Shifting Tastes in Cafeterias: A Decline in Currywurst Favor?
Sausage flavored with curry spices is losing favor in cafeterias
Looks like our good ol' Currywurst isn't the go-to dish it once was in German cafeterias anymore. After being the king of the menu from 2019, Currywurst with fries dropped to third place, and it's skidding even further down the ladder. It's not even on the podium anymore in 2024, as Apetito, the Westphalian city of Rheine's operator and caterer, announced.
The CEO of Apetito, Jan-Peer Laabs, attributes this decline to the growing trend towards more mindful eating and healthier options. Local and international vegetarian dishes have become increasingly well-received, making it tough for traditional German classics like the Currywurst to stand out. Despite the trend betwen it, the Currywurst will continue to make a cameo in the top 10 offerings, Laabs stated. Spaghetti Bolognese took the first place again, followed by Chicken Korma rice dish and the noodle dish Bami Goreng. Cheese spaetzle and vegetarian spaghetti Bolognese also made it into the top 5.
Interestingly, in kindergartens and schools where Apetito supplies meals, children consumption patterns differ greatly from cafeteria visitors. More veggie products like vegetarian lentil soup, vegetarian spaghetti Bolo, and vegetable ravioli are consumed here. Only two meat/fish dishes, fish sticks, and chicken fricassee, make it into the top 10. This might be due to municipalities and clients determining their own menus, and many tenders specifying that there should be fish or meat only once or twice a week.
However, among seniors, the story is different. They seem to still crave their meat fixes, with beef roulade with potatoes and red cabbage being the top pick, followed by pea soup with sausages and beef and bean stew. Vegetables get a spot with potato pancake with apple sauce, followed by Königsberger Klopse (meatballs in a white sauce) in fifth place.
Apparently, seniors often like to stick to what they've been eating their whole lives, Laabs notes, but they are also becoming increasingly open to trying new things and eating more vegetarian dishes. Overall, Apetito, one of the largest cafeteria operators in Germany, achieved a turnover of around 1.35 billion euros in the past year, with 12,649 employees, and thus 8.5 percent more than in 2023.
Source: ntv.de, jki/dpa
- Nutrition
- Vegetarian nutrition
(Insights based on enrichment data: The decline in Currywurst's popularity could be attributed to a shift towards healthier and more conscious eating, as well as the increase in vegetarian diets. The rise of vegan and vegetarian alternatives, salads, and international cuisine could also contribute to this shift. However, it's important to note that while these trends may impact some settings, Currywurst remains a beloved national dish.)
- The shift towards more mindful eating and healthier options could lead to a growth in the demand for vocational training in nutrition.
- As people become more conscious of their diets, there may be an increase in studies related to environmental science and its impact on food production.
- In the realm of workplace-wellness programs, employers could consider incorporating measures to promote nutrition and healthier eating habits.
- The decline in Currywurst's popularity could be a sign of an expanding market for vegetarian and plant-based alternatives, creating opportunities for businesses in the food industry.
- With a growing trend towards vegetarian nutrition, we might see more emphasis on therapies and treatments for managing chronic diseases and medical-conditions associated with poor diets, such as cancer, respiratory-conditions, digestive-health issues, and eye-health concerns.
- The rise of health-and-wellness startups could focus on providing education about the benefits of vegetarian diets, potentially incorporating fitness-and-exercise and mental-health components to promote holistic wellness.
- Skin-care businesses may also benefit from the increased focus on health and wellness, as a balanced diet can improve skin conditions.
- Industries offering autoimmune-disorders therapies and treatments might experience growth due to potential correlations between diet and autoimmune disorders.
- Climate change is a major concern that could influence the food industry, as sustainable food production methods become more essential.
- Manufacturing companies producing sustainable and plant-based food products could see growth, while those relying on meat-based production might face challenges.
- Consumers interested in mindful eating might seek out cbd-infused products that aim to promote overall health and wellness.
- Neurological-disorders could potentially be linked to nutrition, making research in environmental-science and neuroscience critical to understanding the connections.
- Finance companies could offer financial products and services tailored to small-business owners in the sustainable food industry, such as venture-capital and wealth-management options.
- The housing-market could also be impacted by this shift in diets, as urban farming and homesteading become more popular among health-conscious consumers.
- In the retail sector, businesses specializing in health food and natural, organic products could experience an increase in sales.
- Public-transit systems could cater to the environmental concerns of health-conscious consumers by promoting public transportation as a sustainable and eco-friendly means of commuting.
- Entrepreneurship might see a surge in startups focused on solutions for sustainable food production, transportation, and waste management.
- Transportation businesses might need to adapt to accommodate the needs of health-conscious consumers, such as electric or hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions.
- Leadership roles in sustainable food organizations could require skills in diversity-and-inclusion, as companies strive to represent a variety of perspectives and backgrounds.
- The automotive industry may face challenges in adapting to the preference for electric and hybrid vehicles, but could also see opportunities in building vehicles optimized for transporting food products.
- Small-business owners in the field of nutrition and health-conscious food production could benefit from investing in tools and resources to grow their business.
- Personal-finance advisors could help these entrepreneurs navigate the financial complexities of starting and growing a business.
- Banking-and-insurance institutions could offer specialized services for sustainable food businesses, such as insurance for organic farms or loans for eco-friendly food processors.
- Fintech companies could develop mobile apps and digital services to help individuals track their nutritional intake and make informed dietary choices.
- Real-estate developers could focus on creating commercial and residential spaces optimized for urban farming or homesteading.
- The aviation industry, although not directly linked to nutrition, might face pressure to improve sustainability practices, such as using renewable fuel sources.
- The careers available in the sustainable food industry could range from agriculture to food production, marketing, and sales.
- The housing-market's demand for eco-friendly homes could drive innovation in energy-efficient designs and building materials.
- Finally, the stock-market and private-equity companies could invest in emerging market sectors linked to nutrition, such as sustainable food production, green transportation, and technology advancements in agriculture. In budgeting and debt-management, people might factor their nutritional choices into their spending decisions, prioritizing health over short-term savings.
