Concord Hospitality’s Vice President of Food & Beverage Dean Wendel, shares his trend predictions for the culinary scene as consumers become inspired by the warmer weather Summer 2023 has yet to bring.
From the increased popularity of ethnic fusion to changes in portion size to an uptick of wines from under explored regions, here are some of Wendel's projections on food trends for the summer months.
Ethnic fusion is continuing to flourish, with combinations such as Asian/Latino and Peruvian/Japanese being favorites.
Comfort foods such as mac and cheese, burgers, and sliders remain popular, as people are nostalgic for simpler times and familiar options.
Plant-based and plant-forward dishes are also prominent on menus as consumers strive for a better balance between animal proteins and sustainability. In fact, traditional center-of-the-plate proteins are shrinking to more appropriate portion sizes.
On the beverage side, the no & low trend is growing, with Gen Z being a non-boozy generation. Creative non-alcoholic cocktails are in demand, with halvsies emerging as popular callouts where only half the spirit is used. No-alcohol beer and spirits—similar to those made by Athletic Brewing Company, Ritual, and Spiritless—are expected on back bars.
Ready to Drink (RTDs) continue to be heavily featured. Nothing better than getting a Bucket of G&Ts or Vodka Sodas to set in front of you and your friends on a warm sunny day.
Wines from interesting places in the US, such as the Finger Lakes Region in upstate NY, VA, and New Mexico, are becoming popular. Organic wines and Wines with a Cause, such as 1 Hope, which has a charitable component attached to the purchase, are also on the rise.
Crisp and refreshing options are also trending. This includes bubbles, frizzante sparkling red wine, frozen slushies (with Frose' machines cranking everywhere), brunch cocktails, and ciders of all flavors.
Overall, there's plenty to look forward to in the upcoming summer season, with an emphasis on fresh, sustainable, and innovative food and beverage offerings.
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