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Top 10 Food trends

Having written before about food in relation to events, I was hesitant to write another Hot Topic’s with similar content, but in this day and age of our obsession with the latest trends in food, I thought you would find the below read interesting. What this article does show is that the point still remains, food is one of THE most important aspects when putting your event together. Keeping food interesting, healthy and tasty should be at the forefront of your planning when considering your food choices, for events of any style.
The International Association of Conference Centres (IACC) has released its Top 10 Conference Foods Trends for 2015, so I thought you may be interested to know what items are having an impact when it comes to catering for conferences across the globe.

1. Local

The importance of adding a local feel to meetings has been identified as a major trend as attendees want to experience as much as they can about the area they are going to for their meeting or event.

2. Networking

Small plates of food items, continuously served in a reception format add a nice break to an extended event.

3. Small

Bite size desserts have overtaken larger portions in popularity. Warm house made donuts, chocolate truffles, French macaroons, mini cupcakes and house made cookies are top of the list for planners.

4. Flavour without fat

Healthy choices don’t need to resemble rabbit food and conference chefs work with exciting new ingredients including whole grains, protein alternative (quinoa, amaranth, tofu, beans) green vegetables (kales, spinach), low fat and low sugar foods which sound, look and taste great.

5. Culinary teambuilding

Nothing brings the team together more than food and having the opportunity to cook with somebody.

6. Contrasting environments

Utilising outside space to create a change in scenery and a casual dining experience will revitalise attendees, especially during multi-day meetings and events.

7. Finale

Make sure the last night of your event has all the components to create a dynamic environment and brings people together to celebrate the end of a great conference.

8. Interaction

Adding a chef interactive station can also highlight the menu with fresh prepared items (Panini, clubhouse or slider).

9. Go micro

With the explosion in microbreweries offering brews that appeal to all tastes; ask your conference planner if they can make pre-dinner drinks a local affair.

10. Tea

Infused tea cocktails is a global trend that shows no sign of slowing down.