Food Trends for 2012?
Industry experts forecast 2012 trends: There’s no economic rebound to prosperity , but it will continue to be a better environment than it was in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Restaurants will benefit from pent-up demand. Two out of five American adults said in a recent survey that they are not using restaurants as often as they would like. More chains will return to the earth and emphasize real, fresh or local foods to the maximum extent that they can, given the constraints of their systems. “Premiumization” is now a basic diner expectation, given the proliferation of upgraded, enhanced, or higher-end products at modest prices. Examples: T.G.I. Friday's new Langostino Lobster-topped entrées or Arby's medium-rare Angus beef sandwiches. “Miniaturization,” or the continued growth of small plates, snacks and downsized portion options, which have been driven by price sensitivity, consumer interest in sampling, grazing or sharing, and health concerns. Will the food...