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Upleveled Indulgence

New menu items in fast food are enhanced with heritage brand partnerships

Implications - As fast food and QSR brands look to entice customers with buzz worthy launches that resonate on visual social platforms such as Snapchat and Instagram for ultimate reach, many are partnering with heritage confection brands to create limited edition menu items that simultaneously cater to the new cross-generational view of such indulgences as a special occasion. This progression reinforces that the proliferation of marketing efforts for new products launches heavily relies on the "word of mouth" enabled by social media and highlights the opportunity for brands to elevate consumer perceptions with esteemed collaborations that can also lead to the cross-polination of adjacent yet previously unreached new customers.
Workshop Question - To broaden your current market reach, consider which brands you might partner with; think of companies that offer different products/services to yours.
Trend Themes
1. Heritage Brand Partnerships - Fast food and QSR brands are partnering with heritage confection brands to create limited edition menu items.
2. Use of Premium Ingredients - Fast food companies are using premium ingredients like Ghirardelli chocolate in their menu items to elevate consumer perceptions.
3. Social Media Marketing - The proliferation of marketing efforts heavily relies on social media to promote and gain buzz for new product launches.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - Fast food and QSR brands are partnering with heritage confection brands to create limited edition menu items and elevating their menu items with premium ingredients.
2. Confectionery - Heritage confection brands are partnering with fast food and QSR brands to create limited edition menu items.
3. Social Media Marketing - Marketing and PR companies can take advantage of the trend of social media marketing to promote fast food launches and collaborations.
4.4
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
6 Featured, 48 Examples:
80,687 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Jun 16 — Jun 17
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

High-End Donut Collections
High-End Donut Collections
This Krispy Kreme Line of Donuts was Served at Selfridges
Krispy Kreme is associated with tasty yet simple treats, but this new line of donuts that was launched by the brand in London aims to help transform perceptions of the brand. The new Krispy Kreme... MORE
Upscale Chocolate Donuts
Upscale Chocolate Donuts
These Krispy Kreme Dessert Donuts are Made with Ghirardelli Chocolate
Putting an artisanal spin on the brand’s famous donuts these new Krispy Kreme dessert donuts are created using Ghirardelli chocolate in order to transform them from ordinary to extraordinary.... MORE
Snack-Embedded Fast Food Meals
Snack-Embedded Fast Food Meals
The Taco Bell Cheetos Quesadilla is Available in the Philippines
Upping the game when it comes to fast food meals, the Taco Bell Cheetos Quesadilla is a deliciously obscure new offering from the restaurant that’s available only in the Philippines. The Taco... MORE
Premium Fast Food Milkshakes
Premium Fast Food Milkshakes
These New Arby's Milkshakes are Infused with Ghirardelli Chocolate
With consumer demand for premium products increasing, these new Arby’s milkshakes with real Ghirardelli chocolate come as a handcrafted option for patrons to enjoy. The new milkshakes from... MORE
Oozing Fast Food Desserts
Oozing Fast Food Desserts
Arby's New Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is Made with Ghirardelli Chocolate
Arby’s may be known for its roast beef, however the chain is now making an effort to bolster its dessert menu with the addition of the Chocolate Molten Lava Cake. Not only is the cake a... MORE
Soda-Flavored Slushies
Soda-Flavored Slushies
The New Crush Orange Vanilla Float Freeze Joins Taco Bell's Drink Line-Up
Taco Bell recently expanded its cold drink line-up with the addition of the new Crush Orange Vanilla Float Freeze. Following the success of the chain’s Dr. Pepper Vanilla Float Freeze, the new... MORE

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Caffeinated Hazelnut Spreads
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Fast Food Cookie Cheesecakes
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Handheld Dessert Tacos
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Fast Food Apple Crumbles
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Smoky Pork Belly Sandwiches
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Hot Cocoa-Inspired Desserts
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Fried Cheese-Filled Tacos
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Lightened-Up Steak Sandwiches
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Taco Bell's New Flatbread Sandwiches are a Lighter Fast Food Option
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Carbonated Soda Milkshakes
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Fast Food Dessert Pies
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This Snickers Creme Pie is the Latest Addition to the Burger King's Menu
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