Mediterranean Food’s Popularity Grows
By Karen Axelton
What’s the hottest new food trend in dining today? According to Nation’s Restaurant News, a Technomic report shows that Mediterranean cuisine is spreading across all segments of the restaurant industry, from quick service to fine dining, and is popping up even in non-Mediterranean restaurant concepts.
Consumers’ increased interest in eating healthfully, eating more vegetarian foods and trying more ethnic dishes are all contributing to the rise of Mediterranean cuisine, the report said.
Technomic says Mediterranean chain sales at restaurants that have Greek, Spanish and Middle Eastern menu items rose by 1.7 percent to $362 million in 2010 from 2009.
Among the menu items restaurants are featuring more often are falafel, hummus, chickpeas, Greek yogurt, pita sandwiches and Greek salads as entrees. Six out of 10 consumers said they would be likely to order Mediterranean ingredients or flavors.
And because Mediterranean foods are usually prepared with fish, herbs, vegetables and olive oil, consumers consider them more healthy than many other cuisines.
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