by Rebekah Icenesse
One of the most memorable components of a meeting or event is the food. Throughout the last few years, the hospitality industry has seen multiple shifts through the latest trends in food and beverage. Keeping sustainability, health-conscious ingredients, and non-alcoholic drinks in mind, the current trends in the food and beverage sector are further shaping the way we view and experience events.
As we’ve covered in previous articles, sustainability is one of the top trends that is still transforming the industry. Not only have hotels, conference centers, and airlines jumped on the bandwagon of incorporating sustainable practices, but events too are being planned with a more eco-conscious agenda to reduce carbon emissions and waste. One-time use and plastic materials are becoming a thing of the past while reuseable and biodegradable materials are contributing to waste reduction. Mycelium, a mushroom-based packaging material, is gaining traction as an alternative, along with plant-derived plastics.
Sourcing local, fresh ingredients is a popular option when planning a meeting and event. Sourcing local not only cuts down on travel emissions of food delivery but also shows support to local businesses and showcases what the community has to offer for food and drink.
Recently, societal attitudes toward alcohol have shifted, driven by a growing focus on health and wellness. The “sober curious” trend is on the continued rise and more people are reassessing their drinking habits and incorporating mindful consumption and moderation. With this shift towards health consciousness, there’s an increased demand for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages at events. This trend caters to a broader audience, ensuring inclusivity and promoting well-being.
To meet this growing demand, event planners and catering teams are introducing a wider variety of non-alcoholic beverages, also known as “mocktails”. In addition to traditional soft drinks, menus now feature wellness-inspired drinks with complex flavors, crafted using botanicals, herbs, and natural ingredients. These beverages provide a refreshing, alcohol-free alternative that aligns with the growing interest in healthier lifestyles.
Keeping with the health and wellness trend, there’s a growing emphasis on balancing healthy ingredients with taste. Good-for-you-food doesn’t have to compromise on taste. If you’re offering sweets, using organic sweeteners or plant-based sweeteners can help bring a guilt-free indulgence. Upcycled sweeteners, like cacao fruit pulp, offer a sweet and tangy flavor, and eliminating deep-fried foods is another step in creating a health-conscious menu. Instead of using ingredients with high fat content, etc., you can incorporate ingredients that have the same flavor profile but offer healthier and more nutritious benefits.
Plant-based menus are in demand and bring further innovation to the food industry by prompting caterers to craft dishes in rich and bold flavors. Leveraging ingredients like jackfruit and pea protein can mimic the texture of traditional animal products and offer a diverse option. Instead of meat-centric offerings, roasted eggplant and vegetable carvery stations can provide a creative and satisfying alternative.
Food, in general, offers a broad range of innovation and freedom, where you can create dishes that cater to multiple dietary needs. Planners and caterers are remaining mindful when designing their event menus, ensuring they have a diverse range of options to cater to the preferences and restrictions of their attendees.
Planning attendee interaction and engagement doesn’t just include games, Q&As, surveys, etc. You can incorporate interaction with the event’s dining and offer attendees a more engaging experience. Food stations, family-style catering, mobile bars, and open-flame cooking setups not only serve food but also entertain guests throughout the event. Attendees want a memorable experience with the event and offering multiple food stations with diverse options can make the event more engaging and exciting.
MEET
Rebekah Icenesse is a contributing writer from St. Louis.
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
