New Seatrade Cruise F&B trends report shows experiential dining on the rise.
Miami, FL. (1 February 2024) – Ahead of the second edition of F&B@Sea (10-11 April 2024), Seatrade Cruise has published its second Cruise Food and Beverage Trends Report. The findings from the report indicate a momentum towards experiential dining and/or opportunities for passengers to connect with communities visited via their gastronomy with demand for local cuisine, authentic cultural food experiences and immersive dining predicted to gather pace in 2024 and beyond.
The report, which captures the views of cruise lines, manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of food/beverage, while also representing the views of associations, training providers and consultancies, reveals challenges impacting the sector as well as several key trends influencing shipboard drinking and dining.
Top Challenges
As denoted by survey participants, some of the top challenges to be solved for the cruise food and beverage industry, expected to be worth $8.9 trillion by 2026, are inflation/price increases (68.92%,) supply chain disruption (48.65%,) and longer lead times for restocking/orders (35.14%,). This corresponds with the results of 2023’s Cruise F&B Trends Report.
Almost a third of respondents said they were unable to connect with cruise line buyers (32.43%,) and slightly less said they were unsure of current food and beverage trends leading the way in cruise (29.73%.)
Obtaining certain produce/alternatives, being unable to meet sustainability demands/new regulations, and suppliers going out of business were seen as less critical factors. Some complexities were associated with rejigging the food and beverage offer/menus and being unable to provide options for dietary needs.
Key Trends
Authentic cultural food experiences (45.21%,) immersive dining (32.88%,) and local culinary options (31.51%) are the three food trends most likely to take off during the period 2024/25. Sustainability is also expected to be a key focus within the culinary space, with 26.03% of respondents choosing plant-based diets and produce, 21.92% selecting sustainable agriculture/ sustainably sourced seafood, and the same number specifying zero-waste cooking.
Overall, cruise ship cuisine will continue to be broad-ranging from Asian fusion with the highest number of votes (54.79%) to Levantine with the least amount of votes (5.48%) – and sourcing from remote areas will be facilitated mostly via the support of port agents.
Low to no alcohol beverages amassed 46.58% of votes, health/wellness supplement drinks garnered 39.73% of votes, and low to no calorie beverages, 30.14%, indicating an inclination towards drinks with health and wellness in mind.
“The return of this detailed report provides 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 this year’s F&B@Sea.”
The complete 2024 Cruise F&B Trends Report is available online at www.seatradecruiseevents.com/fnbsea
After a hugely successful debut in 2023, F&B@Sea, the one-of-a-kind food and beverage experience, will take place in its new home at Mana Wynwood Miami, FL, USA on 10-11 April. This two-day event connects cruise lines with suppliers across cruise drinking and dining in a vibrant, immersive marketplace. Practical demos by top chefs, mixologists and other interactive content will shed light on the issues raised within this survey. Don’t miss the F&B@Sea Awards taking place at F&B@Sea for the first time on 11 April. The two-day experience catering to cruise food & beverage professionals as well as those in guest experience and hospitality will take place alongside Seatrade Cruise Global (8-11 April 2024).
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 seatradecruiseevents.com/fnbsea