At JGL, we like to look back at the end of each year and take a moment to highlight everything that our small, but mighty team has accomplished. See below for some of this year’s company highlights:
In 2024, JGL has…
- Completed more than 75 projects
- Conducted client site visits in 4 different states on the same day
- Completed a website refresh
- Held another epic company retreat
- Hired a new team member
- Increased followers on social media by 20%
- Set a few new company records:
- In 2024 we worked on more Assessments & Feasibility Studies in one year than ever before
- JGL worked on a record number of retail projects this year
- JGL has increased discrete project work by 18%
- As a team, we will have traveled to 23 different states before the end of 2024, plus Washington D.C. & 2 international trips across the border to our polite neighbors in the North!
As busy as we have been this year, we are always thinking ahead. Before closing out the year, we thought it would be fun to share some trends that we feel are going to be hot topics in 2025.
FOOD SERVICE TRENDS
- Cross-Cultural Cooking – The More the Merrier!
Chefs are increasingly blending various cuisines and global ingredients to create innovative dishes. For example, Afro-Filipino dishes like bibingka cornbread and Halal-Mexican-Mediterranean fare like shawarma crunch wraps are gaining popularity. JGL predicts lots of new bold flavors for 2025!
- Increased Focus on Earned Income in the Cultural Sector
With many cultural institutions seeing attendance still below pre-pandemic levels, we predict an increasing focus on maximizing earned income from visitor food, rentals and retail.
- Experiential Dining for Higher Ed Students
Campuses are looking to offer more engaging dining experiences, such as pop-up events, themed nights, and interactive cooking demonstrations to make mealtime more exciting for students.
- Corporate Dining Programs Are More Important Than Ever!
Some companies are drawing controversial hard lines requiring employees to work five days a week in the office. Most are still hovering between 3-4 days a week with significant variability on Mondays and Fridays.On-site food service remains a large part of the back to office conversation. JGL predicts an increased focus on corporate dining; especially on elevated pantry and snack programs for 2025.
- Technology in the Kitchen
Advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence and smart kitchen equipment, are helping restaurants improve efficiency and customer service. This includes everything from automated cooking processes to AI-driven inventory management.
RETAIL TRENDS
- Hybrid Shopping
Consumers are increasingly blending online and in-store shopping experiences. Retailers are creating seamless, integrated omnichannel experiences that offer the best of both worlds.
- AI and Personalization
Artificial intelligence is being used to create personalized shopping experiences. AI-driven recommendations and virtual shopping assistants are becoming more common.
- Products with Purpose
Products that have a purpose tend to offer a lot of bang for the buck! We see this especially when it comes to retail stores at zoos and aquariums. Fahlo, the company that created bracelets that track animals in real time, now has a line of plush toys that do the same thing. For each plush sold, the company donates 10% of profits towards conservation. JGL predicts more companies will follow this example and create products that give back.
- Sustainable Products
Many organizations are trying to reduce their carbon footprint by selling recycled bags, featuring eco-friendly lighting, and digital alternatives to receipts and other printables. Many also offer recycled apparel that is made from reclaimed water bottles and bamboo that look and feel great.
- Storytelling
Storytelling is a strategy that shops use to create an emotional connection with their customers. When retailers tell a story, they entertain, educate, persuade, and connect. Storytelling also enables the store to combine the facts with creativity to help shape the merchandise narrative. Today, customers have higher expectations and often do their own research before purchasing a new product.
We can probably go on until the New Year about all our 2025 predictions for food service and retail operations, but we will leave you with this for now as something to ‘chew’ on…
JGL could not be more grateful for another thriving year. We truly enjoy connecting and working with all of our clients (past and present) and helping them accomplish their goals. Feel free to reach out to us to talk more about all-things food service and retail merchandise in 2025!!
Happy Holidays from the JGL team!!