The key indicators are looking good: Gross domestic product and disposable personal income are up; unemployment is down; and gas prices and food costs have been relatively stable. Improvement is still slow, but consumers are starting to regain confidence.
Commodity costs, the latest flavor pairings, curiosity about global cuisines and healthy-eating sensibilities are all part of a melting pot of trends that drive menu development.
The Coca-Cola Company’s Freestyle is a touch-screen foodservice beverage dispenser that seemingly puts an endless array of beverage flavor combinations at the user’s fingertips.
3-D movie glasses. 5G smartphones. It’s clear that consumers like options, and they value anything that adds functional dimensions for a heightened experience.