FUTURE FORECAST Tech Bytes

Tech BITES

Between labour shortages, supply-chain disruptions, and rising inflation, if 2020 was a challenging time thanks in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 arguably took things to the next level. A key aspect to the hospitality sector’s survival around the world over the last two years has been the continued adoption and growing importance of technology. These tech trends will go beyond 2022, ushering in the new era of how restaurants function.

Into the Metaverse

Virtual commerce technology has the potential to take online shopping to the next level. These advancements could add more dimension to the online shopping experience, including more accurately recreating the interactions and emotions associated with the physical world. Virtual engagements gained momentum with the onset of COVID-19 as consumers turned to digital channels.

Add to this a boost in consumers using virtual and augmented reality technology to try products. NFTs and Cryptocurrencies are starting to penetrate the restaurant space. According to a survey by Visa Inc., almost a quarter of small businesses in nine countries around the world plan to accept digital currencies as a form of payment in 2022, while 13 percent of consumers in those countries expect retail stores to begin offering crypto payments this year and beyond. In the U.S, Flyflish Club has become the first NFT concept restaurant. Not scheduled to open until 2023, pre-sale memberships sold out in less than a minute.

Read more online

Food giants, McDonald’s and Panera Bread have both filed trademarks for a digital presence within the metaverse: the fully realised virtual reality world that has been growing in popularity, thanks in part to the burgeoning trend of NFTs as digital assets.

Read more online

Meet the Multi-Platform Consumer

In 2021 there were 4.7 billion internet users around the world, roughly 60 percent of the global population. Digitisation and e-commerce are now key aspects of a successful business model and consumers will judge a brand based on its digital prowess. Loyalty in the digital era will be about less-tangible features. The notion of ‘Rewards’ have evolved from a customer simply receiving a free product, to creating memorable experiences – connected more to moments a company or brand creates along the customer journey. Mobile ordering and brand apps are gaining more and more traction. In all of 2021, McDonald’s paced the field with 24 million app downloads (U.S.) Starbucks followed at 12 million and Domino’s at 10 million. Through free food promotions and celebrity meal deals (loyalty also launched in July for the first time), McDonald’s app was downloaded 33.3 percent more times in 2021 than 2020.

Read more online

The Rise of the Robots

While not hugely prevalent in New Zealand just yet, the number one foodservice trend prediction for 2022 across the United States and Europe is the surge of robots and automation in the dining industry.

While the concept isn’t new, the notable acceleration results from labour shortages due to workers becoming fed up with working conditions, continuously inadequate wages, and contactless dining as a social distancing measure. At Miso Robotics, a robot named Flippy oversees flipping burgers and making fries at 11 White Castle locations. There’s also the “semi-automated” restaurant Sushiro in Tokyo, where machines cook and mould the rice, plus seasoning with vinegar, and human employees top the sushi rice with hand-cut fish.

Closer to home, the innovative heart of hospitality, Burns & Ferrall, has introduced delivery robots to its offering. These robot waiters delight customers, while also helping with the ongoing staff shortages.

Read more online