Even before the recent recession, the casual dining sector was experiencing a significant decline, driven by concept ubiquity and diminishing value propositions. This study will present Technomic's perspective on the future of the full service casual dining segment, including size, growth, service systems, menu innovation, marketing and positioning. Coverage will be given to how manufacturers must evolve to address the changing the nature of this segment from organizational, approach, and alignment perspectives. Special emphasis will be placed on identifying and analyzing the opportunity niches in the segment, and how manufacturers can most effectively target these.

Research indicates that the distributor sales representative (DSR) continues to be the most important source of information for the independent foodservice operator. As such, it behooves manufacturers to reach the DSR with information, training and ultimately to gain DSR preference for their brands. This study will look at the DSR and their evolving role within the operator buying process. Specifics into the profile of the typical DSR will be provided, as well as their preferences for manufacturer support and identification of the DSR reach tactics that are most effective. Special emphasis will be placed on how emerging communication tools and social media could play a role in influencing the DSR.

Power Distributors, each with more than $150 million in annual sales, represent over $94 billion of the $129 billion for all broadline distributor annual sales. These companies are increasing their share in and influence on the overall foodservice landscape. Given that these distributors are of high interest to the client group, Technomic will update previous studies conducted on this key group of customers for many manufacturers. Key coverage points include purchasing practices, operations, distributor brand focus, customer targeting, expansion and structure. Special emphasis will be placed on operations efficiency activities, future plans and implications to manufacturers. Technomic will provide specific recommendations to clients on how best to align with these important players.

Warehouse clubs, cash-n-carry and depot operations are increasing participation as food, beverage, disposables, supply and equipment sources for foodservice industry Therefore, companies such as Costco, Sam's, Restaurant Depot and Smart & Final (to name a few) are becoming more important customers to foodservice manufacturers. This study will provide sponsors with an in-depth analysis of the current situation and future outlook for these entities as food and supply sources for foodservice operators. Issues to be covered include characteristics, product lines, customer base, purchasing practices and new initiatives. Technomic will provide its perspective on the outlook for clubs, cash-and-carries and depots as foodservice product sources and the impact on foodservice distribution overall. Actionable recommendations on how manufacturers can improve their product offerings, organizations and programs to better serve these organizations will be provided.

This study takes a look at one of the fastest growing niches of the restaurant industry, the fast casual segment and its unique characteristics. Technomic provides its viewpoints on how various aspects of Fast Casual are unique, including equipment, products, preparation methods, marketing strategies, and purchasing practices.

Consumers continue to change their attitudes and practices related to foodservice, even within short periods of time. Macro factors such as the state of the economy and other trends have immediate impact on how consumers behave. This study will update and expand upon the previously-completed studies on how the economy is forcing fundamental changes to consumer sentiment, priorities and spending patterns. Both large-scale quantitative and in-depth exploratory consumer research will be conducted.

Although FSMs are increasing their presence and penetration within beyond restaurant sectors, "independent" operators in the segment still represent a significant portion of the business. Their importance to foodservice suppliers from both volume and opportunity perspectives is high. This study will focus upon understanding the dynamics of the independent beyond restaurant sector (in education, business & industry, and healthcare specifically), including size, segmentation, characteristics and growth. Issues related to products used, supplier selection processes/criteria, sales/marketing support, brand preferences, menu trends and category dynamics will be covered. The key deliverable of this study will be to analyze the long term opportunities for suppliers, including reach and targeting opportunities.

This study will provide a comprehensive view on menu, preparation and serving trends evident in both restaurant and beyond restaurant segments. Using previous studies conducted on this subject as benchmarks, various food and beverage items covering the different dayparts will be explored, including ethnic, healthy, comfort, grab n' go, etc. Technomic will identify and assess those menu and product categories will lead the foodservice industry back onto a growth track. Additionally, preparation and serving trends will be evaluated to obtain an understanding of emerging product, equipment and packaging needs. The deliverables of this program will analyze menu trends, preparation dynamics, and serving issues which are likely to offer long term appeal to consumers, including potential for operators in the various segments and implications/recommended action plans to suppliers.

The last several years have experienced a convergence of several rare situations in the world of distributors. A declining industry coupled with margin pressures were played out in negative "real growth" for distributors. Circumstances have now translated into some new rules of engagement by distributors. This study will explore the relationship changes necessitated by the business environment between, distributors and operators and distributors and manufacturers. We will build upon our extensive supply chain work to provide manufacturers with an in-depth analysis of changing distributor economics. Our study will focus on categories and activities that contribute to true profitability. Technomic will forecast how these changes will evolve and impact your business.

The recent economic slowdown has caused significant shifts in consumer attitudes and behaviors relative to eating away-from-home. The key question is: what changes are short-lived, and which ones are here for the long term. In this study update, Technomic will evaluate various trends and dynamics that have been impacted by the economic slowdown, and assess their longer-term potential. Issues related to frugality, trading down, health & nutrition, sustainability, cuisine preference, transparency, portion sizes, etc. all will be covered in the context of this study. The key deliverable is to identify those trends which are here more permanently, and how manufacturers need to develop strategies and tactics to address them.

Foodservice management firms (FSMs) continue to grow rapidly across virtually all beyond restaurant segments. Their buying power, high growth, central purchasing and overall clout parallel the most successful restaurant chains. This report will provide insight into the FSM picture, including volume, growth, purchasing, and menu development practices. Special emphasis will be placed on the three major players: ARAMARK, Compass, and Sodexo and their specific strategies. Technomic will provide recommendations on how to most effectively reach, serve and tactically manage opportunities in this high potential multi-unit sector.

Foodservice management firms (FSMs) continue to grow rapidly across virtually all beyond restaurant segments. Their buying power, high growth, central purchasing and overall clout parallel the most successful restaurant chains. This report will provide insight into the FSM picture, including volume, growth, purchasing, and menu development practices. Special emphasis will be placed on the three major players: ARAMARK, Compass, and Sodexo and their specific strategies. Technomic will provide recommendations on how to most effectively reach, serve and tactically manage opportunities in this high potential multi-unit sector.