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Hazelnuts Fit into Top 5 Foodservice Trends

Hazelnuts are featured on the menus of over half of the top 50 trend-setting, white tablecloth restaurants included in a recent survey, pointing to a new trend and opportunity for foodservice operators. Food Beats Inc.

The foodservice industry has done a masterful job of embracing the diversity of their customers and finding new and creative ways to offer food choices that acknowledge a variety of preferences. According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2006 Restaurant Industry Forecast, restaurant sales are expected to reach a record $511 billion, up 7.3 percent over last year. In addition, 130 million individuals per day will be foodservice patrons in America. This creates tremendous opportunities for the foodservice industry and challenges restaurateurs to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. To help guide decisions on menu innovations, following are five of the hottest foodservice trends along with some compelling reasons why you should consider adding hazelnuts into the mix.

#1) CONTINUED FOCUS ON HEALTHY OPTIONS

With obesity on the rise and pressure from health and nutrition authorities to “dine wisely” when eating out, consumers expect to see healthy options on the menu. What’s new is that consumers don’t expect to sacrifice flavor, texture or aesthetics when cutting back on calories, fat and sodium. With all the healthy gourmet options that taste great and look sensational, health-conscious restaurant enthusiasts can stray from the side salad with no dressing and enjoy a more satisfying dining experience.

When it comes to creating healthy menu options, every ingredient counts. That’s why hazelnuts are a preferred ingredient for wholesome nutritious dishes that taste every bit as exotic and decadent as some of the less healthy options. Compared with other nuts, hazelnuts are among the lowest in saturated fat and they’re a good way to boost the protein content without significantly raising carbohydrates. Thanks to the FDA health claim on nuts and heart health and support from the nutrition community, nuts have made a comeback and they’re more popular than ever.

#2) APPEALING TO THE TASTE BUDS OF BABY BOOMERS

It's not hard to imagine why nostalgia and all things retro appeal to that large segment of the population known as the baby boomers. When Spam sandwiches and toasted cheese with Velveeta started appearing on menus at upscale restaurants it should have been a clue that those boomers were calling the shots. Foodservice marketers continue to monitor the dining habits and menu preferences of this important market segment.

As consumers reflect on flavors that take them back to their youth, they express wanting to see hazelnuts incorporated in more menu offerings. In fact, consumer insight panel participants report that they like hazelnuts in particular because of their distinctive flavor and pleasing texture.

#3) CATERING TO THE MORE ADVENTUROUS EATER

This uniquely flavorful nut is tantalizing palates worldwide in everything from soufflés to salads to soup, not to mention their classic role in desserts and breads. Lucy Gerspacher, CCP Hazelnuts & More

The rising popularity of cooking shows and an increase in ethnic food offerings have piqued the curiosity of American consumers and opened minds to new food experiences. A more sophisticated palate prompts restaurant goers to seek out items on the menu that are interesting and exotic.

Hazelnuts, which are extremely popular in European cuisine, are perceived by American consumers as unique and exotic. While almonds and walnuts are losing ground as “specialty nuts,” qualitative and quantitative consumer data show that hazelnuts are more likely to be viewed as such.

#4) OFFERING A CUSTOMIZED DINING EXPERIENCE

The quest for healthy gourmet foods and a more sophisticated awareness of cuisine is creating more specific consumer preferences. To be competitive, the foodservice industry must look for ways to meet specific needs. Some restaurant chains feature special sections of the menu dedicated to particular nutrition goals, such has heart health, low fat, etc. Expect consumers to be more demanding with special requests as they take charge of their eating habits and be ready to be accommodating.

Hazelnuts are versatile and can be substituted for virtually any other nut. With half the saturated fat of cashews, it’s possible to offer a healthier version of the classic cashew chicken by substituting with hazelnuts.

#5) CREATING MORE OUT OF LESS

Trend-setting chefs like Jamie Oliver (The Naked Chef) have reintroduced simplicity and purity of flavor to the American public. There’s an increasing emphasis on the effectiveness of selecting a few quality ingredients that complement each other to result in a fresh, organic, and totally delicious dish.

The rich and buttery flavor of hazelnuts is a great complement to a wide variety of foods including, fish, poultry, pork, pears, wild greens, pungent cheeses and of course chocolate. If you only want a handful of ingredients to work with, make sure hazelnuts are on the list.