Food lovers embrace sushi all over the world, devise new interpretations
Implications - Sushi is becoming a globalized cuisine, as more and more Western cultures embrace the food with open arms. While at first Westerners did not particularly understand the concept of eating raw fish and seasoned rice together, over the course of the past few decades, it has become one of most beloved types of cuisine, with an increasing number of sushi restaurants and innovations sprouting up all over North America. According to Food & Wine, the number of sushi bars in the United States quintupled between 1988 and 1998, and it has kept on growing. With sushi's growing popularity, consumers are also getting crafty and recreating their own versions of the cuisine as well as sushi-inspired innovations, such as dessert-style sushi, rice-rolling machines and more.
Trend Themes
1. Globalization of Sushi - Western cultures adapting to Sushi and developing their own variations and innovations, such as dessert-style sushi, giant sushi, sushi-inspired clothing and accessories, and sweet maki-inspired bites.
2. Sustainable Seafood - Businesses like Bamboo Sushi asserting that they are environmentally sustainable and healthy who have recognized the scarcity of seafood while retaining a reasonable price point.
3. Insects as a Sustainable Source of Protein - Insects are currently being explored as both sources of protein and nutritional value within the world of food. The creative branding of companies like Ento is proving to be excellent marketing, highlighting the need to encourage people to eat insects.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - As chefs and foodies continue to innovate with sushi, it’s important for current and aspiring restaurant owners to stay on top of trends and embrace new flavors and culinary techniques.
2. Fashion - Designers continue to get inspired by sushi's presentation and the existing subculture around sushi. The growth of sushi into popular culture influences fashion trends that range from sushi-inspired toys and winter clothing to novelty socks.
3. Environmentalism - As consumers become more conscious of the impact of their food choices on the environment, businesses must address these concerns as they promote themselves as environmentally friendly like Bamboo Sushi, as well as find eco-friendly packaging solutions for their products.
