Bidfresh announce top fresh food trends for 2023

Chefs and hospitality businesses are responding to the challenges of the current trading environment by making the most of fresh produce and innovative dishes.

The new Fresh Food Trends Report 2023 from Bidfresh spotlights ways the sector is using this produce to raise its menu game and persuade cash-strapped consumers to dine out.

The supplier group with its three specialist fresh food businesses; Campbell Brothers, Direct Seafoods and Oliver Kay has released research that demand for a broad and diverse choice which has that kick of quality, justifying the spending of consumers’ hard-earned cash is at the forefront.

Across the three businesses, the key trends identified are:

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  Nose to tail: particularly relevant for fresh meat, across all sectors of the hospitality industry, chefs are working harder than ever to use every part possible of the produce they buy, reducing food waste and supporting sustainability, as well as making the most of budgets.

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  Managing costs: to help manage cost challenges, chefs are utilising their knowledge and skills, using meats that can be slow cooked and versatile smart swap ingredients.

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  Sustainability: continuing to reduce waste to not only support sustainability but also help improve costs, and sourcing locally to reduce food miles are amongst some of the measures both chefs and consumers are taking to remain green.

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  British food: there is more focus than ever on the challenges and opportunities facing British food producers, and how consumers can look for opportunities to support British farmers and growers.

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  Wow factor: Consumers want meals that feature produce, flavours and styles that go beyond what they prepare at home and give them that sense of occasion and value for money.

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  Social media friendly: the more buzz you receive on social media, the more opportunities to entice those customers who have noticed you whilst scrolling through their feeds.

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  Takeaway and delivery: having a menu feature dishes adapted for takeaway and delivery options continues to be popular.

Jane Aukim, head of marketing at Bidfresh, commented: “It’s incredibly refreshing to see that although consumers are under much financial strain when dining out, they are keeping sustainability as a priority in 2023, along with reducing their food waste and supporting local by choosing British produce. Our hard-working British farmers and producers continue to be faced with unprecedented challenges, so I’m pleased to see they are at the forefront of consumers’ minds and that we as an industry are focussed on supporting them.

“Despite a universal tightening of the purse strings, the ‘wow factor’ trend will allow chefs to use their creativity when building their menus. Dining out has become a highly valued luxury for many, so it will be important for chefs to consider how they can evolve their dishes and adhere to the more mindful choices consumers are making, whilst adding a twists and sense of occasion to their menu options.”

To access a copy of The Fresh Food Trends Report 2023 visit here.