This Week's Herman Trend Alert Demand-Driven Workforce Development

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 1998-2008 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." DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND! If you've been thinking about attending our valuable Employee Retention Specialist Certificate Program, don't delay--only three spaces remain. With the employment market heating up, many positions are literally impossible to fill. Attend this course and you will learn dozens of low-/no-cost valuable strategies to attract and retain the talent you need. Recertification credit from HRCI. Next program: May 22-23, Charleston, SC. Call Carol at 336-282-9370 or visit http://www.employeeretentionspecialist.com. GET INSIDE THE MINDS OF YOUR EMPLOYEES Find out what's really going on inside the hearts and minds of your employees. Our InnerViews interviewing service uses SPHRs and PHRs, certified human resource professionals to probe for the information you really need to know. Exit and Stay Interviews, as well as Why-Didn't-You-Take-Our-Offer Interviews. Call Rosalie Catalano at 937-648-1918 or read more at: http://www.hermangroup.com/retentionconnection/exit_interviews.html. NEW BABY BONUS Book Joyce to speak on the West Coast in 2008 and receive 100 of her books of your choosing. There is a new baby in the family, Spencer Jay, and Joyce would appreciate more opportunities to watch him grow. For more about Joyce, visit http://www.hermangroup.com/joyce.html or call Joyce at 336-210-3548. 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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