The culinary world never stands still, and as a global food service partner to many of the world’s most recognised airlines and airline catering organisations, neither do we.

While it’s important to provide a traditional programme of inflight catering snacks, meals and other food items, we’re always looking ahead to the newest trends to make sure each passenger enjoys their on-board gastronomical experience, so for 2023, you can expect a lot more of this…

Accountability

Consumers expect brands to be accountable for the types of products they use, and for their actions towards how they treat their suppliers. They’re looking for brands which can help them make the right choices and provide sustainable options. Often, shoppers reach for products with eco-friendly and carbon neutral attributes.

En Route’s procurement team continue to speak with new and existing suppliers to ensure our products are as sustainable as they can be, in terms of packaging, transportation and wastage.

Supply Chain & Procurement Manager for the US, Tamar Gibson, says: “Sustainable solutions are often more easily recognised when they are labelled on tangible products, which could be demonstrated in an easily visible recyclable icon on packaging or a menu mention of a product that is locally sourced, therefore highlighting a reduced carbon footprint.

“However, there are many layers in the sustainable procurement story that are not as easily recognised by the consumer.  For example, our current warehouse and distribution provider demonstrates sustainability in clean renewable energy, using over 6,200 panels on its warehouses cutting the company’s energy costs by approximately 50%. 

“Other sustainable efforts include building its distribution centres to LEED Gold specifications, huge recycling initiatives for cardboard and plastic film and its fleet utilising fuel technology to reduce carbon emissions. So while not all sustainability efforts are as obvious to the consumer, this one should definitely be celebrated in our choice of providers.”

Affordable Nutrition

Consumers of ethical and sustainable products can often find they have a higher price point, which can be an obstacle for people who desire value or have a low income. With the cost-of-living crisis showing no signs of receding, people are looking for healthy and nutritious foods on a tighter budget. As The Food Peoples’ recent Trend Event webinar claims, “Thrift and frugality are in, and flashy shows of wealth are out”.

Consumers aren’t just satisfied with food being quick and convenient – their demands have increased from 20 years ago when ‘heat and eat’ meals first hit the scene. In 2023, there will be a string desire for quick convenience to also be nutritional and good for you. The Trend Event goes on, “Purse strings are tight, but food is a pleasure people aren’t willing to give up. Indeed, it’s often the budget-friendly beige staples that offer comfort when the going gets tough. Many are turning to their go-to – bread – as the humble sandwich goes gourmet.”

We’re redefining retail-on-board options to include more ‘good for you’ snacks and sandwiches, as well as focusing on creating a wider range of healthier ambient meal options for vegans and vegetarians.

Plant-based

Food choices are increasingly incorporating considerations related not only to individual health, but also the health of the planet. This is epitomised by the surge in plant-based eating, which is being embraced for its health benefits in addition to its lower carbon, water, and ecological footprints compared with those that incorporate animal products. With plant-based diets becoming more widely accepted and commonplace – especially across younger groups – it’s predicted that because Gen Z and Millennials are now so familiar with plant-based milks, there will be an increased demand for this kind of produce to be used throughout food production in place of cow’s milk.

To support this demand, En Route is working on a plant-based ice cream to complement our dessert menu and already offer a range of viennoiserie and bakery options that are compatible with a vegan diet. You can read more about this here > Catering to a Growing Vegan Market (en-route.com)

Farming for the Future

Consumers are demanding to know the provenance of their food and drink, and especially want assurance that the farmers who planted, grew and supplied the ingredients were well paid and benefited from good working conditions. Even produce with an indulgent nature such as ice cream will be no stranger to scrutiny, with consumers hoping to see improved conditions for dairy farmers, as well as more environmentally friendly packaging commitments. Knowing the origin of their food items is a big benefit for consumers so expect more of this in 2023.

Positively Imperfect

Recognising that being perfect is an impossible goal, and that just doing your best is better than doing nothing at all is becoming the norm. Increasingly, brands are explaining why and how not all of their packaging is not yet recyclable to demonstrate to consumers that they are doing their best and working to find a solution, and that they recognise that they still have improvements to make. This transparency and honesty will help them connect with consumers more deeply, and reinforce their brand identity amongst younger consumers especially.

We pride ourselves on our world-class ability to create consistently high-quality food and inventive packaging and service solutions supported by our intelligent, global supply chain operations. If you would like to know more about working with En Route, please get in touch on +44 (0) 1753 465555 or at [email protected]