Following a drop from 2013 to 2015, burger consumption in Canada is now on the rise as nearly half of Canadians (46%) eat burgers at least weekly, according to Technomic’s 2017 Canadian Burger Consumer Trend Report. Though consumption hasn’t yet reached 2013 levels, the upward trend underscores the strength of the emerging fast-casual burger market and suggests that menu changes are resonating.
“Burger consumption has benefited from an increased emphasis on quality and sourcing, particularly as it relates to domestic beef, as well as operators’ ability to adapt the classic burger to modern demands through menu development,” said Anne Mills, manager of consumer insights at Chicago, Illinois-based Technomic. “Going forward, routinely innovating with new flavors, particularly sauces and premium toppings, will be key as expectations continue to rise for unique burgers.”
Key takeaways from the report include:
- Thirty-six percent of consumers have a preferred restaurant that they almost always go to for their burger occasions, up from 30% in 2015.
- Forty percent of 18- to 34-year-olds says it’s very important that restaurants offer burgers with new and unique flavors, compared to 22% of older consumers.
- Fifty-six percent of consumers say it’s very important that they can customize burger toppings.
The upward trend in Canada contrasts with recent developments south of the border. The appetite for burgers among consumers in the United States is less robust than in previous years and restaurants are feeling the effects, according to Technomic’s recently released 2017 Burger Consumer Trend Report. While 56% of those surveyed say that they eat burgers at least once a week, this is down from roughly two-thirds in 2013, and consumers say they are now preparing a higher percentage of their burgers at home.
More details about both Canadian and USA burger markets are available by visiting www.technomic.com or phoning +1 312-506-3852.
