University Foodservice Gets Smart

CHICAGOThe leaders of tomorrow expect a lot from their food, even if it's coming from their college cafeteria. According to a new report from Mintel, "University FoodserviceU.S.2012," university foodservice has to step up its game to keep students on campus for meals. Yet, just like in the "real" world, price is important.

Keeping on-campus meals and snacks at a competitive price point will help keep students from wandering off campus for their brain food," says Eric Giandelone, foodservice director at Mintel. "This is also true for foodservice providers looking to attract off-campus students not enrolled in a campus meal plan to select on-campus establishments."

Some 86% of students claim price was the most important factor when selecting their eating destination, followed by menu selection (74%), convenient location (71%) and cuisine type (68%).

Lighter meals are the most popular option for on-campus diners, with sandwiches (61%) leading the pack as most ordered. Salads are also a popular preference (42%), especially among women, who opt for healthier options more often than men. Women also are also more likely than males to satisfy their sweet tooth with dessert. So what do men want? They are more likely than women to order French fries (36% vs. 30%) or cheeseburgers (26% vs. 18%).