The end of another decade is a time to reflect on just how dynamic and fast-moving the restaurant industry truly is. In the year ahead, plant-based “meats,” third-party delivery apps and social media-friendly dining spaces will be vital to the industry. Read ahead for Technomic’s take on the major trends poised to make a global impact in 2020. 

The end of another decade offers a great opportunity to reflect on just how dynamic and fast-moving the restaurant industry truly is. Plant-based “meats,” third-party delivery apps, social media-friendly dining spaces—these were not much more than blips on the radar in 2010. But in 2020, they are essential and vital to the industry. Looking ahead, expect to see many of last year’s macro trends evolve and mature, while quick-moving fads burn bright and fade. We can also expect the unexpected—a viral video that sparks the end of plastic straws, restaurant brands that mushroom from one to 1,000 locations seemingly overnight—all seems possible in today’s landscape. Read ahead for Technomic’s take on four major trends poised to make a global impact in 2020, plus some up-and-comers likely to leave a mark.

Delivery Kitchens

Much debate surrounds this quick-growing format. Is it the restaurant of the future or a glorified commissary? Do these non-restaurant restaurants have staying power? And what are we supposed to even call them? Dark, cloud, headless, virtual, hidden, ghost? 2020 will give us a better handle on this segment’s defining characteristics and who the important players are. We’ll also drop some of the many names attached to theses venues and get a clearer understanding of who’s positioned to take ownership of this nascent operating space. Whether that’s restaurant chains, third parties or potential interlopers such as grocers or e-commerce, the coming year will see some clear leadership emerge.

Little to No Alcohol

Spirit-free cocktails, hopped-up waters and kombuchas, low-alcohol wine: to some, the idea of reducing or eliminating alcohol from adult beverages seems counterintuitive. But it is emerging as a bona fide trend on the global stage. The mocktail movement for the new decade is ushering in a sobering array of products that lower or ditch the ABV without sacrificing on the flavor, aroma, mouthfeel and quality of their booze-retaining counterparts—at least that’s what makers of these products are aiming for. 2020 will bring spirit-free cocktails to more chain and independent restaurants and bars across the globe, while craft beer makers will give new life to the session beer trend by pushing down ABVs to lows not seen before. Makers of spirits and wines will also continue their push to create libations with little or no alcohol.

Plant-Based Matures

For 2019, we forecasted the proliferation of plant-based proteins across menus, spreading from imitation beef and pork to chicken and seafood. In 2020, the plant-based trend will extend beyond faux meats to include plant-based eggs, gelatin, cheeses, milks, sauces and condiments. Moreover, as branded meat analogues saturate the market, restaurant brands will create proprietary plant-based meat products to differentiate from competitors and reduce expenses. As these plant-based impostures become more commonplace on menus, expect operators to broaden the way they market these items beyond healthy eating to include a flavourful and sustainable message.

50 Shades of Vegan

Veganism is having a moment. Thanks in large part to the boom in plant-based meat alternatives across the restaurant world in the past few years, as well as by movements such as Veganuary, the no-animal-products diet has never exerted more influence on the food and beverage industry. But are consumers actually turning vegan? Not completely. Most are trying out the diet to eat healthier, to do their part for the environment or simply because veganism is the latest fad. Expect restaurants to roll out more items labelled vegan to meet this new demand from diners who are strictly vegan in the traditional sense as well as the growing cohort who are part-time vegan in the contemporary sense.

Beverage Brands Break Out

Luckin Coffee may be grabbing all the headlines thanks to its explosive growth, but it’s certainly not the only disruptor making waves in the beverage world. Young brands from across the globe are taking on established players. Brands like Tostao from Colombia and Heytea in China are positioning to better meet evolving consumer demands, often with a mix of technology, localized products and lean operating models that address convenience and nix such niceties as seating and Wi-Fi. Expect to hear more about chains from Asia in particular, especially Tiger Sugar, Chaayos, Kopi Kenangan, E-Coffee and Beauty Tea.

Odds & Ends

These regional trends could break out globally in 2020: collagen-spiked drinks for skin enhancement, Sichuan mala sauce as the next “it” spicy condiment, brown sugar bubble teas, pinsa-style pizzas, halloumi as a vegetarian-friendly meat alternative, the return of sliders on the burger menu, Instagram-unfriendly #sadfood, tamper-proof delivery packaging and delivery-only breakfast menus from casual-dining chains.