Demand for Foodservices Grows On, Off Campus
A new study showcases the growing needs of college students, which include convenience and menu innovation.
Jun 12, 2019
CHICAGO -- Delivery, technology and health trends are changing the foodservice landscape and younger generations are leading this charge. Technomic’s 2019 College & University Consumer Trend Report found that students’ foodservice demands have accelerated both on- and off-campus.
“Students have high expectations from their foodservice experiences both on and off campus. Delivery, convenience and menu innovation are all top priorities for college and university students,” said Anne Mills, senior manager of consumer insights at Technomic, in a press release.
The study found that the growing needs of students surrounding foodservice included convenience, menu innovation and social responsibility. “On top of this, they will choose companies that support causes they care about such as reducing waste or employee pay. These expectations are a lot for operators to think about but important to address in order to stay competitive,” Mills said.
The report found that 33% of students are satisfied with their school’s foodservice facilities. Sixty-nine percent of students eat off-campus at least once a week, while 45% of students say it’s important that their school is transparent about how ingredients are sourced.
