Here at High Sabatino, we love great food. We're blessed to be part of a MAFSI region that boasts some of the country's hottest food scenes, from Richmond to Washington, D.C., and up the Maryland coastline. Because we're around so much good food, our mission is to help promote the production of that food, and it all starts with the trends. Here are the five hottest Mid-Atlantic food trends we expect to see in 2024.
Our Cities Will Shine
If there's one thing we have in this area, it's cities with great food scenes. And the food is diverse. From ubiquitous Maryland crabs along the waterfront to farm-to-table scenes in western Virginia, the cities in our district are coming into their own, particularly Richmond, a recent culinary hotspot.
Maryland Is a Food and Beverage Hotbed
Maryland's agricultural landscape paints a diverse picture. With over 12,400 farms covering nearly 2 million acres, Maryland boasts an average farm size of 160 acres. This means farm-to-table and ocean-to-table are always going to be an important part of our local food scene. On the beverage side, Maryland is home to more than 120 breweries, 40 distilleries, and over 100 wineries to help make our state a true food and beverage destination.
Customers Crave Global Flavors
Whether it's in a cocktail or finding an option in a food hall, today's consumers are looking for global flavors. In Washington, D.C., this is expressed with tiki cocktails, classic Mexican dishes, and other foods and beverages that allow us to travel with our tastebuds. Variety is also important, and that's why food halls are still more popular than ever. They allow groups of customers to make individual choices to suit all cravings and preferences.
Nostalgic Foods Are In
According to a report by Foodservice Director, nostalgic foods and beverages are making a return as consumers reminisce about days gone by. In many cases, diners will be looking to be reminded of their past, and that might come in the form of classic, retro flavors or takes on the foods of our youth. Things to consider are candy, classic sodas, flavor profiles, and even textures. With the return of so many foods and beverages for those looking for nostalgia, there's also an opportunity to introduce those things to a younger generation.
Wellness Is Still a Central Focus
Health and wellness is still a core focus for today's diners. That can be expressed in a variety of ways. Non-alcoholic beverages such as zero-proof cocktails and N/A beer will be popular in 2024. Even non-alcoholic, zero-proof spirits are taking up more and more space on shelves. Health and wellness is also important on the plate, as diners will continue to consider ingredients and sources for those ingredients that are transparent and nutritional in nature.
