Local cuisine, traditional experiences, and engaging dining are all part of the cruise food and beverage industry in 2024.
The most recent issue of Cruise Food and Beverage Trends Report showed a growing interest in experienced kitchen and connecting with local communities through food experience as the next version of the F&, B@Sea boat food and beverage event drew near. The demand for regional food, real social food experiences, and engaging dining is anticipated to rise in 2024 and above.
The report provided information from a variety of boat sector stakeholders, including journey lines, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of food and beverage. Additionally, associations, training providers, and agencies ‘ viewpoints are represented. The report identifies major developments that affect the drinking and eating experience on board ships and highlights the sector’s challenges.
Major Obstacles
Rising prices ( 68.92 % ), supply chain disruptions ( 48.65 % ), and extended restocking/order lead times ( 35.14 % ), according to survey respondents, are major challenges facing the cruise food and beverage sector, which is expected to reach a value of$ 8.9 trillion by 2026.
Participants expressed their inability to interact with cruise line customers in roughly 32.43 % of cases, and 29.73 % expressed skepticism about the dominant trends in food and drink in the cruise industry.
Less important factors included the purchase of particular goods or substitutes, the failure to comply with new regulations or sustainability standards, and suppliers ceasing to do business. Adjusting the food and beverage options or recipes and failing to meet diet needs presented some difficulties.
Important Styles
The top three food trends predicted to become popular in 2024–25 are local culinary options ( 31.51 % ), immersive dining ( 32.88 % ), and authentic cultural food experiences ( 45.21 % ). With 26.03 % of respondents choosing plant-based diets and produce, 21.92 % choosing sustainable agriculture and seafood from sustainably sourced sources, and an equal number highlighting zero-waste cooking, sustainability will also be a major focus in the culinary world.
Asian fusion received the most votes ( 54.79 % ) and Levantinecuisine the least ( 55.48 % ), indicating that the variety of cruise ship food options will continue to exist. The help of port agents will generally make it easier to sourcing ingredients from far-off places.
Drinks with low or no calories received 30.14 % of votes, health and wellness supplement beverages received 39.73 %, and low- to no-calorie drinks received 46.58 % of the vote, indicating a preference for drinks with high or low calories.
SOURCE: Cruise Food &, Beverage 2024: Regional Cuisine, Genuine Experience, and Immersive Dining | eTurboNews |ETN
