Study conducted by Technomic reveals the latest data on consumer perceptions, attitudes and behaviours with regard to ethnic foods and flavours
CHICAGO, Aug. 21, 2017—Ethnic foods and flavours play a key role in Canadians’ restaurant visits, with consumers ordering ethnic foods and flavours nearly half the time. As the population becomes increasingly multicultural and aware of international cuisines, consumers will become more familiar with less mainstream ingredients and flavours (like Lebanese and Ethiopian flavours). As a result, they will also become increasingly knowledgeable about and discerning of ethnic dishes, making authenticity a key differentiator.
“As interest in more unique ethnic dishes continues to grow, harnessing the perception of authenticity while also balancing approachability will be crucial to growing share of stomach,” says Anne Mills, manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “Operators and suppliers must ensure that customers know the ingredients and flavours in these offerings to avoid alienating less adventurous consumers.”
Key takeaways from the report include:
- Twenty-one percent of consumers are preparing more ethnic foods at home now than two years ago
- Forty percent of consumers (up from 35% in 2015) are trying ethnic foods because they want to eat spicier flavours
- Consumers are more likely now than two years ago to order ethnic dishes or flavours for lunch or snacks
Compiling findings from more than 1,000 consumers, as well as Technomic’s MenuMonitor and Digital Resource Library, the comprehensive 2017 Canadian Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report serves as a guide for foodservice operators and suppliers to understand consumers’ attitudes toward ethnic cuisines, flavours and dishes.
Technomic publishes a complete library of Consumer Trend Reports. To learn more, please visit technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.
Contacts:
Press Inquiries and Report Details: Kelly Weikel, (312) 506-3830, or kweikel@technomic.com
Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, or pnoone@technomic.com