Maureen Gahan, Foodservice Specialist, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board
The importance of the role played by Technology in shaping the future of the out-of-home market is nothing new, we have examined developments in previous Food Alert articles – back in 2014 we looked at how Fast Food operators were using technology to respond to changing consumer lifestyles and in 2015 how technology was continuing to set the pace in foodservice. The reality is that this trend is showing no signs of abating and the key for both suppliers to the foodservice market and foodservice operators alike is keeping up with the rapid developments in this space.
Just last week we saw examples from some of the global giants reinforcing the investments that they are making in technology:
McDonald’s announced that they are adding self-service ordering (with table service); ‘smart’ menu boards and mobile payment options across the US (and elsewhere).
Subway is hiring 150 technology, marketing and operations stafe to revamp its mobile app and meet the digital ‘cravings’ of their younger consumers and JUST EAT has confirmed a new initiative designed to help entrepreneurs make an impact in the food technology industry, whereby it will invest in their businesses in exchange for a 5% ownership.
Bord Bia’s Thinking House Hot Topic for November looked at today’s Generation Z or ‘Centennial’ consumer (those born from 1997 to present) and the fact that they are coming of age in a time when every person has the same piece of technology in their hands – a super computer that provides them with access to anything they need, when they need it.
Its a topic that was reinforced by a number of speakers at Bord Bia’s annual Foodservice Seminar on 2nd November 2016. Speaker presentations from that event and copies of our 2016 Irish Foodservice Channel Insights report and our 2016 Irish Foodservice Directory are available on our website at this link.
To request a printed copy of either report, please contact Maureen Gahan, Ireland Market Foodservice Specialist, Bord Bia E: Maureen.gahan@bordbia.ie
