Chicago, November 13, 2008, Business Wire – Tough economic times typically sharpen companies’ focus on cost-cutting measures. However, foodservice consultants at Technomic found a significant up-tick in recent menu innovation among the top 250 chain restaurants. Based on data collected through its MenuMonitor service, October saw the largest number of limited-time-offers (LTOs) and new menu items in the past five years.

The findings, published in the firm’s Menu Innovation Monthly Report, identified 547 new menu items, 40 percent higher than the monthly average for 2008. Of these, 157 were reported as “back” on the menu, 197 were LTOs, and 193 were new items.

By category, the largest number of new October items were lunch/dinner entrees (273 items), followed by desserts (96), appetizers (49), breakfast entrees (48), non-alcoholic beverages (29), and adult beverages (20). Side items (17), healthy items (12) and add-ons (3) rounded out the list. In terms of flavor profiles, notable October menu flavors included pumpkin, apple, cinnamon, pecan and chipotle.

“With consumers cutting back on eating out, restaurants needed to find new ways to bring customers through their doors,” said Bernadette Noone, Senior Program Manager at Technomic. “Many chains are using LTOs as a cost-effective way to trial new items before doing large roll-outs.” Noone added that operators appear quite open to partnering with suppliers on new products with shorter lead times.

The MenuMonitor online database, and its companion Menu Innovation Monthly Report, help operators and suppliers track menu trends and identify new menu opportunities. To learn more about these services, please contact Patrick Noone at 312-506-3852 or pnoone@technomic.com.  
 
Press Contact
Chris Urban, 312-506-3929 or curban@technomic.com.

Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include numerous publications and digital products, as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry.

Source: Technomic, Inc.
Press Contact: Chris Urban, 312-506-3929 or curban@technomic.com