - both - 03.19

Simplot Conquest Crispy Potato Strips - skyscraper - both - 01.20

Nestle White Cheddar Mac - Mac Pizza - banner - both - 04.19

Simplot - Pineapple Perfected - RoastWorks - skyscraper - both - 08.20

Rich's Plant Based and Gluten Free Crusts - banner - both - 07.18

Rich's Plant Based Cooking Creme - skyscraper - both - 02.18

Skyscraper Ad - MM - Cook - Operator

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt banner - both - 04.23

At its recent virtual Marketing &amp; Sales Conference,&nbsp;IFMA hosted a session on the association&rsquo;s latest 2024 and 2025 Food Away-From-Home (FAFH) Industry and Segment Projections.
<ul>
<li>The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association predicts the total restaurant segment will <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cautiously-holding-steady-ifma-releases-industry-and-segment-forecast-for-food-away-from-home-302215667.html" target="_blank">grow 0.5% compared to 0.8% last year</a>&nbsp;in terms of operator purchases in dollars.</li>
<li>Quick service restaurants are expected to grow 0.7% while fast casual will be up 1.3%, an upward revision of the organization&rsquo;s 0.9% growth projection for fast casuals issued in February.</li>
<li>IFMA slashed its inflation projection for 2024 from its February prediction of 5% to 3.8%.</li>
</ul>
IFMA began this year projecting that the FAFH industry would grow 0.9%, on a real basis. It takes into account that the industry&rsquo;s on-site segments (like colleges &amp; universities and healthcare foodservice with their built-in clientele) look to remain traditionally steady - outpacing growth of the more volatile restaurant segment.
Looking at specific restaurant categories:
QSR (2024: +0.7%; 2025: +1.0%) is expected to finish with a good 2024 and to have a solid 2025 relative to other segments (though lower than pre-pandemic average growth). QSR of course relies heavily on its value proposition with consumers, and despite headlines about how many consumers now consider fast food a &ldquo;luxury,&rdquo; the reality is that the segment has the lowest price point among restaurants.
Fast casual (2024: +1.3%; 2025: +1.6%) operators have done a masterful job of pivoting to suburban locations and dinner occasions, which has helped them bounce back from their pre-pandemic reliance on urban locations and daytime work populations consuming lunch. They have also successfully leveraged their heavy reliance on technology to improve digital ordering, which has in turn improved their loyalty programs and repeat business. The segment benefits from a more well-perceived workplace environment and culture than QSRs, which has helped it compete in a very tight labor market.
Midscale (2024: -0.7%; 2025: -0.5%) continues to struggle and is forecasted to have some of the lowest projected real growth of all foodservice segments in 2024 and 2025. Consumers learned to cook more at home during the pandemic and so midscale offerings, which tend toward comfort foods and familiar items, have had less appeal as consumers returned to restaurants. The lower price point for a dine-in experience will be a positive for the segment as consumers face continued food-away-from-home inflation that is higher than at-home inflation. Lower income consumers have cut back the most on their foodservice spend so far in 2024 and that is directly impacting midscale restaurants as their patron base skews toward lower- and middle-income households.
Casual dining (2024: 0.0%; 2025: +0.3%) continues to prove it is the segment that doesn&rsquo;t give up and consumers continue to view these types of restaurants as desirable venues for recognizing life events, celebrations, and socializing (which we are more eager to do now than ever after having endured a pandemic). The segment continues to get additional revenue from off-premise offerings with increased curbside, delivery, family meals and off-premise alcohol though the share of revenue from off-premise has peaked and is likely to continue to fall in 2024 and 2025.
Fine dining (2024: +0.2%; 2025: +0.5%) operators are benefiting from the fact that consumers are eager to get back to experiences and many have pent up demand and the disposable income to pay for them. Lower-income consumers are cutting back the most with their dining at restaurants but are a small share of fine dining patrons. Labor shortages have impacted fine dining, though not as badly as other full-service segments since workers and waitstaff generally have more experience and are paid higher wages.
When it comes to these last few months of 2024, IFMA feels confident in its February industry predictions. Overall, FAFH should see 0.9% growth for the year.
Source: <a href="https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/food/forecasting-slow-growth-positive-future-food-away-home" target="_blank">Restaurant Business</a>

At its recent virtual Marketing & Sales Conference, IFMA hosted a session on the association’s latest 2024 and 2025 Food Away-From-Home (FAFH) Industry and Segment Projections.

