We live in an increasingly fast-paced, interconnected world of trends and innovations designed to enhance, excite and engage. The food and beverage industry is no exception, as cutting-edge technology and increasing demands for personalisation and sustainability seem set to revolutionise both the consumer and professional experience. As this brave new era unfolds, let’s take a look at the main trends set to dominate the hospitality industry in the next few years.
Blending more tech into the guest experience
As with other sectors, technology is playing an increasingly important role in the food and beverage industries. Finding the right tech can streamline both front and back-of-house processes and enhance guest experience.
Smart appliances in both kitchens and bars will help to minimise waste, improve stock control and increase consistency in measurements. Innovations in the so-called, ‘Internet of Things’ will allow hospitality managers to seamlessly integrate everything from inventory to lighting.
Blockchain technology will be utilised more and more within the sector too. Impacting everything from supply chains to booking management, blockchain can improve operational standards, increase consumer confidence and customer retention, and provide better data security. The use of smart contracts will reduce fraud and human error and automate more and more varied processes, leaving more time to focus on creativity and ambience.
The sector will also see a rise in the use of Artificial intelligence (AI). Chatbots and virtual concierges will go beyond handling reservations, with functionality developing to handle menu recommendations based on in-depth data analysis, the ability to predict emerging trends and even reduce energy consumption. Read on to learn how this technology is proving pivotal in the latest trend towards robotic bartenders.
Sustainability, sustainability, sustainability
The future is green and the hospitality sector will be able to play a key role in championing sustainability. From hotels adopting eco-friendly practices such as water conservation and LED lighting, to the increase in demand for plant-based, organic and local food and drink, sustainability has moved from a buzzword to a necessity for all establishments. Marriot International is part of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, for more information take a look at their resources to find tools, webinars and blogs to help you and your team implement more sustainable ways of working.
Functional food and wellbeing beverages
A recent trend that will continue to grow in popularity is wellbeing beverages and functional ingredients in both food and drink. For the non-drinkers and those looking for alternatives to alcohol, these health-conscious thirst quenchers offer exciting flavour combinations with added benefits. Companies are responding to this demand with formulas incorporating vitamins, botanical extracts, and adaptogens. These ingredients add depth of flavour as well as mental and physical benefits.
Functional food and drinks that support specific goals or improve certain health conditions will be a growing market element. In particular, products designed to support gut and skin health, with ingredients like probiotics and collagen, will continue to be in high demand.
For those seeking a buzz without the booze, the rise in nootropic and adaptogen beverages will bring new and exciting options for hangover-free mood boosters. Check out Brite and Noot, two companies making a splash in the nootropics market. Another recent entry to the space is Sentia, a non-alcoholic spirit-style drink specifically designed to bring some of the positive elements of connection over a cocktail without any of the negatives associated with drinking.
Revolution 2.0 - Creating the craft traditions of the future
Over the past few years, interest in the craftsmanship behind the beverage has been steadily growing, with a revival of reverence for the vineyards, breweries and distilleries that have poured their hearts and souls into each delicious glass. The meteoric rise of craft breweries, small-batch distilleries, and boutique wineries now paves the way for the next wave of artisan alcohol. Watch out for interesting collaborations, frontiers being pushed in aging processes and a thirst for hyperlocal flavours. Take a look at Experimental Brews, a team of international scientists and brew masters working in the Carlsberg Research Laboratory. This lab cultured the first pure yeast and continues to push forward with beer innovation.
Sustainability will continue to move up the list of consumer priorities when selecting their food and drinks. As with bars and restaurants, there will be an increasingly sharper focus on waste, energy use and other environmental issues for producers. Two Drifters Rum, a carbon-negative rum distillery and Discarded Spirits Co., producers of rum and vermouth using waste from other parts of the beverage industry encapsulate this must-watch trend.
Robot bartenders
Bringing a futuristic blend of technology and mixology, robot bartenders offer a heady blend of precision, efficiency and novelty to the bar experience. Combining precision engineering with vast databases of cocktail recipes, these marvellous machines can concoct a staggering array of drinks with unparalleled speed and consistency.
This technology is already being embraced in several establishments around the world. For example, the Bionic Bar on Royal Caribbean International cruise ships provides patrons with an almost endless choice of cocktails, from firm favourites to unique, custom-designed drinks dreamt up by guests themselves through the ordering system. The tech behind this hails from an Italian company called Makrshakr and for patrons who prefer drinks on dry land, the machines can also currently be found in a small but growing number of bars in America, Europe and Asia.
Future-proof your team
With the pace of change in hospitality showing no signs of slowing, what will be the next big skill set required to improve your career prospects and ensure your team is equipped for the future?
Technological literacy is an absolute core skill for future hospitality staff. Beyond just proficient use of CRM and book systems, those wishing to pursue and sustain careers in this sector must prioritise tech training, developing working knowledge in areas such as AI for hospitality, data analytics to understand customer preference, and utilisation of smart technologies to increase personalisation and enhance patron’s experience.
Even with the rise of AI and other tech impacting the hospitality industry, the social aspects will remain paramount. Whilst the novelty of robot bartenders may capture consumer interest, nothing can replace the value of human connection and great service. Having well-trained, knowledgeable staff who know how to elevate and enhance an evening at a bar or restaurant will still be as important as ever.