In many countries, including those in Europe and North America, COVID-related disruptions remain the most relevant driver of foodservice performance in the near term. The pandemic has accelerated several strategic elements of the foodservice industry, which will continue to drive agendas even after the current crisis ends.

Independent restaurants have always been the true innovation and trend engine in foodservice. Compared to larger regional or national accounts, these smaller operators look forward because they have a smaller base of consumers they seek to inspire and satisfy.

Mintel announced four key trends for the US foodservice industry, including analysis, insights, and recommendations centered around consumer behavior over the next 12 months. Read more about "The Great Divide," "Play With Your Food," "Restaurants Redefined" and "Trust or Bust."

US Foods Holding Corp. announced the introduction of its "Make It This Winter" platform. The platform offers a collection of valuable resources, including one-on-one consultations with US Foods experts, informational webinars, new outdoor dining products, and updated online materials and tools for restaurant operators to tackle the ongoing challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eat Just, Inc., a company that applies cutting-edge science and technology to create healthier, more sustainable foods, in partnership with 1880, an establishment founded to inspire conversations that change the world, made history when their cultured meat was served and sold to guests for the first time at a series of dinners.

Eat Just, Inc., a company that applies cutting-edge science and technology to create healthier, more sustainable foods, announced that on the heels of its historic regulatory approval for cultured chicken, it has made the first commercial sale of meat created directly from animal cells for human consumption to 1880, an establishment founded to inspire conversations that change the world. GOOD Meat Cultured Chicken will launch with 1880 December 19.

Inspire Brands, Inc. and Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc., parent company of Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins, announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Inspire will acquire Dunkin’ Brands for $106.50 per share in cash in a transaction valued at approximately $11.3 billion including the assumption of Dunkin’ Brands’ debt.

Holiday Scoop features 14 items to help restaurant owners create standout menu items that not only meet diner demand but increase revenue opportunities this season.

US Foods Holding Corp. launched Fall Scoop 2020, titled “On Point With Off-Premise – Designed To Make It.” This special edition of Scoop features 14 products designed to address trends within off-premise dining such as labor-saving products perfect for DIY meal kits and products that will help ease diner safety and hygiene worries, including tamper-evident packaging and sanitation items.

The popularity of oatmilk, the fastest-growing plant-based milk product, continues to soar, and today marks a major moment for fans of the popular dairy alternative or anyone eager to experience the rich, creamy taste of oatmilk for the first time. Dunkin' is bringing oatmilk coast-to-coast, adding vegan-friendly*, gluten-free oatmilk to menus at all of its restaurants nationwide.