Forecasting Slow Growth & Positive Future for Food Away from Home

As we look ahead to 2025, the food industry trends are becoming increasingly dynamic. With technology shaping the way we dine, the landscape for restaurants is evolving rapidly. From sustainability to digital innovation, here are the top 10 restaurant trends that are set to dominate the scene in the coming years.
1. Emphasis on sustainability
Sustainability has become an essential. Consumers are more aware of their environmental impact, and restaurants are responding by adopting greener practices. Expect to see more plant-based menus, zero-waste initiatives, and locally sourced ingredients. This shift not only appeals to eco-conscious diners but also enhances a restaurant&rsquo;s brand image, making it an essential aspect of restaurant trends for 2025.
2. Enhanced dining experiences
The modern diner seeks more than just a meal; they desire an experience. This trend will see restaurants focusing on creating immersive dining environments, utilising decor, lighting, and music to elevate the overall experience. Whether it's themed dining nights or interactive culinary sessions, enhancing customer engagement will be a priority in the restaurant industry.
3. Rise of ghost kitchens
Ghost kitchens, or virtual kitchens, are gaining traction as a cost-effective solution for food delivery. These kitchens focus only on online orders. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for convenience, making it one of the key food industry trends as we move into 2025. Restaurants can streamline their operations using POS for restaurants&nbsp;along with other devices and reach a broader customer base without the overhead costs of a physical location.
4. Integration of AI and automation
Technology continues to reshape the dining experience, and artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of this revolution. From chatbots handling reservations to AI-driven menu suggestions based on customer preferences, the integration of technology will enhance operational efficiency. Expect to see more restaurant technology trends involving automation in kitchens and customer service to improve speed and accuracy.
5. Personalization through data
Personalization is becoming a crucial element of the dining experience. With data analytics, restaurants can understand customer preferences and tailor their offerings accordingly. From personalized menus to targeted marketing campaigns, leveraging data will help restaurants create a more tailored dining experience, making it one of the most exciting food tech trends of 2025.
6. The growth of plant-based options
As more people adopt plant-based diets for health or ethical reasons, the demand for innovative plant-based dishes is on the rise. Restaurants are responding by expanding their vegetarian and vegan menus, making them more enticing and diverse. This trend is not just a passing phase; it&rsquo;s a fundamental shift in how we think about food, and it will be central to restaurant trends in the coming years.
7. Focus on health and wellness
With health consciousness on the rise, restaurants are adjusting their menus to cater to this trend. Expect to see more offerings that highlight nutritional benefits, with clear labelling for allergens and dietary requirements. This focus on health aligns with the broader food industry trends we&rsquo;re witnessing, where diners are becoming more selective about their food choices.
8. Innovative payment solutions
Contactless payments, mobile wallets, and even cryptocurrency are becoming more mainstream. Restaurants will need to adapt to these changes, offering a range of payment options that cater to tech-savvy customers. This shift not only improves customer convenience but also enhances the overall dining experience.
9. Remote dining and meal kits
The pandemic accelerated the shift towards remote dining, and this trend is set to continue. Meal kits, offering the convenience of cooking at home with restaurant-quality ingredients, are gaining popularity. Restaurants that can offer these kits alongside their regular menu will likely attract a new customer base, further blurring the lines between dining out and eating in.
10. Community and local engagement
Finally, as people seek connection, restaurants are becoming community hubs. Engaging with local events, supporting nearby suppliers, and creating a sense of community will be essential for restaurants aiming to thrive. This focus on local engagement will not only build loyalty among customers but also enhance the restaurant&rsquo;s reputation as a community-oriented establishment.
Conclusion
As we embrace 2025, these restaurant technology&nbsp;and food tech trends will shape the future of the dining experience. Restaurants that adapt to these shifts will not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape
Source: <a href="https://blog.foodhubforbusiness.com/blog/top-10-restaurant-industry-trends-to-expect-in-2025">Foodhub for Business</a>

Here are the top 10 restaurant trends that are set to dominate the scene in the coming years.

The Top 10 Restaurant Industry Trends to Expect in 2025

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The 2025 Issue

Forecasting Slow Growth & Positive Future for Food Away from Home

The Top 10 Restaurant Industry Trends to Expect in 2025