Services

A survey of over 2,000 consumers from Y-Pulse^® (ypulse.org) found common ground between Baby Boomers and Generation Z when it comes to preferences in sharing meal experiences and food traditions.  

Boomers and Zoomers Agreed:

• Sharing food experiences is important 
• Embracing food traditions is meaningful 
• The locavore lifestyle has value

Foodservice Leaders Share Their Thoughts on Post-Pandemic Dining

Y-Pulse^® (ypulse.org) conducted a nationwide survey among leading culinary professionals in college and university foodservice to gauge the current state of campus dining and the long-lasting impact of the pandemic. 74 campus leaders provided their insights on ever-changing business models, pandemic fueled challenges and opportunities expected to influence the future of campus dining.  Campuses contributing to the survey operate 443 unique foodservice venues and serve over 1.1 million students.

Read this study to learn more about:

• The operational and emotional impact of the pandemic on various campus foodservice providers and potential long term effects
• Resources that culinary leaders on campus have found most useful to help them manage the pandemic conscious culture on campus
• Support and resources vendors offered to help campus foodservice professionals through difficult times and the potential long term impact on relationships 
• Exclusive Dream Kitchen Survey^® insight related to equipment and supply challenges and opportunities

Y-Pulse^® (ypulse.org) conducted a nationwide consumer survey with more than 800 Gen Z and Millennial consumers to gain a better understanding of the dining expectations, attitudes and tendencies of pandemic-era consumers away from home. The survey delves into the ways in which pandemic-related restrictions are likely to continue to affect young consumers’ lives and the ways in which foodservice providers can meet their evolving needs. The first wave of this study was fielded in June 2020 and successive waves are planned for late fall 2020 and early 2021 to track evolving behaviors and attitudes of U.S. consumers.

Read this study to learn more about:

• How young consumers are balancing healthy and indulgent options during the pandemic
• What venue spaces young consumers prefer when dining away from home
• The rise of cooking at home with a desire to learn new techniques and recipes
• The increase of appreciation for foodservice

In an effort to gain insight into what Gen Z and Millennial consumers think of as “fresh,” Y-Pulse® launched a consumer survey, posing questions that probe into the mind of the consumer to uncover existing fresh perceptions. 365 18–34 year-old US consumers were surveyed about their perceptions of freshness and purchasing habits in retail stores, delis and foodservice settings.

Read this study to learn more about:

• The top scoring characteristics that communicate fresh
• How young consumers crave customization on their menu and prepared
• Generational preferences for snacking, organic and convenience

The 2018 Foodservice Employee Customer Study is the first time Y-Pulse® has conducted a national study on foodservice employees. The study surveyed 1,468 adults ages 18-34 who have worked in the foodservice industry to explore both their experiences at work and their experiences as foodservice customers. Respondents worked in various foodservice operations including delis, casual dining, high-volume feeding, fast casual and quick-service restaurants, and in both front and back of the house positions.

Read this study to learn more about:

• How current and former foodservice workers say their experiences at work have impacted their personal growth
• How foodservice workers’ experience in the industry impacts their decisions when dining out
• Which foodservice segment has the most fulfilled and satisfied employees

2018 Kids might not be as absorbed by their smartphone as you might think when eating at restaurants, but stay assured they have a lot to say when it comes to their food experiences and what expectations they have. From restaurant cleanliness to parents’ grocery shopping bags, our tech-savvy, fast food loving youngsters know what they want. In a world where community and peer influence prevail, make sure you adjust your offerings to the right consumer segment or a 15-year-old will tell you all about their new found food independence.

The study surveyed more than 900 kids from 8 to 18-year-olds and is called Understanding Tomorrow’s Tastemarkers Today: Dining with K-12 Consumers.

Read this study to learn more about:

• The ever-growing conflict between food adventures and the comfort of playing it safe
• The surprising evolution of school cafeteria’s reputation over the years
• The adult-like expectations of kids when eating out

This Y-Pulse® (ypulse.org) study examined dining experiences of millennial consumers (18-34 year olds) to dig deep into what drives the same consumer to very different types of food experiences outside the home.

To craft the survey, the Y-Pulse® team engaged with foodservice experts who regularly participate in trends surveys, but also included creative experts who work in important lifestyle industries such as fashion, architecture and fine arts. What emerged from this inquiry was an understanding of the importance of food experiences away from home and the influence of foodie culture among modern consumer lifestyles.

Read this study to learn more about:

• Why millennials enjoy attending food focused events and how these reasons have lead to the rise in food halls and food emporiums
• The ways in which foodservice operators should target nostalgia and sophisticated tasting adventures to achieve unforgettable experiences that modern consumers desire
• The importance of food trust and sourcing local ingredients for millennial consumers