The foodservice sector is already on the green road and some cases are interesting to understand the dynamics of this change in the mindset of those who make food and those who eat it
The growing demand for plant-based food has been an opportunity for the foodservice industry. With the change in consumer behavior in search of healthier and more sustainable options, restaurants and even fast food chains have invested in vegan and vegetarian alternatives on their menus.
In restaurants, hospitals and schools, plant-based food has been the protagonist of menus that are more connected with the future.
Plant-based foods have proved to be a viable alternative for meeting the needs of consumers who are looking for a more balanced and conscious diet. What's more, offering these products can attract an ever-growing and loyal audience.
With the variety of options available on the market, foodservice companies have the opportunity to diversify their menus and offer healthier and more sustainable options to their customers. In addition, the inclusion of plant-based foods can be a strategy for attracting new consumers and retaining the loyalty of existing ones.
Companies can also benefit from the growing supply of plant-based foods on the market, as competition has led to lower prices and higher quality products. This can result in a reduction in costs and an increase in profit margins for restaurants and fast food chains.
Including plant-based foods on the menu can be an opportunity for foodservice companies to meet consumer needs and stand out in an increasingly competitive market. And this action is closely linked to the segment's relationship with nutrition professionals, who can drive these changes in an effective, profitable and conscious manner.
Some successful cases show us how positive the impact can be. Sodexo, a company that operates in various segments of the food market, has invested in vegetarian and vegan options on its menus. In 2019, the company launched the "Meatless Monday" project in partnership with the Brazilian Vegetarian Society, offering vegetarian options at its units across the country. In addition, Sodexo has created exclusive recipes for its vegetarian and vegan customers, such as the lentil burger and pumpkin kibbeh.
The Burger King fast food chain, even though it is segmented into a niche that is theoretically less connected to consumers looking for healthiness, launched the Rebel Whopper, a vegetarian sandwich made with plant-based burgers. The product was developed in partnership with The Vegetarian Butcher and is available in all the chain's units in Brazil.
Fazenda Futuro is a Brazilian start-up that produces plant-based foods such as hamburgers, meatballs and sausages. The company aims to offer healthier and more sustainable alternatives to the meat market. Fazenda Futuro has partnerships with several companies in the foodservice sector, such as the Coco Bambu restaurant chain and the KFC snack bar chain. Fazenda Futuro's plant-based options have been well received by consumers and have contributed to the popularization of this type of product in the market.
The plant-based food trend continues to grow in foodservice, with many restaurants and cafés adding vegetarian and vegan options to their menus. As more consumers look for healthier and more sustainable options, the demand for plant-based foods should continue to increase.
One of the future trends for plant-based foods is the expansion of alternative protein options, which can be directed by nutritionists in foodservice. While soy and wheat gluten have been the main sources of protein for vegetarian and vegan foods, new options are emerging, such as pea protein, rice protein and potato protein. These alternatives offer a cleaner and more sustainable source of protein.
Another trend is innovation in plant-based products. Food companies, in conjunction with nutritionists, are working to create products that mimic the texture and taste of meat, without using real meat. This includes hamburgers, sausages and even seafood. As these products become more realistic, it is likely that more consumers will opt for plant-based foods.
Overall, the plant-based food trend in foodservice is one that is here to stay. As more consumers look for healthy and sustainable options, the demand for plant-based foods is likely to continue to grow.
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