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Unilever Food Solutions Sets the Stage for Future Menus 2025

In an era of constant change, the culinary landscape is undergoing a transformative shift, with Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) unveiling its latest insights at the Future Menus 2025 report. This year’s findings highlight a surge in Asian flavors, signifying a departure from traditional European cuisines that have long dominated the global palate.

Emerging Trends in Global Food Service

According to the report, in-depth research indicates that Asian cuisines, particularly those from China and Japan, have emerged as the top contenders in the worldwide food scene for diners across all age groups. Notably, Korean and Mexican flavors are also gaining traction, reflecting a significant shift in consumer preferences.

Street Food with Identity

One of the most exciting trends outlined in the report is the evolution of street food from casual bites to gourmet offerings. This transformation is largely fueled by Generation Z, with 65% of them prioritizing value when dining out. An increase in interest for Mexican, Indian, Korean, and Filipino street foods, especially Filipino cuisine, highlights the evolving consumer demands in both the US and Asia. UFS is at the forefront, providing chefs with essential products such as Hellmann's Original Mayonnaise, perfect for creating sauces paired with tacos, burritos, spring rolls, dumplings, Korean-style corn dogs, and more.

Borderless Culinary Exploration

In a world that is increasingly interconnected, chefs are blending diverse culinary traditions, bringing a global perspective to their creations. 76% of travelers express interest in exploring local food cultures, further driving the Crossover Cuisine trend. The integration of Eastern flavors into Western dishes is enhanced by key ingredients like Knorr's seasoned broths, which deliver authentic umami flavor. This opens the door for creative interpretations, enabling classic dishes like pasta, stews, and burgers to take on exciting new profiles.

Revisiting Culinary Roots

A growing trend among chefs is the revival of lesser-known and hyper-local cuisines, such as Hunan, Emirati, Basque, and Oaxacan cooking. UFS’s team of over 250 internal chefs empowers clients to embrace and showcase indigenous food traditions through innovative recipes and culinary techniques.

Customized Gastronomy

Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking personalized dining experiences. The report indicates that 47% of people prefer to spend money on experiences rather than goods, thus fueling the demand for tailored culinary adventures. UFS supports businesses by providing menu engineering, training, and easy integration of emerging trends to accommodate the changing landscape of consumer preferences.

Final Thoughts from UFS

Star Chen, CEO of Unilever Food Solutions, emphasized the significance of the Future Menus initiative: "Future Menus ensures that chefs are equipped to meet these evolving consumer expectations by harnessing key menu trends. We provide over 3 million customers globally with expert insights, recipe inspirations, and professional products to cater to the growing appetite for Asian and South American flavors identified in this year's research. The Future Menus project continues to expand, guiding chefs to stay ahead of trends while contributing to the double-digit growth of our business. Notably, 7 out of 10 clients affirm they would recommend UFS to others today."

The Future Menus report will be complemented by tailored local adaptations on ufs.com throughout the year, showcasing popular dishes and recipes tailored to meet the specific needs of diners across UFS’s operational territories.

About Unilever Food Solutions

Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) is a chef-driven business operating in over 75 countries, representing about 20% of Unilever's Nutrition business. With a strong focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, UFS equips chefs with high-quality products and industry support. With renowned brands like Knorr Professional and Hellmann's, UFS is committed to fostering culinary creativity and profitability through its Positive Kitchens initiative, helping chefs make a difference in their communities and kitchens.

Research Methodology

The Future Menus 2025 report harnessed robust global data, gathering insights from industry reports, social media analyses utilizing over 237,000 keywords representing 312 million searches across 21 countries, and feedback from 1,100+ culinary professionals in 20 markets through UFS’s electronic panels. These insights translate into actionable solutions for foodservice operators worldwide, covering recipe ideas, techniques, and ingredient solutions.

For more insights, interviews with UFS experts, and a range of visual resources related to the Future Menus report and launch event, interested parties are encouraged to reach out via email.