Shifting Trends in the Food Term Paper

Total Length: 2541 words ( 8 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 10

Page 1 of 8


How Fast Food Restaurants are Reacting to the Shift to More Organic Foods:
To remain competitive, fast food restaurants have had to turn to
innovative products, often redeveloping their product lines, to meet the
changing demands of consumers for organic foods specifically, and healthier
foods in general. The demand for organic foods has been the mechanism for
industry evolution. As noted, McDonalds phased out their supersize menu
items, in response to society's growing health concerns. In addition,
they've begun to offer more healthy menu choices, such as low-fat items and
fresh salads, to their customers, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles
in their marketing campaigns. In the New England area, McDonald's even
replaced their coffee with Newman's Own Organic blend, in an attempt to
take further advantage of more organically-discriminating tastes of
consumers. This move has been well-received in the region[18]. In
addition, new fast food restaurants are being introduced to the
marketplace, in response to these new consumer demands. Company's like
Healthy Express are still relatively small players in the industry, but are
slowly garnering market share from their less healthy competitors[19].
Another industry innovator is Organic to Go (O To Go). Based in
Seattle, Washington, the company "is the nation's first certified organic
caf? and corporate meal delivery service". The company's mission is to
become a leading provider of certified organic and natural soups, salads,
sandwiches, entrees, and other foods. The target market is corporate,
university and other institutional customers, in select urban areas across
the nation. The company has differentiated itself with the use of organic
ingredients whenever possible, ingredients that are natural and free of
harmful chemicals[20].
O To Go has successfully been able to morph the convenience of fast
food restaurants, while taking advantage of the increasing demand for
organic foods. This innovative concept capitalizes on consumers' desire
for quick organic and healthy meals, in today's fast-paced world. The
organization is the first fast-casual restaurant and retailer to be
certified by Quality Assurance International (QAI), which is the leading
third-party certification agency in the organic foods industry[21].

V.G. Burgers is right on O To Go's organic and pioneering heels. This
new organic, vegan quick-stop restaurant has just opened in Boulder,
Colorado. The company not only offers vegan organic offerings, but also
differentiates itself by offering menu choices for consumers with dairy,
soy or wheat allergies[22]. The concept clearly illustrates the
innovations being made to take advantage of the need for quick-service
restaurants, yet the demands for healthy food alternatives.
Tender Greens may not be as intensely organic as either V.G. Burgers
or O To Go, but they too have capitalized on the increased demand for
healthier food choices and desire for organic products. This fast-casual
salad restaurant in Culver City, California is another one of the
industry's leading innovators, offering upscale food in a relaxed setting.
Their salad combinations are familiar, but the restaurant prides itself on
using the highest quality ingredients, including locally grown, organic
greens, obtained through a partnership with local growers that deliver
freshly picked greens daily[23].
Conclusion:
In the end, the increasing demand for organic foods is one of the
many causes of change in the food industry. Increasing amounts of produce
are being sold that are organically certified, as consumers look for
healthier, safer, higher quality alternatives to traditional food. Growing
concerns about the health issues associated with calorie-laden fast food
has been a double hit on the fast food industry. As a result, the desire
for organic foods has led to many industry innovations. Long-time industry
staples, like McDonalds, has altered their menu offerings to offer
healthier alternatives and even offer organic coffee in the New England
region. New organic fast-service restaurants are springing up across the
nation, as well. The one thing is certain, with the continuing demand for
organic food from society, the food industry will continue to see
innovations, as organizations strive to take advantage of these new
opportunities......

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Shifting Trends In The Food" (2006, November 28) Retrieved May 15, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/shifting-trends-food-41406

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Shifting Trends In The Food" 28 November 2006. Web.15 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/shifting-trends-food-41406>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Shifting Trends In The Food", 28 November 2006, Accessed.15 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/shifting-trends-food-41406