The 2024 Show floor was brimming with the latest innovations in foodservice—from equipment and technology to food, beverage, décor and more. After observing these trends firsthand, we've curated a list of the key ones that we believe will continue to influence the industry into 2025. Dive into our trend report and stay ahead of the curve as we move into the future of foodservice.

Our top trend picks from the 2024 Show include:

Functional Foods and Beverages

As health and wellness take center stage, consumers are now seeking products that deliver more than basic nutrition. The Show floor featured a range of products with alternative, “clean,” or unique ingredients, designed to offer enhanced health benefits. Standouts include Mush Foods’ 50 Cut Burger, blending traditional animal proteins with mushroom mycelium, a sustainable ingredient that supports immune health. Another highlight was Next Level Energy, aan energy drink promising a "sustained, natural energy boost" through ingredients like green coffee, L-Theanine, L-Carnitine and B vitamins. Now is the perfect time to collaborate with brands putting health and wellness at the forefront.

Source: Why retailers should care about functional beverages (supermarketnews.com)

Data Collection and Optimization

Yes, there were the typical flashy tech displays, but this year's tech offerings increasingly highlighted a crucial unseen element: data. Now, more than ever, tech suppliers are showing how their products can help operators make smarter decisions in inventory management, employee scheduling and even menu planning. Notable examples include Toast Inc.’s ’s benchmarking tool, allowing restaurants to compare menu performance with similar establishments, and Powerhouse Dynamics’ IoT solution, offering operators the ability to set rules and focus on operational and maintenance data critical to their business. The message is clear: Operators want actionable, user-friendly data insights, not data overload.

Source: How data has become the universal currency of restaurant tech (nrn.com)

Sustainability Technology

As in previous years, sustainability remains a top priority for both consumers and operators. This year, more and more tech companies joined the trend with innovations to help companies track food waste (Metafoodx) and packaging usage (Supreme Source & Supply Co.) These tools provide operators with valuable data (a recurring theme!) that enables them to make more informed sustainability decisions. Move over compostable dinnerware—tech now has a seat at the sustainability table

Source: Sustainability Technology is trending at the Restaurant Show (nrn.com)

Boba

Last but not least, the youth-driven, tea-based drink “boba” had its moment at the Show, with suppliers like Bossen reporting lots of activity around their booth. With its global inspiration and Instagram-friendly aesthetic, it’s no wonder boba is gaining popularity, especially among Gen Z. Thinking about tapping into this trend? The global bubble tea market shows no sign of slowing down.

Source: Non-alcoholic spirits and boba emerge as major beverage trends (nrn.com)