{"id":4550,"date":"2022-03-22T08:15:34","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T13:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/?p=4550"},"modified":"2022-08-11T13:48:37","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T18:48:37","slug":"ease-and-efficiency-in-kitchen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/griffithfoods.com\/na\/en-CA\/viewpoints\/ease-and-efficiency-in-kitchen\/","title":{"rendered":"Ease and Efficiency Sweeping Kitchens Everywhere"},"content":{"rendered":"

Convenience and ease are huge value-adds as the world seeks simplicity without sacrificing quality and variety.<\/a> Whether through simple meal preparation or smaller menus, consumers and operators alike appreciate solutions that reduce preparation, minimize guesswork, and maximize flavor.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>

\"Sesame<\/figure> <\/div>
\"Raw,<\/figure> <\/div>
\"Bowls<\/figure> <\/div> <\/div>

What Does \u201cDeliciously Efficient\u201d Look Like?<\/h2>

From drive-thrus to made-from-scratch delicacies, there\u2019s a broad spectrum when it comes to the amount of time, effort, and energy that goes into any meal. New product and packaging innovations<\/strong> increase the number of options for consumers to enjoy<\/a>. From the least to the most effort:<\/p>

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Delivery:<\/span> <\/strong>Consumers in Mexico think that pizza, salads and bowls, and sandwiches maintain quality even through delivery. Burritos, fried snacks, hamburgers, and chilaquiles had the least desirable texture and flavor during delivery.1<\/sup><\/p>

Drive-thru:<\/span><\/strong> US Portillo\u2019s will be opening their first pick-up-only operation in early 2022. This new model won\u2019t have a dining room. Instead, the restaurant will focus on off-premise operations, with an expanded, three-lane drive-thru.<\/p>

Takeout:<\/span> <\/strong>Burger King in Mexico offers a \u201cMani Combo Familiar\u201d to feed families with four sandwiches, fries\/onion rings, and a family-sized soda.<\/p>

Take-and-bake:<\/span> <\/strong>Take-and-bake meals are one of the fastest-growing offerings on Canadian menus \u2014 up 200% in year-over-year growth.2<\/sup><\/p>

Meal kits and prepared meals:<\/span><\/strong> 78% of US consumers think the quality of prepared meals has improved in recent years.3<\/sup> <\/p>

Speed-scratch:<\/span><\/strong> 55% of consumers in Canada state they are “more likely to buy seasonings if they come with explicit instructions or recipes on how to use them.4<\/sup><\/p>

Sources: 1 <\/sup>Griffith Foods Delivery Survey; 2 <\/sup>Technomic Menu Tracker; 3 <\/sup>Mintel Cooking in America – 2021; 4 <\/sup>Mintel Condiments and Seasonings \u2013 Canada \u2013 2021<\/p>

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Streamlined Menus + Innovative Operations = Deliciously Efficient Restaurants<\/h2>

As the foodservice industry faces labor shortages, products that help streamline back-of-house operations<\/a> change the game. QSR Giant McDonald\u2019s simplified their menu during the pandemic to streamline processes for kitchens and staff. <\/p>

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55% of US consumers say they have noticed restaurants struggling <\/strong>to serve their customers because of a lack of staff.<\/em><\/p>

(Source: Datassential Omnicron Report \u2013 Dec 2021)<\/p> <\/div><\/div>

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However, glazes, marinades, and sauces in pre-packaged pouches require minimal effort<\/strong> from the kitchen staff yet deliver maximum flavor: US Foods innovates with on-trend, labor-saving, versatile, and profit-driving products to reduce back-of-house prep.<\/strong> They\u2019ve created pre-prepared Italian tomato and mozzarella arancini and biscuit breaded chicken breast chunks, which save 3 hours of labor compared to scratch-made items.<\/p>

Consumers<\/strong> also appreciate time-saving options at home:<\/p>

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\"Birria<\/figure>

Griffith Foods\u2019 Birria Taco Kit features a multi-purpose Birria Seasoning sachet. <\/strong>Use it as a flavorful dry rub on any meat, seafood, or alternative protein and as an instant broth to cook or dip. Consumers achieve an authentic, culinary-inspired flavor profile at home \u2014 without braising for hours.<\/em><\/span><\/p> <\/div><\/div>

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The Crossroads of Convenience and Wellness<\/h2>

Small meals, snacks, and appetizers that can be made in the air fryer<\/a> or quickly reheated remain popular as consumers lean into health and functionality. Brands add more function and purpose<\/a> to convenient snacking by highlighting targeted benefits, well-rounded nutrition, portion control, and special diet claims.<\/p>

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28% of consumers in the US are interested in better-for-you frozen food icons.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>

(Source: Datassential Fresh & Frozen Foods at Retail Report)<\/p> <\/div><\/div>

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\"Boosh<\/figure>

Boosh Coconut Curry Cauli Bowl <\/strong>features a combination of roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, providing a vegan, gluten-free, and plant-based comfort meal.<\/p>

Photo from Boosh<\/em><\/p> <\/div><\/div>

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Dining at Home: From Mandate to Mainstream<\/h2>

Though pandemic mandates are no longer making people stay at home, simple, quality meals that can be enjoyed at home are an integral part of North American lifestyles:<\/p>