Signals of Change: Eating Trends Shaping the Future of Food Service

Food security is a problem across the world, as prices rise under pressure from climate change, geopolitics, demographics and de-globalisation. These factors, when combined, will impact on the food service sector. In this trends paper, the author identifies ten trends that reflect the changes occurring in the food service sector. The trends analysis is based upon the predictive paradigm in futures studies which draws upon evidence, facts and observational research. The ten trends are: 1) climate change diets; 2) escapist indulgence; 3) moderation mantra; 4) evidence-based eating; 5) mood food; 6) digital food; 7) sustainable dining; 8) ethnic and fusion food; 9) local food; and 10) adventurous dining. The contribution of this paper is that it clearly identifies the changes occurring in our eating patterns and food purchase decisions and provides a signal to food service operators and brands about the changes that are occurring and why?