The burger is the perfect comfort food, the magic combination of sweet, salty, crunchy, soft, hot, and cold that helps to explain why its formula has been remixed endlessly.
The Great American Burger Book
Burgers: the latest sizzling hot trends
Consumers are increasingly seeking new variations on the classic burger, demanding new flavors, different grinds and alternative proteins
Ever since the hamburger as we know it was introduced in the early 1900s, it has been a firm consumer favorite. The increase in home cooking has created even greater demand, and consumers are now seeking new variations on the humble patty. Discover the key consumer trends that are influencing the market today and how burger processors can take advantage of the opportunities they bring.
Consumers are craving new tastes
There will always be consumers who choose the classic burger but according to Datassential’s Burger Keynote report, increasing numbers, particularly millennials, are looking for a greater variety and seeking new options and alternatives.
And it’s not just innovative sauces, artisanal ingredients and new toppings they demand but also variation in the patty itself. Burgers everywhere tend to have the same round form but can differ greatly in bite, taste and quality. This is due to the meat mass, additional ingredients, the production process itself and cooking, which can all make or break the final eating experience.
This gives enormous potential for burger processors. It is, therefore, key to have flexible processing in terms of texture and shape so that unique burgers of high quality can be consistently produced. Discover how Marel’s burger processing solutions can help.
It’s not just about beef
Consumers are increasingly choosing alternatives to the classic 100% beef patty. Instead, they are seeking newer, more exciting burgers made from other proteins such as turkey, salmon, lamb, bison, and different types of fish. In addition, they are exploring different blends of seasonings and novel ingredients such as hybrid vegetable blends.
It will come as no surprise that the demand for alternative proteins is also booming. According to Datassential, around a third of consumers are interested in plant-based burgers.
A strong focus on the environment, the trend for meat reduction and perceived health benefits means it’s not just vegetarians and vegans who are swapping out traditional protein for the meat-free option.
To grab the opportunities this offers, processors must ensure they have the right burger processing equipment to handle different types of meat mass, including a variety of proteins, a range of fat to lean ratios and compound blends of additional ingredients.
Better proteins require different handling. It’s essential for burger processors to have the right equipment in order to optimize the texture and taste of their raw material.
Jac Rijnders
Product Specialist, Marel
Premiumization remains key
Through the years, we have seen various generations of burger types. Each one will give the consumer a specific eating experience. But the popularity of gourmet burgers continues to grow, driven primarily by consumers’ increasing focus on quality as well as the desire for new tastes and textures.
Patties made from muscle meat, such as chuck and sirloin steak, as well as premium types of meat, including Angus and Wagyu beef, are growing in popularity. In addition, consumers are exploring different grinds that will give their gourmet burger a distinctive bite.
Premiumization is an area where burger processors can really differentiate themselves in the highly competitive burger market. Better protein requires better handling. And numerous factors have to be taken into account to ensure the appearance of the burger is perfect every time. In addition, the grind size of the meat, as well as the size and orientation of the meat fibers, determines the texture of a burger. Having the right burger patty-forming equipment to meet all the necessary criteria is crucial in order to optimize texture and taste and achieve the highest quality results.
Quality and safety above all
Consumer interest in the safety of their food, as well as the transparency of its journey through the supply chain, is increasing. Food contamination is one of the most common food safety worries. It’s now a firm requirement that the food they consume will meet all safety and quality standards– with no exception.
If burger processors are to maintain customer trust in their products, it is vital they can consistently supply quality food that meets the highest safety standards. Leading processors are increasingly automating their production to achieve this. X-ray inspection is one of the innovative ways they are ensuring their products are bone-free and have the correct chemical lean.
Flexible burger patty production lines
Flexibility is key for the modern-day processor. To take advantage of market opportunities created by changing consumer demand, a processor needs to be able to produce a variety of burger shapes and textures in various volumes. At the same time, they must have consistency and the highest quality.
Whether you are just starting out in burger processing, wanting to increase your current production volumes, or looking to diversify and create new types of burger patties, we are your partner for burger production and have a solution to meet your every need.
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