QSR Magazine: Millennials to Continue Shaping the Food Industry

The next generation of consumers—millennials—are the main driving forces behind the food industry. A new study from Y-Pulse determined that overall dining trends are set by younger and more modern consumers.

Sharon Olson, executive director of Y-Pulse, said, “We found that young consumers, between ages 18 and 34, are greatly influenced by the foodie culture that surrounds them. These trends highlight the direction of the foodservice industry in future years.”

QSR Magazine notes that the study highlights five trends that are expected to shape the food service industry in the years to come. Millennials prefer memorable tasting experiences, meaning they actively seek out restaurants with critically acclaimed chefs or tasting menus. They also value speed over savoring, and they need to be able to trust the brands providing them food.

Beyond that, millennials have high expectations when it comes to the food industry—67 percent of millennial consumers say they enjoy ordering healthy items, but 63 percent said that they love restaurants with over the top menu options. Food culture is also going to remain popular for the foreseeable future.