Trends we spotted | Week 33
14-8-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Ipsos and IWSR published ‘The Consumer Trends Shaping Adult Beverages’, a new whitepaper commissioned by AB InBev. The study examines the choices and behavior of legal-drinking-age consumers.
- Hard Rock Cafe and Coca-Cola recently launched Hard Rock Rising. This music competition takes place in 34 countries and at 64 Hard Rock Cafes, offering emerging artists a stage.
- Fletcher Hotels continues its growth ambitions with the acquisition of Hotel Marktstad and Slot Hotel Schagen.
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Sinaia Cota 1400 brings alpine-inspired design to Romania’s Bucegi Mountains.
- Spotted on the Instagram account of ‘Meilleur Ouvrier de France Charcuterie’ Arnaud Nicolas in Paris: a Croque Monsieur XXL made with pain de mie!
- Also spotted on Instagram: the Caviar Hotline at the Park Lane New York! A fun idea to dedicate a number on your in-room telephone to a specialty of your own.
- And also spotted online: the Pineau des Charentes Spritz.
- Miracle Cocktails Inc., the company behind two of the world’s leading Christmas cocktail pop-ups, Miracle and Sippin’ Santa, unveils The Haunting, its first-ever Halloween pop-up bar experience.
- Burger King Belgium advises all Belgians to leave the flame grilling to them. 😉
Enjoy reading!
the Domino™ will be introduced in the US | A new Detroit-style pizza made for one
13-8-2026
Domino’s Pizza Inc. is introducing the Domino™. Launching nationwide on Aug. 31, the new Detroit-style pizza made for one delivers the demands of today’s modern pizza occasion, providing customization without compromise. Now everyone can enjoy their own pizza, with the toppings they want. Sharing a meal no longer means having to share a pizza.
Will Domino’s Pizza also launch this individual-sized pizza in Europe?
2 minutes read
Research by Hawaiian and a new Hawaiian Summer Salad Mix
11-8-2026
As soon as the temperature rises above 25 degrees, it’s not just our daily schedule that changes, but also what ends up on our plate. Research conducted on behalf of Hawaiian shows that 58.1% of Dutch people swap a heavier meal for a light, fresh option such as a poké bowl or salad. Notably, it’s not just about eating lighter. Dutch consumers turn out to have a real need for freedom of choice: more than half (55.2%) opt for a bowl because it can be fully customized to personal taste. That’s why they’re introducing the Hawaiian Summer Salad Mix.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 32
10-8-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- DoorDash recently unveiled DoorDash Air, an in-house program that will develop a drone delivery system.
- ‘Twelve Nights of Wonder’ for the 2026 holiday season at Orlando World Center Marriott. Are you already working on your holiday season calendar?
- For one night only, on August 27, 2026, Waldorf Astoria New York’s legendary Grand Ballroom will transform into a full-size tennis court beneath the chandeliers.
- It already sounds delicious in French: “La Brioche Glacée & Toastée célèbre les saveurs Fetish de la Maison: Ispahan et Infiniment Vanille”.
- Avani Hotels & Resorts is inviting guests to celebrate International Dog Day, which takes place on 26 August, with a getaway designed for the whole family.
- Hamburg-based robotics company goodBytz and Leonardo Hotels Central Europe have entered into a strategic partnership.
- For fans of Aperol Spritz: spotted in France, Aperol Gummies.
- Vinyl Voyages: ‘Monkey Shoulder Selects’ spotlights Europe’s trendiest Hi-Fi bars and cocktail neighbourhoods.
- Radisson Hotel Group leverages its strong owner confidence to accelerate global growth.
Enjoy reading!
Vinyl-, Pool- and Cocktailbar Spin opens in September in Amsterdam
7-8-2026
Early September, Vinyl-, Pool- and Cocktailbar Spin opens its doors in Amsterdam-West: a new hospitality concept where the love of analog music, high-quality hospitality, and play come together. Not from any single one of these elements, but from the conviction that their combination creates a new way of going out. Behind the initiative stands a collective of entrepreneurs with extensive experience in Amsterdam’s hospitality, festival, and nightlife scene.
2 minutes read
Viki Geunes × Orlando Schuitema | A friendship served on the plate at COBRA HOUSE
6-8-2026
On Saturday, September 19, COBRA HOUSE welcomes a very special guest to its kitchen. For one exclusive evening, three-Michelin-star chef Viki Geunes (Zilte***) will leave his own restaurant behind to join chef Orlando Schuitema at COBRA HOUSE for a unique four-hands dinner: Viki Geunes × Orlando Schuitema. The wine pairing will be presented in collaboration with the iconic Spanish winery Marqués de Murrieta.
