Every nook and cranny of the F&B industry has seen a drastic change post the pandemic. When something this huge, strikes the world, it is only reasonable to assume that things need to be changed and with a bottom up approach. There are so many new ways to curb the effects of the pandemic over the F&B industry. The best way ahead is to leave trends that don’t work in the past. Forgetting our woes and looking forward to a cheerful future is what we all need right now. After a complete shutdown, the F&B industry is getting back on its feet again. Let’s take a look at the major changes of the decade that the industry and the consumers are gearing up for. These trends are expected to dominate the industry and begin the reign of the New Normal.

1. Digital Menu:

   Restaurants have opened back but the footfall has fallen drastically. Who do we hold responsible? People are reluctant to dine out most of the times because of the obvious health and safety concerns. In such times, Digital Menus have become a great hit. Ensuring physical distancing within the restaurant is one of the most necessary yet difficult tasks. In such a situation, customers being able to access the menu on a screen helps decrease the physical contact. We’ve already moved towards an era of digital menus, digital payments, online feedbacks, etc. These measures have already infiltrated 50% of the market and can exponentially grow towards the end of the year. With Amealio, you can peruse through the menu from the safety of your car while you wait for your table confirmation, saving you both time and the risk of infection.

2. Takeaway and Delivery Services:
   

   Almost all the restaurants are looking at expanding their services to takeout and delivery services. Most of them have tied up with food delivery services. These services have not only helped implement better physical distancing but also ensured more employment for people who have been displaced out of jobs. This is a great opportunity for restaurants to stay afloat amid strict physical distancing norms. Amealio not only allows you to order takeaway with easy but does so with voice technology. You can actually hold a conversation with your voice assistant as if you are talking to a waiter at the restaurant. Isn’t it a little fun as well? Hassle free and customized food experience is something we all crave, don’t we?

3. Budding Home Chefs:
   

   The pandemic has led to an exponential increase in the demand for home cooked food subsequently affecting the demand for home-based cooks and bakeries. What’s best about this is these cooks have found an avenue to showcase their talent while making money on the side. This has also helped in ensuring the norms of physical distancing as the food is usually delivered to your doorstep. Who would have thought 5 years ago that you could enjoy food that gives you a taste of home and is delivered to you?

4. Cloud Kitchens:
   

   Another highly sought-after advancement is that in cloud kitchens. Now, you might wonder what’s the concept of cloud kitchens? Here, let me explain; Cloud kitchen, also called Ghost Kitchen is a place where food is prepared and is delivered at doorsteps via online orders through calls and online ordering platforms. These restaurants do not usually have physical outlets for people to dine out at. At present, it is deduced that Cloud kitchens hold 13% of the market shares and are expected to grow up to 30% by the end of this year.

5. Healthier Food Choices:
   

   Right in the middle of a pandemic that has caused us so many lives, it is only fair to assume that most of us have already started to move towards a healthier living and eating paradigm. The shift from comfort foods to more vegetarian or vegan options has opened doors for a whole new market. This has also opened another avenue for the industry in the form of staycation and workcation. People are booking local hotels to have some quality time with loved ones or simply enjoy room service while working.

   Now, these are some changes we can look forward to in 2021. The life after a pandemic is that of comfort, convenience, health, and safety. No one is willing to compromise on any of the factors and they shouldn’t. Amealio, as an application, inculcates most of the changing trends and more. From a touchless experience to customized service, what else do we need, the game-changing rule of the 21st century is to keep adapting to change. Now, there’s not much that can be done with regard to the pandemic but one can always one-up the precautionary methods. After all, prevention is better than cure. One of the biggest benefits of moving to a digital setup is also the transparency that comes with it. With people’s inhibitions about the F&B industry and the reservations post-pandemic, the more transparent your business, the better outcome. Are we ready for the changes that await us?