Tag Archives: food

Worst Food Trend Predictions for 2011

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Pavone Food

Over the past two years, Pavone’s food and beverage presentations have been seen by hundreds of marketing professionals from dozens of leading food and beverage manufacturers and retailers as well as producer and trade organizations.

As we finish digging through the piles of published trend reports, we thought we’d share both the best and the worst of our findings.  Again, none of these trends are included in Pavone’s food trend presentation but they are interesting and sometimes even amusing.

Our last post featured the best trend predictions we’ve come across and below, you’ll find those we’ve deemed as the worst.  As always, we’d love to hear your opinion!

WORST

Goat. “That’s right, the petting zoo staple will likely be served at your favorite restaurant in 2011. Some trend-spotters have ‘go[ne] out on a limb to say that goat will be the meat of the year. The flavor is wonderful and people should give it a shot.’”  Although goat is relatively common in authentic, regional Mexican cuisine (which we love), we have a hunch that its petting zoo context and cute factor will stand in the way of its mass appeal.  Read more...

Posted in General | Tagged beverage, food, trend predictions, worst trends | Leave a comment

The Politics of Food

Posted on December 29, 2010 by Pavone Food

As members of Congress, governors and state legislators are preparing to take office across the country, the legislative landscape is an undeniably hot topic these days—and not just with the pundits.   Outspoken chefs are weighing in on the importance of food in politics and advocating for policies that recognize food as the solution to “end[ing] hunger, fight[ing] obesity and malnutrition, creat[ing] employment, and improv[ing] the environment.”

Earlier this month, The Economist invited Chef José Andrés to present at its annual festival that brings together leaders to discuss the trends, issues and ideas that will shape the future.  Notable speakers at this year’s conference included former President Bill Clinton, military commanders, members of parliament from around the world, and the Spanish-born, James Beard award-winning culinary innovator.  The chef had a lot to say and did so with his characteristic passion and conviction.

“Even today, with the public’s growing interest in food and diet issues, politicians rarely include food as part of their political platforms.  I hope to change their minds and have them give food the attention it deserves.  First, because they must.  Second, because the public has begun to demand it.  The time has come to recognize that food, how we produce it, process it, package it, sell it, cook it and eat it, is as important as any other issue.  I predict politicians will be asked ‘What’s your food agenda?’”  Read more...

Posted in General | Tagged chef, food, Jose Andres, policy, political, politics, The Economist | 2 Comments

Gift Worthy

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Pavone Food

As last-minute shoppers fill the malls in search of thoughtful presents and holiday meals are being planned, the Christmas season is the perfect time to consider the role of food, not only on the dinner table but also as the ideal gift!

Packaged Facts reports that yearly food gift sales total at least $18 billion and will increase to well over $21 billion by 2014  and those numbers don’t include homemade food gifts.  It’s noteworthy that online sales and direct marketing currently account for 53% of these sales.

It’s no surprise that consumers appreciate receiving food as a holiday gift as most tend to give items that they’d be happy to get.  Of course, there is an innate need for food–but it’s so much more than a way to nourish the body.  In fact, eating for sheer enjoyment is more common than eating to address hunger, especially when it comes to snacking.  (Link to snacking post.)  Consumers eat because they want to experience the taste, the flavor, the indulgence and even the memories of people and places that certain foods conjure up.  It has the ability to transport.  Read more...

Posted in General | Tagged beverage, Christmas, food, gift, holiday | 1 Comment

Talking with Walter Scheib

Posted on December 17, 2010 by Pavone Food

Walter Scheib, “The American Chef”
White House Chef (1994-2005), speaker, culinary consultant and product developer

Q:  What are your primary responsibilities?  What does your average day look like?

A:  I’m speaking, cooking, marrying cooking with entertainment, hosting culinary tours of exotic and unusual destinations including Russia, Sicily, Sri Lanka and Trinidad.  I’m also consulting on food and beverage product development as well as restaurant concepts.

Q:  What are you most proud of, professionally?

A:  I’m proud that I was able to bring contemporary American cuisine to the White House during my eleven years there.  Before 1994, French cuisine was the norm. I’m also proud that I’ve come to the understanding that the food and beverage business is about making people happy—whether you’re talking about a hot dog cart or a 3 Michelin Star restaurant.  It’s about making great memories and repeat business.

Q:  What’s the coolest thing you’ve seen lately?

A: Blue Hill at Stone Barns.  The executive chef and owner, Dan Barber, really walks the walk when so many others are just talking about it.  I love what he’s doing!  He’s built a spectacular operation and is really doing it right.   He’s even educating in the process.  The place is self-sustaining; they raise their own ingredients, from poultry to livestock to produce.  Read more...

Posted in Expert Opinions, General | Tagged culinary, food, trends, Walter Scheib, White House Chef | 2 Comments

Snack Strategy

Posted on December 8, 2010 by Pavone Food

If you pick up the late fall issue of Natural Food magazine you’ll glean insight and perspective from natural and organic buyers from across the United States.  You’ll gain an understanding of their priorities, values and processes.  You’ll see some new, health-focused specialty products that are appealing to this audience.  You’ll probably even notice the “Snack Strategy” article on page 25, contributed by Pavone.  Of course, snacking is a $90 billion eating occasion, so it’s one that every food and beverage company should be considering, whether or not their products fall into the natural and organic category.  Check out the article and let us know what you think!

Posted in General | Tagged beverages, food, healthy, snack, trends | 2 Comments