Want to come out of the recession on top? Keep pushing convenience and value. Both will still be important to consumers when the economy turns around.
That was NRA researcher Hudson Riehle’s take on the industry data he presented Saturday morning to a group of high school teachers and college professors attending the Michael E. Hurst Educational Forum in the Hyatt Regency next door to the show at McCormick Place
The NRA Educational Foundation hosts the event every year for hospitality students and their teachers. Scholarship awards were given out at lunch and more honors will be doled out tonight at the Salute to Excellence Banquet.
Riehle, senior vice president of research and information services for the NRA, predicted a couple more years of tough going for the industry. Even as the economy improves, consumers will remain tight-fisted initially.
“We’re going to see fundamental shifts in spending,” Riehle said. “The demand for convenience has been the most important driver of growth in past decade. We’re also seeing substantial influence of value marketing as cash-on-hand still remains tight.”
Also expect to see continued emphasis on portion size, health and nutrition, he said.
dberta@nrn.com
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