Technomic Study Reveals Growth Trends for Starters, Small Plates and Sides

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Sep 16, 2013, 11:15 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The lines have been blurring between restaurant dayparts and dining occasions. As a growing population of snackers changes their eating-out behavior, consumers are doing a lot more mix-and-match dining. These days, an appetizer can be a snack, and a trio of small plates can make up a meal.

Foodservice consumers are looking for chances to customize the menu and often use small bites to supplement or replace a meal. All of these factors are pointing to growth opportunities for starters, small plates and sides. Their flexibility and downsized portions appeal more broadly to consumers and can fit a wider variety of dining occasions.

[View larger INFOGRAPHIC: Spotlight on Starters, Small Plates & Sides]

"Appetizers, small plates and accompaniments are becoming more of a draw," said Darren Tristano, Executive Vice President of Technomic, Inc. "In fact, our data shows that consumer purchases of appetizers are steadily getting closer to pre-recession levels. That's good news for operators looking to promote add-on sales of starters and other extras. Highlighting the shareable, fun factor of these foods—as well as their versatility—helps them function as menu differentiators."

To help foodservice executives understand consumers' related behaviors, preferences and attitudes, Technomic has published its new Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report. Interesting findings include:

Most of the appetizers consumers order (59 percent) are eaten as starters. Meanwhile, consumers indicate that small plates are equally likely to be eaten as starters (34 percent) or as meals (33 percent), demonstrating the flexibility of these items.
Forty-six percent of consumers say they are less likely to order an entrée if it comes with a side they do not enjoy, and 36 percent often choose entrées based on the accompanying sides.
Two-fifths of consumers report that unique or ethnic flavors play a strong role in their appetizer (38 percent) and small-plate (39 percent) purchasing decisions. When it comes to sides, consumers are more reserved: 45 percent of consumers prefer a familiar side item over an unfamiliar one.

Technomic's Starters, Small Plates & Sides Consumer Trend Report provides comprehensive research on the latest menu and consumer trends for these offerings, organized into four major sections:

Menu Insights—uses Technomic's exclusive MenuMonitor data to track menu developments for starters, small plates and side items at Top 500 limited-service and full-service restaurant chains.

Consumer Insights—analyzes consumer behavior and attitudes toward starters, small plates and side items based on findings from a nationally representative survey of 1,500 U.S. consumers.

Outlook: Trends to Watch—explores emerging menu, concept and consumer trends that are currently impacting how restaurant operators are promoting starters, small plates and sides.

Profiles—appendices feature in-depth concept and menu profiles for 10 restaurant brands that have set menu-development trends for starters, small plates or sides in 2013.

Technomic publishes a complete library of consumer trend reports. To learn more, please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below. For Technomic updates, please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or our blog.

Contacts:

Press Inquiries: Darren Tristano, 312-506-3850, or [email protected]

Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, 312-506-3852, or [email protected]

Report Details: Kelly Weikel, 312-506-3830, or [email protected]

About Technomic

Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include numerous publications and digital products, as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry.

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SOURCE Technomic