Generation Shifts Cause Foodservice Shake-ups

Older Z generation beginning college and millennial generation starting families have a significant impact on the foodservice industry, according to the Technomic’s 2018 Generational Consumer Trend Report. This uncovers how each generation interacts with foodservice considering shifts in lifestyles, wants and needs.

At the same time, generation X is increasingly becoming empty nesters, while more and more baby boomers retire each day.

“It’s interesting to see where generations align and where there are stark differences. Across all ages, consumers are more willing to pay a higher price for items described as fresh, scratch-made and real,” explains Anne Mills, senior manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “In terms of differences, millennials are choosier parents than other generations have been and want all natural, organic foods for themselves as well as their kids. In older generations such as baby boomers, on the other hand, we are seeing a very slight decline in foodservice visits, but interest in prepared foods, opening up opportunities for grocery and convenience stores.”

The report reveals key factors such as the percent of consumers who have no choice but to eat meals on the run: generation Z: 31%; millennials: 39%; Gen X: 26%; baby boomers: 19%.

Furthermore, 61% of consumers in generation Z look up restaurant menus online, while 65% of millennials do the same thing, and only 48% of generation X, and 32% of baby boomers.

The report compiles findings from more than 1,450 consumer responses.