Customization and flexibility challenge food processors supplying the foodservice market.
Golf pros play better with custom-fit clubs, tennis players play more effectively with custom designed racquets and foodservice outlets profit more by developing customized food products. This customization, while ringing profits for the foodservice chain, can test the flexibility of even the most sophisticated food processing and packaging line.
But the challenges posed by the foodservice market can be worth the rewards. As reported in January by Restaurants and Institutions, Technomic, a Chicago-based foodservice consulting company, predicts 2.6 percent growth for the foodservice segment, healthier than the 1.9 percent projected last year. The National Restaurant Association forecasts a 1.8 percent increase, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth. R&I reports that full service restaurants are battling for share of stomach from every angle -- in particular the meal solution specialists such as supermarkets and retail foodservice chains. In addition, as consumers demand more variety, a constantly changing menu is becoming even more essential for restaurants. This trend translates into even more SKUs and more customization for food processors supplying these restaurants.