Bidfood reveals dining trends for 2023

Foodservice provider Bidfood has revealed its food and drink trends for 2023, which includes interactive links, videos and recipes.

Although hospitality has been hit hard with rising food and energy prices, consumer research conducted by Bidfood in partnership with CGA by Nielsen IQ revealed that seven in 10 people say that eating and drinking out is the treat they most look forward to.

Bidfood’s trends report aims to guide and inspire operators’ menus while consumers become increasingly selective about how they treat themselves.

The six trends identified for 2023 are:

Retro love As the cost of living crisis bites, Bidfood suggested that consumers are seeking nostalgia and novelty, particularly through desserts, cakes and cocktails.

Flavours less travelled Research from Bidfood showed that over one in three people believe emerging cuisines have replaced more established ones. Cuban, Sri Lankan and Pan-African scored highly as cuisines that consumers want to try. Unusual fusions are also becoming more prominent, with 40% of survey respondents revealing that they would be willing to taste surprising combinations of cuisines.

Conscious choices Increased government health legislation, such as calorie labelling, as well as the financial pressures of the cost of living crisis, have led consumers to be more mindful of the decisions they make when they eat out.

Pizza evolution Bidfood revealed that gluten-free, plant-based or alternative pizzas, such as the Detroit pizza, are becoming more popular.

In the spirit Bidfood’s ‘trendy’ spirits for 2023 include tequila and rum, as well as signature serves.

Nature’s gifts The drive for sustainability has led to a rise in plant-based meals, as well as foraged ingredients, with research from Bidfood suggesting that consumers are particularly keen to try wild garlic, blackcurrants and blackberries acquired in this way.

Catherine Hinchcliff, head of corporate marketing and insights at Bidfood, said: “We’re thrilled to see how the food and drink trends landing in 2023 are embracing sustainability, flavour experimentation and a journey through time, which in turn will allow the chefs to have fun while building their menus.

“We worked with CGA again this year, by carrying out exclusive research and conducting food influencer interviews. We also visited and interviewed restaurant operators in different cities to deliver the useful tools and resources that our customers can implement in their 2023 menu planning no matter where they’re based in the UK.”

The full 2023 Food and Drink Trends guide is available to read here.

Bidfood operates 24 depots across the UK and has a 13,000 strong product range.