Unilever Food Solutions has released its Future Menus 2025 report in Canada, highlighting four trends set to influence the food service industry. Research shows a shift in consumer demand from European cuisines to Asian and Latin American flavours. Chinese and Japanese dishes rank among the top five global favourites, while Korean, Mexican, and Filipino cuisines are growing in popularity.
The report identifies four trends for Canadian operators. Street Food Couture focuses on elevating street foods to gourmet offerings. Borderless Cuisine reflects the integration of international culinary traditions into local menus. Culinary Roots emphasises using local and Indigenous ingredients along with heritage cooking techniques. Diner Designed addresses the growing demand for personalised and immersive dining experiences.
Gen Z consumers are driving demand for value-oriented, diverse food options and spend more on dining out and food delivery than other age groups. Operators are encouraged to adapt menus and operations through training and menu engineering to respond to evolving consumer preferences.
The report provides actionable insights for food service businesses aiming to align with global culinary trends and meet changing expectations in the Canadian market.