The 2024 edition of Restaurants Canada’s flagship research report, Foodservice Facts is out next week!
Foodservice Facts stands as one of the most influential and indispensable resources in the Canadian foodservice industry. This flagship report offers unparalleled data and insights into consumer behaviour, market dynamics, and key trends, serving as a critical tool for operators, industry leaders and stakeholders. It not only shapes the strategies that drive growth and innovation but also plays a pivotal role in Restaurants Canada’s advocacy efforts, arming us with the data and analysis needed to influence policy, protect the interests of our industry, and secure a prosperous future for all foodservice businesses across the country.
A heartfelt thanks to Chris Elliott, our Chief Economist, and our dedicated Restaurants Canada Intelligence team who make this report possible each year. Their work on the 2024 edition reveals that we are in the midst of a transformative era, and that technology and demographic shifts will redefine our industry. While automation is not a replacement for human connection, it offers immense opportunities to enhance productivity and sustainability, addressing many challenges we face today. Our industry is unrivaled in the delivery of human experience, and we are learning that a balance between the integration of refined technologies and our foundational hospitality expertise is critical to our path forward.
Our evolving demographics, particularly the rise of Gen Z and the continued importance of Millennials, reflect the changing needs and expectations of both employees and customers. These generations demand more value, experience and innovation, and we must rise to meet their expectations.
As cultural pacesetters, restaurants have the unique ability to shape societal trends and lead change. We must embrace reinvention, adapt to new market demands, and chart the course for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Loyalty programs have also emerged as a critical growth driver for restaurants. By offering personalized rewards and incentives, these programs help engage customers on a deeper level, while also providing valuable data that allows operators to better understand what their customers are looking for. Implementing or enhancing a loyalty program is key to building lasting relationships and driving repeat business in today’s competitive market.
As a member, you have exclusive access to the full Foodservice Facts report via our portal, and I strongly encourage you to explore its findings.
Registration is now open for the extremely popular Foodservice Facts webinar, airing on October 1st at 1 PM ET., where Chris Elliott will expand on the key themes from the report and help operators explore the white space the data illuminates—those untapped opportunities that offer inspiration in a time of great transition. This is an invaluable chance to gain actionable insights that can help you adapt, grow, and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape. Whether you’re looking for innovative ways to enhance operational efficiency or new strategies to meet evolving consumer demands, this webinar will provide the guidance you need to embrace the moment. You can register here.
Finally, I want to underline the immense value that resources like Foodservice Facts, our toolkits and other industry-leading publications deliver for the Canadian foodservice community. These resources provide clarity and actionable insights to navigate our ever-changing industry and help humanize and accelerate our advocacy work. Importantly, this work is made possible through the ongoing support of our Members, Business Associates and Corporate Partners. Together, we continue to drive the industry forward, ensuring that we remain resourceful and ready for the future.
Let’s continue to fuel growth, innovation and success — together.
Kelly Higginson
