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Kimpton forecast looks at pandemic’s effect on F&B

To refresh its seventh annual Culinary & Cocktail Trend Forecast for 2021, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants released a look back at how the pandemic has impacted food and beverage trends of 2020 and shared predictions for how evolving consumer behavior will shape 2021 trends. In 2021, the hotel company says consumers can expect trends from the rise of garden goods to a resurgence of health foods, as this pandemic continues to shift the way diners eat, cook and imbibe.

“While diners first leaned into comfort and nostalgia, heading into the new year we’re seeing a return to health and wellness-inspired culinary and cocktail creations,” said Scott Gingerich, Kimpton’s senior vice president of restaurants and bars.

For this year’s trend report, data analysts reviewed in-restaurant, takeout and room service orders from more than 75 Kimpton restaurants and bars and combined those insights with predictions and analysis from food and beverage leaders across Kimpton restaurants worldwide. Kimpton will use these findings to inspire its offerings for the year ahead, and create new experiences and menu items for its guests.

Culinary: 2020 takeaways

Consumers cooked more, but that made them hungry for more complex to-go meals. Kimpton also saw a rise in demand for do-it-yourself restaurant-quality food that can be easily prepared or heated up with simple instructions at home. Comfort food, too, was popular.

Culinary: 2021 predictions

Though comfort food was popular during the height of the pandemic, Kimpton has seen a shift away from comfort food towards healthy dishes with fresher ingredients and even more vegan and vegetarian options, and expects this trend to continue throughout 2021.

Cocktail/Beverage: 2020 takeaways

Single servings of agave and mezcal were one of three beverages, alongside sparkling wine and Riesling, that saw a big spike in orders. Kimpton also saw a rise in elevated cocktails on-property, as many guests weren’t as comfortable making these at home. 

Cocktail/Beverage: 2021 predictions

Consumers will be looking for fresher, “healthier” cocktails in 2021, as well as elaborate cocktails with premium spirits that incorporate more unusual or uncommon ingredients.

Dining: 2020 takeaways

Safer, socially distant outdoor dining is unsurprisingly in demand, leading to restaurateurs investing in new outdoor spaces, layouts and creative experiences. These new or enhanced spaces have created the closest thing to a pre-pandemic dining experience.

Dining: 2021 predictions

Restaurateurs will continue adding outdoor dining experiences, even in markets with cold weather. From an events perspective, guests are looking for intimate, highly personalized experiences in spaces that are comfortable, warm and have an inviting atmosphere. And ambiance matters more than ever.

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