The power of global fare

It’s no secret that global flavors have gained relatively universal appeal in recent years; more and more customers are demanding authentic ethnic-inspired flavors, and industry experts are predicting the popularity of global foods and beverages will only continue to climb.¹ But when it comes to each generation’s unique global flavor preferences, there’s a world of difference. Properly leveraging these differences is what will enable operators to turn these next-gen flavor trends into next-level amounts of foot traffic.

Getting personal with flavor palates

Whether it’s their unique taste in fashion or in global flavors, each generation is one-of-one. The opportunity for operators lies in paying attention to what makes them unique. So the experts at SupHerb Farms^® dug into the most recent consumer data and unearthed the distinct global flavor trends and preferences of each generation in their latest white paper, Generational Preferences: Unveiling Global Flavor Trends. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the juiciest insights:

• Gen Alpha: Seeing as it’s made up of children ages 0-11, this generation isn’t making food decisions for themselves just yet. However, thanks to the adventurous palates (and parenting tactics) of their parents, these kids have developed a serious taste for global flavors—and their menus are reflecting it! A recent kids’ menu trend known as “authentic global” means operators don’t need to compromise on robust flavors or vegetables to cater to young palates.²
• Gen Z: Despite being the most tech-savvy generation to date, the key to unlocking Gen Z’s devotion isn’t a spicy social media persona—it’s a spicy, globally inspired menu! More specifically, one that’s filled with interactive Korean dishes that pack some seriously complex heat.³ And you might want to add those menu items soon, because these adventurous eaters are projected to be the biggest food service spenders by 2030.⁴
• Millennials: The original “foodie” generation, this cohort of 28-to-43-year-olds loves global foods and is constantly seeking out new and premium culinary experiences—though nostalgia continues to hold a special place in their hearts (and stomachs).⁵ When it comes to global flavors, this group is partial to authentic Vietnamese, Indian and Cuban dishes.³
• Gen X: Gen X now has more spending power—and spends more of it on food—than any other generation. The question then becomes, which global flavors can you leverage to attract Xers to your establishment? The answer: authentic Thai twists on familiar American dishes. For starters, anyway.³
• Boomers: Now (mostly) retired and with (hopefully) empty nests, this generation has found comfort in functional foods as well as familiar global flavors from their past—we’re talking traditional Italian, Chinese and Mexican cuisine. However, data suggests that they’re open to more global mashups and twists on their favorite dishes!³

Turning trends into best-selling items

Thankfully for operators, consumers don’t yet know how to make many of the global cuisines they crave.³ In order to continue benefiting from this gap, restaurants need to continue to innovate and unlock new global options. To do so, many local and national chains are leveraging globally inspired culinary products from companies like SupHerb Farms^®. With ingredients like creamy piri piri, sambal and mango salsa, it’s never been easier to turn next-gen flavor trends into your next best-selling menu items. Browse SupHerb Farms^®’ selection of globally inspired culinary ingredients to get started.

And if you’re craving even more valuable insights, download their full Generational Preferences: Unveiling Global Flavor Trends white paper here.