Pizza ingredients take a turn for the upscale
Implications - Though a growing awareness around diet has lead to a decrease in the consumption of high-calorie foods, when it comes to indulgent foods, consumers are being drawn to those with unique, artisanal ingredients. As a result, many food brands are incorporating higher-quality toppings into products like pizzas as a "guilt-free" method of attracting consumers. Giving traditionally unhealthy products an "artisanal" overhaul increases favorable perception, whilst continuing to allow consumers to indulge.
Workshop Question - How could your brand adapt your products and services to elicit a more upscale aesthetic?
Trend Themes
1. Artisanal Toppings - Consumers are drawn to indulgent foods with unique, artisanal ingredients, leading brands to incorporate higher-quality toppings into products like pizzas.
2. Personalized Artisan Pizza Joints - Fast-growing custom pizza chains, like Pieology, offer artisan quality pizza 'with no limits' and are changing how consumers think about ordering pizza.
3. Healthy Comfort Foods - As superfood recipes become more common, consumers respond positively to remixed comfort foods like grilled berry pizza or vegan avocado pizza.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Artisanal, healthy and build-your-own pizza joints are changing the pizza industry game and are a key area for innovation, and growth.
2. Retail - Given the popularity of pizza, it could be marketed to reach a wider audience through supermarkets, delivery, and frozen food sections.
3. Restaurant and Hospitality - Incorporating unique toppings, like pickles and seasonal produce, into menu offerings can lead to differentiation and increased appeal for consumers.
