FOOD & BEVERAGE
The Conrad Koh Samui in Thailand sources produce from local markets .
Other food trends include plant-based products that are made to taste like proteins and , as Adam Crocini , SVP of global food & beverage brands , Hilton , noted , alternative milks , such as oat or almond , and those who have traded in alcoholic drinks for mocktails and low-ABV beverages .
“ We know that food and beverage play a significant role in people ’ s travel plans ,” said Tom Walters , SVP of food & beverage , Americas , Hilton . “ Meeting our guests with what they are looking for not only results in positive feedback , but also positively impacts our bottom line .”
Peninsula Hotels launched its “ Life Lived Best ” campaign in the spring of 2022 , which comprises three pillars : nutrition , physical fitness and mental Health . “ Food and beverage play a very important role in [ our ] hotels and this campaign is a holistic approach , whereby guests can maintain all aspects of their healthy lifestyle ,” said Baasim Zafar , executive chef at The Peninsula Chicago , which offers a plant-based menu available both in The Lobby restaurant and through in-room dining .
Luxury brands , like Peninsula , have discerning and discriminating customers ; it ’ s up to these hotels to satisfy their tastes and whims . “ Our clientele has always had an expectation for healthy options ,” Zafar said , adding that there are increasingly more guests interested in vegan , gluten free and vegetarian options . “ On a brand level , we believe that full-body wellness is a priority for guests now , more so than just a trend .”
As Zafar pointed out , offering these items typically comes with a higher price tag , depending on where you are sourcing from . Consider vegetables , which he said he has seen the quality going down . “ We have sourced through private farms , which can be very expensive ,” he said .
Zafar listed three trends to watch for in 2023 : nostalgic tastes and retro flavors that remind people of their past , especially when they are health-conscious options ; coffee / caffeine-free alternatives ; and a further lean into local produce , especially for climateconscious diners .
One company that is betting on the growing trend of healthier snacking is Nightfood , which offers sleep-friendly products , from ice cream to cookies , typically found in a hotel ’ s marketplace or sundries shop . The products generally have less sugar , less fat , fewer calories , more protein and Sean Folkson , Nightfood ’ s founder and CEO , is banking on hotels and customers eating it up .
Healthier eating and snacking , especially in the midscale segment , still has a learning curve , and Folkson believes it ’ s up to the brands to educate owners on the benefits . “ Owners are going to do it if the brands start standardizing it ,” he said .
Until then , he ’ s competing for shelf space with the likes of Klondike bars , Twizzlers and Oreos , but if hotels are in the business of providing sleep , Nightfood fits right in , Folkson argued . “ We don ’ t expect the hotel to choose between traditional snacks and Nightfood snacks , because I think that ’ s unrealistic ,” he said . “ We expect the hotel to choose to offer them both and let the guests choose .”
Nightfood products , from ice cream to cookies , contain less sugar and are formulated to support better sleep .
38 hotelsmag . com Mar / Apr 2023