Articles by Darren Tristano

Pizza trends that consumers would like more restaurants and pizza establishments to offer

Pizza Consumption Rebounds

Consumers seek high-quality ingredients and unique toppings for pizza

July 12, 2016

Reported pizza consumption took a hit several years ago, but Technomic’s “2016 Pizza Consumer Trend Report” shows that consumers once again are enjoying this American favorite.

Consumers rate the importance of factors when choosing snacks

Foodservice Snack Trends

Balance is crucial to meeting diverse needs for snacks

Darren Tristano

June 14, 2016

Snacking consumption has been on the rise since 2012, but the most notable growth has come in the past two years.

Consumer interest in trying grain-based salads

Salad Menu Trends

Younger consumers drive demand for more filling, entrée-worthy salads

Darren Tristano

May 9, 2016

Salad consumption is trending up slightly, aligning with consumers’ increasing desire to eat well.

Breakfast options that consumers are willing or not willing to pay more

Burgeoning Breakfast Menu Trends

Addressing demands for responsible sourcing, quality and variety can help boost traffic and sales at breakfast

Darren Tristano

April 12, 2016

The development of breakfast menus has become a major focus in the foodservice industry.

Flavors that male and female consumers prefer

Spice, Flavor Trends in Foodservice

Adding a mix of mild and spicy peppers can stir customer intrigue for dishes that aren’t easily replicated at home

Darren Tristano

February 11, 2016

With the introduction of fiery sriracha, it’s been all about spicing up the menu in foodservice.

Consumers answered which ethnic appetizers/small plates they would order at least occasionally

Street Foods Inspire Starters

More than two-fifths of consumers aged 18–34 say they would like more restaurants to offer small plates with ethnic flavors

Darren Tristano

January 8, 2016

Innovation on the menu doesn’t have to be focused on entrées; it’s important to extend the same strategies, if not more intensely, to the so-called left side of the menu where appetizers are listed.

Spotlight on Menu Sides

More than half of consumers order sides at full-service restaurants

Darren Tristano

November 18, 2015

At both limited- and full-service restaurants, sides often come with an entrée or in a combo meal and can be more of an afterthought in the minds of foodservice providers and consumers.

Burger Consumer Trend Report

Health attributes, beef alternatives are important when buying burgers

Darren Tristano

October 12, 2015

Burgers are a staple in most Americans’ diets, with the majority eating burgers at least weekly, according to Technomic’s most recent “Burger Consumer Trend Report.”

Students Seek Tasty, Fresh

Students today are more interested in healthier options, ethnic cuisines and trying adventurous foods

Darren Tristano

September 10, 2015

About three quarters of students purchase food/beverages on campus at least once per week or more, and 67% of students order food from an off-campus restaurant, up from 63% in 2013, according to Technomic’s recently released “College & University Consumer Trend Report.”

Hispanics Value Healthy Foods

Understanding the need-states of Hispanic Americans during their foodservice purchasing occasions

Darren Tristano

July 13, 2015

Hispanics comprise approximately 17% of the US population, making them the nation’s largest minority group.

General Mills Launches 79 Limited-Edition Summer Products

Circana Highlights 2025 CPG Pacesetters

Bush’s Beans Debuts Summer-Inspired Flavors

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