Nestlé Professional recently hosted business leaders and foodservice experts for a dynamic Food Exploration Tour in vibrant North London while unveiling the latest edition of its acclaimed food and trends guide, Tuck In 4. The event provided an immersive experience, spotlighting culinary innovation, new product launches, and real-world applications of the trends showcased in the latest magazine.
This year’s Food Exploration Tour gathered chefs, operators, and key decision-makers from across the industry, representing notable brands in the Pub and QSR sectors. Attendees were treated to insightful presentations and interactive demonstrations that brought the latest food trends to life, including a focus on emerging cuisines, the celebration of playful dining occasions, and the increasing demand for ethically conscious options.
Tuck In 4 explores key themes that were brought to life during the tour:
- Classic Comforts: The guide highlights the return to comforting, nostalgic dishes that appeal to consumers seeking familiarity. This trend emphasises the power of well-crafted, traditional meals such as rich pastas and hearty dishes that evoke warmth and reassurance, offering consumers a sense of nostalgia with a modern twist.
- Emerging Cuisines: The tour showcased the growing appeal of diverse and novel flavours. This trend celebrates the introduction of unique spices, ingredients, and plant-based options from global cuisines, reflecting the increasing curiosity of consumers to explore new and exciting culinary experiences.
- Playful Occasions: Dining is becoming more than just about food—it's about creating fun, memorable experiences. The importance of playful dining has grown, with a focus on indulgent menus, creative presentation, and an overall atmosphere that transforms eating out into an enjoyable and entertaining occasion.
- Ethically Conscious: The trend towards sustainability and ethical choices is gaining momentum, with a growing consumer preference for businesses that prioritise social responsibility. This includes efforts to reduce environmental impact, support local suppliers, and promote ethical sourcing, all of which align with the values of today’s more conscientious diners.
Kate Alexander, Head of Food & Commercial Channels at Nestlé Professional, said: "We’ve had a wonderful few days in North London for our 2024 Nestlé Professional Food Exploration Tour to launch the 4th edition of the Tuck In Guide. It’s been fantastic to see the latest trends in the out-of-home market come to life. From insightful sessions to sampling delicious dishes from our talented team and partners, the tours have been both inspiring and enjoyable. A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this event a success, and to our customers for joining us—we hope you left with a little inspiration and full bellies!”
Throughout the two-day tour, attendees explored some of Shoreditch and Angel’s most innovative foodie destinations, experiencing first-hand how the trends featured in Tuck In 4 are being embraced and integrated by leading venues.
Seamus O’Donnell, Culinary Director at The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant said, “So today we had the opportunity to do a food tour around London with Nestlé. We got to see how their products are used with other brands and that will inspire us to use their products in our restaurants.”
Emily Brocklehurst, What’s Cooking?, National Account Manager said, “We’ve worked closely with Nestlé to develop some sauces to complement their products and it’s been great to be able to showcase them to our collective customer base. It’s been a really fun day connecting with current contacts and meeting new people in the industry.”
The Food Exploration Tour not only highlighted Nestlé Professional’s commitment to driving industry innovation but also brought the Tuck In 4 guide to life, facilitating a vibrant exchange of ideas on how these emerging trends can be practically implemented in everyday kitchen operations.
