GENERAL
F & B
CATERING
BAKING & CONFECTIONARY
AESTHETICS & DESIGN
SUSTAINABILITY
2026
GENERAL
08 Looking ahead: The hospitality industry 2026 10 Beyond the plate: 5 chefs talk the changing industry 14 Tackling the challenges facing the hospitality industry in 2026 16 Advertorial: Midea’ s AirFusion™ 18 Star-studded confidence: Why TGCSA grading matters
F & B
20 Makers Landing: 5 years later 22 The food trends shaping 2026 26 The office lunch comeback 28 The South African pork value chain 30 Indigenous ingredients take centre stage
10
50 SA’ s sober curious shift 52 What sommeliers are drinking 56 Curating a wine list 60 Cocktails trends 62 Advertorial: Lactalis South Africa
CATERING
64 Hospitality at altitude 66 Crafting custom menus that wow guests 68 The power of client testimonials 70 Top mistakes caterers make
BAKING & CONFECTIONARY
72 The pastry trends rewriting the rules 76 Thinking outside the box: How packaging drives sales 80 Rise to the top: Scaling your baking business 82 Going viral: The power of social media for bakeries
70
34 The rebirth of dinner and a show 38 Still or sparkling?: The role of premium mineral waters in fine dining 42 The big chill: The future of refrigeration and cold chain supply 46 Advertorial: Puro Coffee 47 The responsible roast: Making coffee more eco-conscious
92
AESTHETICS & DESIGN
86 Interior design trends for restaurant spaces 88 Designing atmosphere 92 Décor alone won’ t guarantee loyalty
SUSTAINABILITY
94 Sustainability makes good business 98 Why chocolate prices are rising 102 Sustainability trends 106 From waste to resource
4 TRADE & TASTE / 2026