The downturn diet

It seems that the world’s consumers are embracing a new kind of diet: an unhealthy one.

But it’s not their fault, oh no — as everything else is going pear-shaped nowadays, it’s all down to the economic “crisis”. People are comfort-eating their way through the global financial downturn.

The evidence is all there: consumers are limiting their spending and considering cheaper options and fast-food and take-away outlets have seen a huge surge in business since the downturn hit.

Indeed, a recent study conducted in the UK shows Britons have piled on 20 million stone in the past 12 months, according to the Daily Express newspaper. Almost one in every three of the 3000 people surveyed admitted to putting on weight, blaming the fact that they were eating cheaper, less healthy food and working longer hours, with less time to cook balanced meals or exercise.

So are we doomed to becoming financially-afflicted fatties? Hopefully not — thanks to the latest F&B trend, there is an alternative.

Speaking at The Hotel Show last month, Daniel During (owner of Thomas Klein International, a turnkey consultancy for the hospitality industry) identified healthy, nutritional food and high-quality fast food as two major upcoming trends on the international F&B scene.

“We are finally seeing good quality fine-casual and fine-elegant dining options emerging,” he announced.

Middle East F&B concept developers are transforming the fast-food stereotype with plenty of quick-service, good quality outlets coming online. Take, for example, the recently-opened Burger House at Jumeirah Beach Residence, promising healthier, tastier versions of the fast-food staple; Zaatar w Zeit, offering diners across the region its trademark Lebanese manakeesh; or the café attached to Carluccio’s new Dubai retail outlet offering healthy, fresh snacks at speed.

The developers of these brands have all recognised that trends come in cycles; they know that ‘after the feast comes the fast’, (or at least a rigorous healthy-eating and exercise regime.)

So I would agree with During’s predictions: healthy fast food is going to play a big role for consumers this year. Just make sure you’re ahead of the curve and ready to give your customers what they want.