A three-Michelin-star chef cooking at COBRA HOUSE makes this a truly special four-hands dinner. One of the highlights of the evening will be a jointly created main course, symbolising the collaboration between both restaurants.
2 minutes read
The Canephora Flavour Wheel | Mocca d’Or contributes to globally recognized flavour wheel for Robusta coffee
4-8-2026
Mocca d’Or, based in Zwolle, in the eastern parts of the Netherlands, has played a notable role in the development of the Canephora Flavour Wheel, the first scientifically grounded flavour wheel for Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora), published in the scientific journal Scientific Reports. Of the only three Dutch cuppers invited to take part in the research, two, Judith Konsten and Niels te Vaanhold, are quality staff at Mocca d’Or. They were among 49 professional tasters who evaluated 67 high-quality Canephora coffees from 13 countries in Switzerland and Brazil. For the first time, the flavour wheel gives the coffee variety, long associated mainly with bulk and instant coffee, its own flavour language, featuring notes such as cocoa, spices, and tropical fruit.
2 minutes read
Snackification | Small bites, big impact
3-8-2026
Snackification is one of the most talked-about trends in the food industry right now, and it’s all about eating smaller portions more frequently. With increasingly busy schedules and the rise of weight loss medicines, more and more people are swapping three square meals for smaller, more intentional bites. This shift is fundamentally changing how brands, chefs and restaurants approach food.
On the consumer side, it’s about smaller, flexible and nutrient-dense snacks on the go — think individual packaging, added vitamins, gut health support and high protein. On the industry side, fine-dining chefs are increasingly embracing casual street food concepts, food trucks and upscale finger foods. This trend even found its way into my kitchen, last weekend I served a lunch with many small, delicious and healthy snack bites portions. ^Marjolein van Spronsen
Many examples in this article!
4 minutes read
Lay’s Potato Restaurant in Shanghai | Here, the potato takes centre stage
31-7-2026
Back in April 2026, PepsiCo’s potato chip brand Lay’s officially opened China’s first Lay’s Potato Restaurant in Shanghai’s Xintiandi district. This immersive, limited-time brand experience reimagines the potato and the Lay’s chip through menu innovation, design, and collaborations. The restaurant is the latest example of how PepsiCo is working to grow in the away-from-home channel and create new meal occasions associated with its brands.
2 minutes read
Verifying Longevity | LNGVTY makes the quality of longevity hotels measurable
31-7-2026
LNGVTY introduces the first data-driven certification that measures how effectively hotels support quality sleep, recovery, and healthy lifestyle habits. Hotels in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland can apply from August 1. Under the motto ‘Verifying Longevity’, LNGVTY evaluates hotels using a uniform, data-driven methodology, making their regenerative quality transparent and comparable for guests.
2 minutes read
Striktly Summer | Striktly, Coconuts and Café ‘t Fust bring the tropics to Rotterdam
30-7-2026
It’s as if you’re on vacation, right in the center of Rotterdam. This summer, Stadhuisplein turns into an atmospheric open-air dance floor on Tuesday evenings during Striktly Summer. After the outdoor event, the party continues from 11:00 PM during the official afterparties at Coconuts & café ‘t Fust.
1 minute read
Heat stress in the kitchen | Why the cold chain breaks in high temperatures
28-7-2026
Temperatures are rising this week in the Netherlands, which means full terraces and dealing with products that need to look good on the table in the sun. In short, quite a few businesses are experiencing heat stress around this topic. You can make this easier on yourself by digitizing temperature control around your products, for example with the app for HACCP and cleaning registration from De Horeca Helper. A contribution from them about ‘Heat stress in the kitchen’!
2 minutes read
Bar14 | Johan Cruijff ArenA opens the first frictionless stadium bar in the Netherlands
24-7-2026
The Johan Cruijff ArenA is the first stadium in the Netherlands to introduce a smart frictionless bar, Bar14. This innovation delivers a new visitor experience during matches and concerts. The high-tech bar kiosk uses advanced tracking and AI technology to automatically register which products visitors take and process payment directly. Usage is simple: visitors tap their smartphone upon entry to pay. Thanks to this modern technology, visitors are served faster and more efficiently. The cashierless bar will be used for the first time during Ajax – Burnley on July 26th.
2 minutes read
BlueBlood Bubbles | A monthly Champagne & Oyster celebration in Hilton The Hague
24-7-2026
Restaurant BlueBlood at Hilton The Hague introduces BlueBlood Bubbles, a new monthly Champagne & Oyster celebration taking place on the last Friday of every month. With free entry, guests are invited to enjoy premium Pommery champagne, freshly shucked oysters, live DJ music, and a vibrant social atmosphere; the perfect way to welcome the weekend in style..
