Seatrade Publishes First Food, Beverage Report

(PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (2 March 2023) – Ahead of the inaugural edition of F&B@Sea (28-29 March 2023), Seatrade Cruise has published its first-ever Cruise Food and Beverage Trends E-Report. Research conducted by the organization indicated that the global food and beverage market is expected to be worth $8.9 trillion by 2026, with six leading cruise lines accounting for more than $2 billion in food and beverage annually. The research data, which was collected by surveying F&B suppliers and cruise professionals responsible for food, beverage & hotel ops, reveals challenges impacting the sector as well as several key trends influencing shipboard drinking and dining. 

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Some of the top challenges to be solved for the multibillion-dollar cruise food and beverage industry, as denoted by survey participants, include inflation/price increases (78%), supply chain disruption (76%), as well as longer lead times for restocking/order fulfillment (44%). Cruise vessel supply chains within the food and beverage segment are growing increasingly complex, as several in demand products prove difficult to procure and meet passenger expectations. Namely, seafood and eco-friendly packaging were identified as products in highest demand and lowest availability. 

“Our detailed report findings present a unique opportunity for food and beverage suppliers to gain a glimpse into the abundant possibilities for growth within the cruise industry,” says Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise. “Armed with invaluable insights and an informed perspective, industry executives will find the perfect ecosystem for collaborating and connecting with cruise line decision makers at the inaugural F&B@Sea.”

The report also outlines top food and beverage trends in three priority sectors predicted to take off in 2023/2024:

EATS | Demand for sustainable dining is a common thread
•    Local gastronomy reflective of cruise itineraries – 61% 
•    Sustainable seafood (aquatic food consumption has doubled since 1961) – 35%
•    Meat substitutes – 24% 
•    Zero-waster cooking – 22%
As indicated in the report, the above are predicted to be more important than 1) “Instagramable” dining experiences and 2) cruelty-free produce

DRINKS | A thirst for more nutrition, and less libation
•    Low to no alcohol beverages – 50%
•    Craft-spirit fusions – 37%
•    Health supplement drinks – 37%

TECH | Convenience is king
•    Ordering/menu apps – 61%
•    AI for predictive ordering and waste management – 43%
•    Contactless ordering capabilities – 37%

The complete Cruise F&B Trends E-Report is available online at https://event.seatradecruiseevents.com/FB_Cruise_TrendsReport.
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Seatrade Cruise will host its first ever F&B@Sea event in 2023 that, among practical demos by top chefs and mixologists and other interactive content, will shed light on the issues raised within this survey. The two-day experience catering to the cruise food and beverage community will take place 28-29 March 2023 at Port Everglades’ Terminal 2, in Fort Lauderdale, FL – in tandem with Seatrade Cruise Global (27-30 March 2023). It is the world’s first event dedicated to cruise dining and drinking. 

F&B@Sea was developed in close consultation with cruise lines, food and beverage stakeholders, and culinary leaders with support from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and industry consulting leader MarkeTeam. More information about F&B@Sea is available at seatradecruisefnb.com. 

 For the full schedule of Seatrade Cruise Events visit seatradecruiseevents.com. Follow Seatrade Cruise on social media: @SeatradeCruise on Twitter and Instagram, and @SeatradeCruiseEvents on Facebook. #StrongerTogether #STCVirtual #STCTalks #STCGlobal #STCMed #STCEurope #STCAsia #STCAwards #STCME

SAVE THE DATE:
Seatrade Cruise Europe | 6-8 September 2023
Seatrade Cruise Global 2024 | 8-11 April 2024