Consumers Hungry for Value, Creative Dishes on Menus

CHICAGODuring a tight economy consumers are looking for more value, creative dishes from the left side of the menu, according to three new reports from foodservice analyst Technomic.

Consumers are trying to cut their dining budgets, in many cases by eliminating starters," said Darren Tristano, executive vice president. "To drive cravings and create interest in appetizers, salads and soups, operators must innovate with exciting dressings and dips, unusual ingredients, and preparation techniques that cant easily be duplicated at home. These encourage consumers to feel the experience is worth the extra cost.

These and other findings are detailed in three new reports from Technomics Left Side of the Menuseries, which includes the Appetizer Consumer Trend Report, the Salad Consumer Trend Report and the Soup Consumer Trend Report. Based on more than 4,500 consumer interviews and analysis of the menus of the Top 250 chain restaurants, emerging chains and independent restaurants, the reports examine consumer attitudes, purchase behavior and price sensitivity, plus emerging trends in flavor, preparation and presentation.