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 30
24-7-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- American Express and ALL Accor expand the power of membership with new global partnership.
- Eberhardjes and Dolly Bellefleur launch limited edition ‘Liefde (love) NOW’, available at all STACH stores in Amsterdam.
- Registration for the Horecava Awards 2027 is now open. Since July 23rd, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs in the foodservice industry are able to submit their most innovative product or concept.
- Claridge’s has announced the publication of its first-ever book, Claridge’s: Queen of Hotels, Hotel of Kings.
- POP+BARK and Rooftop Cinema Club UK are bringing dogs to the movies for a full day of dog-friendly rooftop cinema action on Sunday, August 16.
- The McDonald’s restaurant in Breukelen, operated by the new franchisee Ronen van ’t Hoog, is the Dutch flagship location for the international ‘World Menu Heist’-campaign.
- Are you already thinking about how to create a festive Christmas atmosphere in your hotel? The Immersive Christmas Experience, ice!™ at the Gaylord Hotels has already been announced!
Enjoy reading!
Which café will win the title ‘The Favorite Hertog Jan Café of the Netherlands’?
20-7-2026
Brewer AB InBev celebrates the Dutch café as society’s second living room with new nationwide competition. Starting today, hundreds of pubs across the country will compete for the coveted title ‘The Favorite Hertog Jan Café of the Netherlands’. Beer brewer AB InBev is launching a large-scale, national competition under the motto ‘Out of love for cafés’. The goal is to draw attention to the social value of the café, which for many Dutch people serves as a second living room. From July 20 through August 30, beer lovers and regular visitors can vote daily for their favorite (local) pub.
2 minutes read
Solo dining | From trend to the new normal in hospitality
20-7-2026
For many hospitality entrepreneurs, it is still an awkward moment: the guest who walks in alone and is given a table for two because the staff are not quite sure where to seat them. Yet the number of people consciously choosing solo dining continues to grow. Not because they have no company, but because they want to. An evening out with yourself. A little me-time.😉 Peace. Focus on the food. A chance to recharge. We have been following the solo dining trend for years. From Japan’s Ichiran Ramen, where guests sit in individual ‘flavour concentration booths’, to the rise of dining at the bar or counter with a view of the open kitchen. And do you remember when “Twitter dinners” were organised?
2 minutes read
Vlees & Co opens its fourth location in Eindhoven with its first ‘Meat Sommelier Workshop’
10-7-2026
Vlees & Co has opened the doors of its new location at Wilhelminaplein in Eindhoven. With this opening, the restaurant, which already has locations in Arnhem, Nijmegen and Amsterdam, continues its expansion across the Netherlands. The new location is the largest to date, with 90 covers inside and a spacious terrace with nearly 70 seats. The Eindhoven location also marks the launch of their first ‘Meat Sommelier Workshop’, read the full article to find out what happens there!
2 minutes read
This summer, the Horta x Veuve Clicquot Rooftop Terrace is open in Antwerp
9-7-2026
This summer, Antwerp gains a truly special terrace. Grand Café Horta is teaming up with Veuve Clicquot to open a temporary rooftop terrace above one of the city’s most iconic hospitality venues. Throughout July and August, the rooftop of Horta is open to the general public, with champagne, bites, cocktails and DJ sets under the banner of beats, bites & bubbles. On the line-up: Buscemi, Phill Da Cunha, Sven Van Hees, Cherokee, Tony Talboom and Stefan Vranckx. Enjoy the summer at the Horta x Veuve Clicquot Rooftop Terrace, all through July and August.
The design of the Horta x Veuve Clicquot Rooftop Terrace is reminiscent of the beach clubs along the Côte d’Azur and other parts of southern Europe that are getting a summery takeover by well-known designers this year.
2 minutes read
Ottovino wines & bites brings exceptional wines from small producers to Leiden
7-7-2026
Since the first of July, Leiden has a new wine bar! At Haven 62, Ottovino wines & bites has opened its doors. After a successful first week, during which the team had the opportunity to further refine the concept, Ottovino is now officially introducing itself to the people of Leiden. With more than thirty wines by the glass, a carefully curated wine list and refined bites, the wine bar aims to become a regular meeting place for wine lovers in the city.
We’ve already tried a few of their wines! Great location, a cosy atmosphere, tasty snacks and delicious wines, what more could a wine lover ask for?
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 27
6-7-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- The Lounges chain with 250+ venues in the UK will open its first location overseas in Essen, Germany.
