Addressing value perceptions will be key to maintaining smaller mealparts as an ideal innovation platform, Technomic reveals in new report

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Technomic's 2019 Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report reveals the opportunities these mealparts provide to operators and suppliers

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Technomic

Sep 05, 2019, 11:22 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- With consumers' desire for innovation increasing and snacking becoming more of a habit, mealparts such as starters, small plates and sides are well-positioned to gain share of stomach. Technomic's 2019 Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report explores how these mealparts can help foodservice brands maximize existing opportunities and overcome potential challenges.

The report is available here: https://www.technomic.com/available-studies/consumer-trend-reports/starters-small-plates-sides

"Starters, small plates and sides are flexible menu offerings that provide the innovation consumers seek at a lower risk than larger menu items," explains Anne Mills, senior manager of consumer insights at Technomic. "While the lower price points and smaller portions mean these mealparts are great platforms for experimentation, rising menu prices increase the risk. As prices rise, brands must work to maintain, if not boost, value perceptions through bolder innovation and elevated quality."

Key takeaways from the report include:

Overall, 35% of consumers are very likely to order either appetizers or small plates as a midafternoon snack, if offered
The most preferred lunch sides at limited-service restaurants include fries (63%) and onion rings (40%)
60% of consumers say it is important that they can choose the side that comes with their entree

Compiling findings from 1,700 consumer responses, as well as menu trends, the comprehensive 2019 Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report helps foodservice operators and suppliers better understand consumers' perceptions of these specific mealparts and identify opportunity areas.

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: Anne Mills, (312) 506-3867, [email protected]
Purchasing details: Patrick Noone, (312) 506-3852, [email protected]

About Technomic
Technomic, Inc., a Winsight company, was founded as a management consulting firm in 1966. Since then, Technomic's services have grown to encompass cloud-based B2B research tools, consumer and menu trend tracking, as well as other leading strategic research and analytic capabilities, to prioritize and size business opportunities. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants, retailers and multiple other business verticals aligned with the food industry that are looking to make informed decisions to support their business growth. Visit Technomic at www.technomic.com.

SOURCE Technomic