Changing customer expectations have led to innovation, says Brita

New research from Brita Professional has revealed that changing consumer expectations have led to a rise in innovation and new concepts from hospitality and catering providers.

As a result of the Covid pandemic, hospitality and catering businesses have adapted for future success, with 88% of businesses using the pandemic restrictions and lockdowns to reflect on their business strategy.

The research also shows that 45% of hospitality businesses believe that consumers want an enhanced experience when eating and drinking out and 44.5% of businesses believe there will be a greater demand for meals and drinks that consumers can’t recreate at home.

However, 45% of businesses believe that consumers will want better value for money and 59% believe consumers want restaurant-quality food for home delivery and takeaway.

In response to these changing expectations, 55% of hospitality and catering businesses have introduced new concepts, altered their menus (48%) or updated their equipment (38%) to improve productivity.

When it comes to staff training, 46% of businesses will focus on hiring innovative and creative staff to futureproof their business, and more than a third will make this a focus of their training. Meanwhile, 65% say that effective teamwork will be a focus for staff training in the future, as well as hygiene and cleaning protocols (43%).

Steve Buckmaster, director of sales, at Brita UK, said: “With an end of lockdown roadmap now in place, businesses have the green light to start preparing for what will hopefully be a normal service this summer.

"While this has been an extremely challenging time for hospitality and catering businesses, the industry has shown its ability to adapt to changing consumer expectations. This research has revealed the need that hospitality businesses have for creativity, innovation and exceptional teamwork.

"At Brita, we want to support businesses ahead of reopening, so they can hit the ground running.”

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