Technomic's 2011 Foodservice Predictions

Chicago-based market research firm Technomic highlights foodservice trends for 2011, and farmers are predicted to be the new food celebrity.

As 2011 begins, foodservice professionals can look forward to new and familiar trends that will help make this year successful. Farmers in particular are getting the star treatment. Once, it was all about celebrity chefs and operators rising to prominence. Now "back-to-the-source" viewpoints are sending farmers and producers into the spotlight, according to Technomic.

Farmers are expected to see a boost in restaurants requesting their attendance at events, special dining functions and as spokesmen to support chef's efforts to use local/U.S.-grown products. Additionally, farmers will be saluted in highly detailed menu descriptions. Increased awareness of the supply chain also means more attention to food safety and product traceability, which chefs say is highly important and why they choose U.S.-grown over imported rice 2010 USA Rice Attitude and Usage Study.

As a result, America's rice farmers are central to this trend and the farm-to-table philosophies that are at the core of menu development for many foodservice professionals. To show thanks for their efforts, the USA Rice Federation highlights chefs and operators who menu U.S. rice and reinforce the farm to table connection. Read more about USA Rice's Foodservice Recognition Program.

Read about all 11 predicted foodservice trends from Technomic.