Each generation is moving into a new life-stage with every passing day. Many of these lifestyle changes influence foodservice decisions, spurring consumers to look for lower prices or more family-friendly restaurants. A comprehensive understanding of generational behaviors and preferences is necessary for operators and manufactures to be able to appeal to their target demographic—or figure out who their target demographic should be.
This past June, Technomic released its updated “Generational Consumer Trend Report,” featuring generational data and foodservice trends from a nationally representative sample of more than 1,500 US consumers. In order to understand the report findings highlighted in this article, it’s first necessary to identify how Technomic defined each generation. Generation Z refers to those aged 23 and younger; Millennial represents adults from age 24-39; Generation X includes adults from age 40-50; and Baby Boomer refers to those between ages 51-70.