- After weather codes yellow, orange and red, there’s one more colour to watch this summer – Code Purple at Bagels & Beans.
- Brouwerij (brewery) Homeland in Amsterdam launched its own lager, Homeland Puur Pils.
- Pick up your pizza by kayak at the ‘Paddle In’ at Otomat in Ghent.
- Handwritten Collection, a characterful collection of bespoke hotels launched by Accor in 2023, recently announced a significant milestone with the opening of its 50th address.
- At McDonald’s Germany, you can enjoy 23 international product highlights during ‘Mission: World Menu’.
- Travel And Tour World (TTW) recently unveiled its Top 100 Luxury Hotels in the World 2026, a global ranking honouring exceptional properties redefining modern hospitality.
- Great news for Belgian fries lovers heading to Paris, chef Mallory Gabsi has opened his Fry Shop 140 Degrés.
- Wonder, a leading food technology platform, and Zipline, an autonomous delivery service, recently announced a partnership to bring on-demand drone delivery to Wonder locations across Texas.
- Inspiration for ice cream parlours: we spotted ‘Cookies Cloud Cups’ at Ovis Coffees in London.
Enjoy reading!
Restaurant Luwte opened last month in Groningen | Casual fine dining with northern produce
3-7-2026
Chef Falk van Essen and host-sommelier Caroline de Vries recently opened restaurant Luwte at Zwanestraat 26 in Groningen. In a characterful 19th-century listed building, they bring high-end gastronomy in a relaxed, approachable atmosphere. The name Luwte refers to ‘a shelter from the hustle of everyday life’.
2 minutes read
S’mores Frappuccino returns to Starbucks in the US this summer
2-7-2026
The S’mores Starbucks lineup is making its return this summer. The popular S’mores Frappuccino, first introduced in 2015, is back on the menu alongside two new additions: the S’mores Cold Brew with Marshmallow Cold Foam and the S’mores Chai. According to Starbucks, the beverages are inspired by the nostalgic flavors of s’mores, the classic campfire treat made with toasted marshmallow, chocolate and graham crackers.
’S mores are becoming increasingly popular here too when we have barbecues. Would we in Europe also enjoy the combination of coffee and ’S mores?
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 26
30-6-2026
At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:
- Two acquisitions in a single week underscore Fletcher Hotels’ pace of growth in Germany, Berghotel Astenkrone in Winterberg-Altastenberg and Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Sundern-Sorpesee.
- Restaurant Jondani has been honoured with a Best of Award of Excellence from the Wine Spectator, the leading international American wine magazine.
- Restaurant SMAEK in Geldrop has recruited Rowin Geurts and Marcia de Bruijn. The couple will take up their posts as respectively head chef and maître d’ in September 2026.
- New strategic initiative ‘Buurthotel’ connects Amsterdam hotels, the local council and residents through a new concept: ‘co-tourism’.
- Restaurant Noor in Groningen has opted for a proactive solution to a commercial dispute by applying for a suspension of payments and will remain open till the end of 2026.
- The Berkeley and Summerill & Bischop announced a collaboration celebrating the art of entertaining in your suite.
- Duke of Tokyo De Pijp opens its doors this week (July 2) on Ferdinand Bolstraat in Amsterdam.
- Spotted on the Instagram account of We Like Côte d’Azur – When designers take over the Riviera.
- Inspiration for ice cream parlours: Leiden welcomed ice cream parlour and chocolatier Madaq, where visitors can pull up by boat for an ice cream, an actual ‘ice cream float-through’! And a great, luxury gelato gift box by Zona.
Enjoy reading!
How can you make your hotel more attractive to solo women travellers?
26-6-2026
We recently came across an article about Preferred Small Hotels, that, together with several boutique hotels in Palm Springs, has seen a growing number of solo women travellers and is actively responding to their needs. It reminded me of a recent holiday of mine in Sicily, where I noticed several women travelling on their own. It made me wonder if hotels know what today’s female traveller looks for when choosing a hotel or destination.
As a former flight attendant, I understand the most important requirement better than most: safety. I still remember how relieved I always felt when my hotel room had a security latch on the door. In this article, we’ve put together a list of simple tips and practical ideas to help you better accommodate this, growing group of solo women travellers. ^Marjolein van Spronsen
4 minutes read
As of September 1 this will be Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Marktstad-Schagen 
Hard Rock Cafe and Coca-Cola® launched the ‘Hard Rock Rising Music Competition’ 
Radisson Blu Hotel, Sinaia Cota 1400 
The Haunting debuts from the creators of Miracle 
