Let's talk over lunch

Much of the focus for food and beverage in recent months has been around hygiene and safe service measures. At events, this has prompted individual serving options or boxed items.

“At a hybrid event, this would look like seated meals with designated places allowing for social distancing, pre-planned à la carte menus or even takeaway packs for standing table settings,” says Fernando Lonergan, senior director, Australia & regional sales & solutions at BCD Meetings & Events.

Sustainability continues to be an important component and Covid-19 has upped the ante when it comes to supporting local produce and suppliers.

“With lockdowns and reduced aircraft movements, we have seen a number of supply chain challenges and F&B has been impacted,” adds Lonergan. “This has amplified the opportunity to support local suppliers as much as possible.”

Here are four F&B trends to watch out for:

Food brings people together

Whilst individual seating, bento and pre-packaged meals have become the norm due to hygiene and social distancing, the consensus is that F&B still remains a “must-have” at events. It enables participants to create and have two-way conversations instead of the information download that has become typical of conferences today.

Create a talking point

As virtual and hybrid events remain popular, clients and planners have become increasingly creative in using F&B to deliver a unique experience and talking point for their events. “An example of this would be mixology classes where cocktail/mocktail kits are delivered to participants’ individual offices or households across multiple countries at a time, and a customised company-branded cocktail is created using ingredients or colours that are special to the brand,” says Petrina Goh, director at CWT Meetings & Events Singapore.

Take an eco-friendly approach

CWT’s Goh says the agency has noticed a 50% increase in demand for sustainable packaging for F&B for hybrid and virtual events, with corporations increasingly aware of environmental issues. Cocktail kits can provide a sustainable element as they can be re-used for home parties, while creating a fun way for participants to bond while distanced from one another.

Move away from meat

Plant-based and vegan options are growing in popularity as people opt for lighter, more healthy food options. Expect to see plenty more of these, and for those who may be missing the tastes and textures of meat, chefs are getting more creative in terms of replicating a dish that looks and tastes like meat without a trace of meat products.