THE FUTURE IS READY-MADE There are huge opportunities for Kiwi cafés and restaurants to take advantage of the growing consumer need for pre-packaged, ready-made meals. Driven by rising urbanisation and busy lifestyles, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) prepared meals sector is forecast to reach US$38.4 billion by 2023. GlobalData’s report ‘Opportunities in the Asia-Pacific Prepared Meals Sector’ revealed that ready meals emerged as the largest category which is expected to register the fastest growth in both value and volume. The report identified Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan as the high-potential countries based on GlobalData’s unique scoring system, which involves the riskreward analysis derived from multiple metrics. These metrics include market size and growth assessment, and political, economic, social, and technological
assessment of 19 major economies in the APAC region. Ready meals align well with timestarved consumers. Your café may already be a quick stop for takeaway coffee but imagine the revenue a fridge full of ready-made meals could generate. For many consumers, being able to grab a ready-made dinner from their favourite café while on their coffee break could be a game changer. The data identified that ready meals are on the rise over ‘meal kits’ which still take time to prepare. “Consumers in the APAC region lead hectic lifestyles, leaving them with little time to cook a meal from scratch,” said Priyanka Jain, consumer analyst at GlobalData. “This is resulting in the growing demand for prepared meals, as these are ready to eat or quick to make.” The ready-made meal also fits seamlessly into the routine of
health-conscious consumers with the opportunity to create meals with specific dietary needs in mind. The increase and availability of eco-friendly, plant-based packaging also means that the ready-meal no longer has to be a guilty pleasure
for the conscious consumer. Fully recyclable and compostable packaging is beginning to be the new normal so there are really no excuses as to why your business can’t take advantage of this current and future surge of the ready meal market.
CORONAVIRUS FEARS AFFECTING CHINESE RESTAURANTS Since news of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus business at Auckland Chinese food establishments has dropped by up to 60 percent and the NZ Chinese Cuisine Association says many may be forced to shut. Association board member Harry Cai said most of the association’s 500 members were “bleeding” and struggling to keep afloat. Cai, who is the general manager of Guangzhou Hotpot in Newmarket, said his restaurant has had more than 200 cancelled bookings since the coronavirus epidemic started. Cai wants Government to run a campaign to get locals to support Auckland Chinese restaurants. “Many of the fear is unfounded, there is not a single case of
coronavirus in New Zealand and we need the officials to tell people that it is safe to eat out.” A Restaurant Association NZ survey found business to be down by as much as 60 percent at Chinese restaurants here. Association chief executive Marisa Bidois said the survey showed there had been some effect on businesses with restrictions on travel through China resulting in fewer visitors. “We are hopeful that once the restriction has lifted, business will return to normal,” Bidois said. “We enjoy a vibrant and diverse dining scene in New Zealand, and we want to see that continue.” The association was offering extra marketing and mentoring support to affected businesses.
MARGARITA PATRÓN MASTERCLASS The team behind the much-loved Besos Latinos restaurant have brought to New Zealand the first Latin American Ceviche Bar that specialises in seafood made with the best and freshest produce from around the country. To celebrate, owners of Besos Latinos Restaurante and Ceviche Bar, Luis Cabrera and Cecilia Mijangos, will be hosting an event for every Margarita-lover out there. Besos Latinos (Latin kisses) is the only and first ever restaurant in the country to have its own premium single barrel tequila specially selected, bottled and labelled for the
restaurant by Patrón. The Margarita Patrón Masterclass is coming soon to Auckland. Grab your margarita-loving bestie and let the experts introduce you to the unique world of Patrón tequilas. Learn to create your own Patrón Perfect Margarita while enjoying delicious treats from Chef Luis. Do not miss this chance to sample the best Latin American food in town and the ubiquitous tequila from this unique restaurant. Tickets are limited and booking in advance is recommended.
February 2019
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