Seafood, Vegetarian & Vegan Options Provide Healthy Alternatives and Minimize the Veto Vote, Technomic Finds

CHICAGO, July 27, 2015 /CNW/ -- While chicken still holds its status as the centre-of-plate star for both consumers and operators, demands are shifting. More consumers are looking past poultry to seafood, vegetarian and vegan options. Utilizing proprietary intelligence and exclusive consumer data, Technomic's Canadian Centre of the Plate Consumer Trend Report identifies and analyzes menu and consumer trends impacting the foodservice industry today.

"Although the most familiar and widely accepted proteins are still top of mind, today's consumers, especially younger consumers, are interested in trying new options," explains Kelly Weikel, Technomic director of consumer insights. "This includes unique spins on tried-and-true offerings and a greater openness to try seafood, vegetarian and vegan fare. Adding these options can help minimize the veto vote and meet the needs of future consumers."

[View larger INFOGRAPHIC: Spotlight on Centre of the Plate]

In addition to tracking consumers' consumption behaviour, the Canadian Centre of the Plate Consumer Trend Report compiles industry data and spotlights foodservice concepts with innovative centre-of-the-plate protein programs. Findings include:

• A majority of consumers eat chicken (89 per cent), beef (81 per cent) and pork (68 per cent) as an entree at least once every 90 days.
• Seafood tops the list of the fastest-growing entree proteins, with haddock (15 per cent), prawns (14 per cent) and lobster (4 per cent) increasing on Top 250 limited- and full-service restaurants.
• The most preferred entree by category is hamburger for beef (76 per cent), rotisserie chicken for chicken dishes (61 per cent) and mixed vegetables for vegetarian dishes (61 per cent).

The Canadian Centre of the Plate Consumer Trend Report is one of many in Technomic's Consumer Trend Report series, offering the most current analysis, insight and opportunities to help grow your business. Our best-in-class intelligence combines 50 years of foodservice expertise with critical findings from more than 7,000 menus per year and nearly 30,000 annual consumer interviews.

Technomic publishes a complete library of Consumer Trend Reports. To learn more, please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below. For Technomic updates, please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn or our blog.

Contacts:
Press Inquiries and Report Details: Kelly Weikel, [phone], or [email protected]

Purchasing Details: Patrick Noone, [phone], or [email protected]

About Technomic

Only Technomic delivers a 360-degree view of the food industry. We impact growth and profitability for our clients by providing consumer-grounded vision and channel-relevant strategic insights. Our services range from major research studies and management consulting solutions to online databases and simple fact-finding assignments. Our clients include food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers, or other foodservice organizations, and various institutions aligned with the food industry. Visit us at technomic.com.

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SOURCE Technomic