FOOD TRUCKS AND OUTLANDISH DESSERTS: THE HOSPITALITY TRENDS OF 2017

FERMENTED foods, boutique coffee roasts, and Asian pancakes are some of the major hospitality trends set to boom next year, according to Silver Chef's latest annual Hospitality Industry Success Index report (HISI).

Diving into the Australian hospitality sector, the latest HISI report revealed the biggest trends to hit Aussie shores this year, as well as what's pegged to be 'the next big thing' in the months to come.

Silver Chef's Head of Channel Strategy, Andy Reeves, shares his top tips to capitalise on the major food trends for the year ahead:

1. Food trucks

With new liquor licensing laws dictating that food must be served with alcohol, food trucks have become a very handy supplier indeed. With nifty setups and minimal staff (how many can fit in a truck?) you can create anything from gourmet burgers to wood fired pizzas on the go.

2. Smoked meats

From the heart of America comes one of this year's hottest trends - smoked meat. Low-cost, easy, and accessible; smoking meat allows cheap cuts of meat to be reinvented with a delicious variety of flavours and sides.

3. Fermentation

Healthy AND delicious, the fermentation fad is showcasing everything from kombucha, kimchi, sauerkraut, pickled veggies, and kefir. Make your own in-house, or opt for one of the amazing local, artisan brands that are popping up everywhere.

4. Outlandish desserts

A milkshake. Topped with doughnuts. Topped with whipped cream. Topped with a chocolate bar. Topped with chocolate sauce. Topped withwhatever your imagination desires! As far as desserts trends go, this year is all about going over the top. 

5. Multiple coffee roast options

The average Aussie coffee drinker now knows more than ever about where their coffee came from, who made it, what it tastes like, and where the proceeds go. It's very hard to roast a coffee that is good for both black and milk based drinks. So the bigger trend is offering three grinders; one for milk based coffee, one for black and one for invitational (guest roast). This showcases your business as a serious contender in the industry and your customers will love having a choice.

6. Night/ street markets

The country's increasingly strict lockdown on drinking and late-night venues has caused a happy accident: the flourishing of night markets. A wonderful opportunity for the local community to gather and sell their wares, it's also a booze-free, safe, and family-friendly environment to attract new visitors, too.

7. Asian pancakes

Peking duck pancakes have been a staple of most Chinese restaurants for years, but recently they have been stepped up to a whole new level. Everywhere from laneway eateries to modern, edgy inner-city restaurants are trying their hand at the savoury pancakes, which are cheap to make and delicious to eat.

8. Burgers

Once upon a time, burgers were the domain of fast food outlets or highway truck stops. Not anymore. From wagyu beef patties to freshly baked buns, the humble burger has had a major makeover in recent years. Think gourmet and don't skimp on the truffle mayo, either.

9. Local artisan foods

Thanks to the Internet, home-run local businesses are cropping up everywhere. Using seasonal produce, local labour, and often innovative concepts, you can be sourcing artisan and gourmet foods made with local produce AND support your local community.