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The recent RC (Restaurants Canada) yearly hospitality industry trade show, in which the giants of the food sector come together to set the standards for all things new in the culinary world – proved to be a resounding success.
Over a four-day span, the show (rcshow.com) included famed local and international chefs as well as industry innovators, lifestyle experts, food architects, policy makers and more in a jam-packed networking-rich event “aimed to reunite the hospitality industry and prepare businesses for what lies ahead.”
The show’s core messaging? Feeding the recovery.
It was thought-provoking, precedent-setting – and totally virtual. From lectures to panel discussions to food preparations, competitions and visual displays – anyone who was anyone in the food world enjoyed the event from the comfort of their own living space, via a platform that was both sophisticated yet user friendly.
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And quite stunning – an opening ceremony took viewers to the top of the mountains of Peru.
In the past, such trade shows would take place in massive convention centres, draw thousands, and feed just as many with hundreds of food companies lined up to offer samples of what’s in store for the Canadian consumer.
It’s where new food trends were revealed, and where the core messaging was support for all aspects of the food world.
Thanks to the pandemic, shows of this magnitude have been forced to find a new, re-imagined experience, and the RC Show did just that, offering Canadian-made online access to world-class, solution-based content, cutting-edge new trends and much more, all in support of one of the hardest hit sectors of the Canadian economy.
“The pandemic devastated the foodservice and hospitality sector, with more than 380,000 fewer jobs than there were in February 2020, and eight out of 10 restaurants either losing money or barely scraping by,” said Todd Barclay, president & CEO of Restaurants Canada in a recent release. “Now more than ever bringing the industry together and providing a place to rebuild, reinvent and reconnect is crucial.
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“By making the show virtual, we also had the opportunity to expand our reach and invite global industry leaders to the forefront so we could connect and learn from one another,” added Barclay.
The show truly was a virtual smorgasbord of well-known talent, and featured such greats as chef and food star Roger Mooking on the subject of tackling systemic racism as well as chef Suzanne Barr, a social activist and author who also spoke on the same subject. There was chef Michael Smith, author, food star and sustainability advocate, and even famed Italian chef Massimo Bottura, who weighed in on attacking food waste at its core level, to name just a few who attended the event.
The show also covered such topics as post-pandemic industry shifts, tackling the issue of mental health caused by the crisis and the upcoming evolution of the hospitality industry in general.
“Hearing the first-hand accounts of how restaurant operators quickly and effectively adapted gave the industry a sign of hope and optimism that brighter times are ahead,” said Barclay. “The solutions that were shared on (the) stages showed just how resilient and innovative this industry is.”
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Barcaly says if the show proved one thing it’s that “we haven’t given up hope. The solutions that were shared on RC Show’s stages showed just how resilient and innovative this industry is.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
HOSPITALITY TRENDS COMING YOUR WAY
TECHNOLOGY ON TAP: Have a hankering for a favourite food? There’s an app for that. In fact, the global pandemic has certainly transformed the hospitality industry one platform at a time. Sure, QR codes (those little black and white boxes consumers scan that store URLs and other information) get the job done, but even new platforms like App8 will help make the whole process contactless and even easier. The app allows you to ask your server questions, order and even pay via text for a truly contactless experience.
OTHER APPS: ARitize by InfernoAR and KabaQ are bringing the fascinating world of 3D experiences directly into homes and restaurants. Imagine a virtual of a product – a blender, mixer, ice crusher, you name it – right in your space before actually purchasing it. Or how about 3D food models of a dish you’re curious to try, before ordering it.
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COMFORT CLASSICS ROCK THE CULINARY WORLD: The old-fashioned diner experience is roaring back. Comforting foods live up to their name, and restaurant chains, like Jack Astor’s, have noticed menu staples like chicken fingers have climbed to the top of menu must-haves. That said, 2021 will see these favourite foods amped up and reinvented: Expect to see traditional comfort foods sharing space with innovative and glorious takes on tried and tested favourites. Think Pad Thai French fries, pulled pork truffle mac and cheese and over-the-top vegan comfort food like plant jerky or “cauliwings.”
SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS CUISINE: It’s all about “feeding the recovery” with consumers looking towards supporting marginalized groups, small businesses and local brands, and digging deep into the rich culinary heritage of these businesses.
FOOD WASTE PART DEUX: The fight against single-use plastics will continue well into 2021, and hotels, restaurants and other eateries will do their part to cut down on food waste by sending excess sustenance to various food banks – via apps and other social mediums. It’s all about helping the hungry, encouraging price conscious consumers and combating food waste on all levels.
www.rcshow.com /@RestaurantsCanada/@RestaurantsCA/#RCShow