Travel & Commuting

Adapting to the new era of travel: meeting evolving consumer demands in food service

The way people travel and commute has transformed significantly. Hybrid working has reduced office commutes, while leisure travel is at an all-time high. In fact, 2024 is projected to be a record-breaking year for travel and tourism, with the industry growing at an annual rate of 4% through 2029.

The food service industry must adapt to meet the diverse needs of travellers. From daily commuters to long-haul passengers, each group has unique expectations shaped by age, lifestyle, and mode of transport. By addressing these needs, food service providers can enhance convenience and overall travel experiences.

Younger travellers, like Gen Z (18-26), prioritize healthy, sustainable meals with seamless digital ordering options. Millennials (27-42) seek convenience and quality, favouring quick, nutritious meals with transparent ingredients and app-based ordering. Gen X (43-58) values balanced meals and sustainability, while Baby Boomers (59-77) prefer comfort, ease of access, and attentive service, with a growing appreciation for user-friendly technology.

Different travel modes also have distinct needs. Air travellers expect fast, high-quality dining with options like on-demand meals and grab-and-go selections. Train passengers often prefer leisurely dining with comfort foods and seat delivery. Car travellers prioritize speed and flexibility, relying on drive-thru’s and mobile app pre-orders.

This is why transportation hubs around the world are expanding and refining their food and retail offerings, both to seize the opportunity and enhance the customer experience. Airports and train stations are being redesigned to compete with modern shopping centers, while convenience stores are expanding their food options to include long-life and fresh items, focusing on quality and convenience to stay competitive in this evolving market.

Balancing taste and convenience: catering to diverse travellers

As a chef or operator in the travel & commuting sector, you face the unique challenge of catering to a wide variety of customers. This requires offering fresh, sustainable meals alongside familiar, hearty options.

In such fast-paced environments, time is critical. Quick service without compromising quality demands streamlined operations and efficient menu planning to ensure consistent, appealing meals during peak times. Effective stock management is equally vital, balancing fresh and long-life products to minimize waste while managing limited storage space.

The integration of technology also plays a crucial role. Ensuring reliable mobile ordering and contactless payments, while navigating potential connectivity challenges in busy transit hubs, can enhance the customer experience across all age groups.

Sustainability is another key priority, requiring eco-friendly practices such as responsibly sourced ingredients and reduced packaging waste, all while maintaining profitability. In increasingly competitive environments like airports and train stations, creativity and innovation are essential to stand out.

Versatile, nutritious ingredients like cheese and fruit are excellent for grab-and-go meals. Ready-to-eat cheese portions and fruit pouches provide convenient, balanced snacks rich in vitamins and proteins. These pre-portioned products cater to on-the-move consumption and align with growing demand for healthier, portable meal options, including plant-based alternatives, meeting today’s consumer expectations for health and convenience.

Make smart and delicate on-the-go choices with iconic brands that consumers love

Iconic cheese portion packs like Babybel®, The Laughing Cow®, and Kiri® offer healthy and tasty snacks on-the-go for all ages. Individually wrapped for top convenience, these beloved options provide protein and calcium, supporting good nutrition on the go.

Fruit-based snacks, such as GoGo squeeZ® pouches, are a positive addition to your offerings. Made with real fruit and no added sugar, these pouches are nutritious and rich in fiber. Available in various flavours, they cater to specific dietary needs, being free from dairy, nuts, and gluten.

Our range of cooking solutions offers versatile options for your kitchen.

The plant-based Nurishh® range delivers great taste and texture, perfect for creating vegan dishes with excellent melting qualities while meeting the demand for sustainable, allergy-free options. Boursin® Professional brings its unique taste and premium texture to all culinary recipes, sauces and toppings, adding a gourmet touch while saving time as an easy-to-use ingredient, while Kiri® Professional is perfect for sweet treats like cheesecake and ice cream, as well as adding smooth creaminess to sandwiches and soups. The Laughing Cow® Professional provides versatility for hot and cold dishes, enhancing recipes like mashed potatoes and vegetable sides. These solutions combine taste, texture, and convenience to meet a variety of culinary needs.