Apps in the food market hone in on a communal approach to dining
Implications - An expanding list of smartphone apps are honing in on the communal side of dining. This shift follows up on rising consumer preferences for interactive, in-person activities that help cell phone users engage with one another in spite of the personal disconnect that often comes with technology.
Workshop Question - In what ways does your industry bring people together and how can you push on that as a brand?
Trend Themes
1. Communal Dining - Apps and services are emerging that promote communal, in-person dining experiences, catering to millennial consumer preferences for interactive activities that enable real-life engagement with one another.
2. Smartphone Meal Sharing - Smartphone apps are being used to create online communities where users share meals and real-life interactions, bridging the gap between online and physical relationships.
3. Collaborative Meal Preparation - Digital platforms and apps are fostering collaborative meal preparation, providing opportunities for strangers with overlapping interests to bond over home-cooked meals and experiential dining.
Industry Implications
1. Food Delivery - Food delivery services that offer online platforms and smartphone apps that foster community-based dining can capture millennial customers who prioritize interactive experiences.
2. Social Networking - Social networking sites and smartphone apps can foster real-life interactions by providing opportunities for like-minded individuals to bond over shared interests and experiences.
3. Hospitality - Hospitality businesses that use digital platforms and apps to promote communal dining and shared meal experiences can differentiate themselves from traditional restaurants and capture millennial consumers who seek experiential dining options.
