Published on: March 18, 2018
The old adage for anyone looking to start a business is “find a need, then fill it.” With today’s consumers, a better answer might be to identify the various “wants” from the widest base of consumers and then see how your business can deliver on their preferences.
Food Franchises with Healthier Offerings is a Growing Trend
When it comes to the food that people are buying and eating these days, consumers at every age say they value healthier food—with nuances like sustainable and local also swaying their food choices. They also value convenience and want things fast. Foods that are portable and healthier, like smoothies, are enjoying a huge popularity with everyone from school kids, to soccer moms, to yoga grannies. And the fast-casual segment seems to be winning the day.
Brand trust and familiar ingredients matter. While taste remains the top driver of food/beverage purchases, trust in a brand and recognizing the ingredients that go into the brand’s products are surprisingly impactful. In fact, these factors are similar to price in impact. Those who have made changes to their diet in the last 10 years are especially likely to care about recognizing ingredients. Healthy, natural and better-for-you are terms and phrases that have dominated the food industry in recent years and forced CPG companies to evolve. Consumers’ healthier eating habits — especially millennials and Generation Z — are pushing Big Food to switch up their portfolios and consider swapping legacy brands for newer, healthier ones. That will likely continue to accelerate in 2019 as consumers pressure brands to keep up with changing tastes. Another strong motivator is the bump many companies saw to their bottom line in 2018 when shifting their strategy to healthier products.. Convenience, cost and taste have always been key, but for two years in a row now, “healthy” is second only to convenience, and tops cost and taste.
Another food trend to keep your eye on along with the incorporation of fruit and veggies is big, bold flavors that get inspiration from tropical climates. Unique flavors, healthier choices, quick service and a fun environment are where people’s heads are at these days. The most successful food franchises will be those who heed what their customers want, healthier choices, and then fulfill it.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe: A Healthier Food Franchise
Tropical Smoothie Cafe has a variety of healthier menu options, which not only attract the increasingly health-minded consumer, but prevent a “veto vote” in larger groups with mixed dietary goals. For calorie-conscious consumers, we offer more than 25 delicious, nutritious menu items under 500 calories, including our Chicken Pesto Flatbread and Thai Chicken Salad. Tropical Smoothie provides several gluten-friendly-options. And vegetarians are pleased to find that many of our items can be made to accommodate them too.
At Tropical Smoothie Cafe, we are guided by the belief that when you eat better, you feel better, which is why we use real, better-for-you ingredients in our smoothies and food. It’s also why we get creative about making healthier foods taste delicious. And why we’re always excited to introduce new tropical fruits, vegetables and spices which give familiar foods a unique taste that’s all our own. We also love them for their nutritional benefits.
If you’re interested in taking the next step to become a Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchise Owner, click here for an overview of the process and then complete the form below for more information.
