This Week's Herman Trend Alert Purpose Emerging as Important Driver of Engagement

The Herman Trend Alert November 1, 2006 Eating Patterns Changing Consumers have accepted the fact that burgers, fries, and soft drinks are not health food or even healthy food. However, with the latest successful US introductions of Denny's "Grand Slams" and Burger King's "BK Stackers," the latter featuring three hamburgers, three pieces of cheese and four strips of bacon, consumers have clearly chosen to say to the nutritionists, "Forget about it." And those sentiments have been echoed by some top-of-the-line restaurants like Fleming's Steak House. According to their Corporate Chef, Russell Skall, "Low fat menus are not successful." Looking at the menus of many other restaurants, that attitude would seem to be the rule. Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday, and Olive Garden have all reduced their low-fat offerings. And portions are enormous. For most of us, those portions are twice the size of servings from the previous century. Some Baby Boomers and World War II generation folks who grew up being members of the "Clean-Plate Club" are cleaning their new plates, even though the quantity of food on those plates is more than before. Others have found a different solution: "Half to go is 'huge'," Skall adds. Many patrons ask for "to-go" boxes when the food arrives at their table. In the supermarket, we have more so-called "lite" foods than ever before, yet more widespread obesity in the population as well. Perhaps some people are choosing to eat lower fat at home and "treat themselves" at restaurants. On the healthier side of food trends are more vegetarian menu offerings---not necessarily lower in fat. Organically grown produce and meat is gaining popularity. "New Zealand will go all-organic in about two years," shares Skall. Roasted, grilled, and broiled are the three methods of cooking most favored by upscale restaurant patrons. This same segment also appreciates fresh ingredients and that means "locally grown". Two distinct camps of restaurant patrons are emerging: some would characterize them as the conscious and the unconscious, the "let's-stay-healthy-because-we-want-to-live-long-and-healthy-lives folks" and those who say "I don't want to 'deprive' myself of the pleasure of eating what tastes good to me." Society will pay the ultimate cost. © Copyright 1998- by The Herman Group, Inc. -- reproduction for publication is encouraged, with the following attribution: From "The Herman Trend Alert," by Roger Herman and Joyce Gioia, Strategic Business Futurists. (800) 227-3566 or http://www.hermangroup.com. The Herman Trend Alert is a trademark of The Herman Group, Inc." WHO SENDS OUT YOUR NEWSLETTERS? We are convinced there is no better choice than ours! We have happily used DataBack Systems to deliver The Herman Trend Alert for over 10 years and. Visit their website (http://www.databack.com) or call Byron directly at 503.941.0427. You'll be glad you did. IS YOUR EMPLOYER AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE®? Our effective, onsite seminars, workshops, and consulting can help you get there. We offer 1-, 2-, 3-hour, and full-day programs to help you communicate what it takes to become an Employer of Choice® and inspire your folks to get it done. In the future, being an Employer of Choice® will not be optional. Call Carol at 336-210-3547 to arrange a no-obligation conference call. Or order the electronic version of the Employer of Choice book on your desktop for only $17.80 @ http://hermangroup.com/store/books_all.html#2. STRUGGLING TO FIND THE PEOPLE YOU NEED? VETJOBS CAN HELP! Recently, hundreds of thousands of jobs remain unfilled due to a lack of capable people. If you are looking for qualified candidates, you need to hire a veteran using VFW-sponsored VetJobs, the largest military employment site on the Internet. Thousands of returning veterans are looking for good jobs now. Mention this ad in The Herman Trend Alert and receive a 10% discount on job postings. Call Ted Daywalt at 877-838-5627 or inquire at info@VetJobs.com. Herman Trend Alerts are produced by the Herman Group, strategic business futurists, Certified Management Consultants, authors, and professional speakers. New subscribers are welcome. There is no charge for this public service. The Herman Trend Alert is received by over 30,000 subscribers in 78 countries, in addition to other websites and printed magazines. Do you enjoy receiving this weekly e-mail update? Contact us about our co-branded Trend Alert service. Click here to sign up for the Herman Trend Alert. Subscribe or Unsubscribe to weekly Herman Trend Alert View this week's Herman Trend Alert Archived Weekly Herman Trend Alerts

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