Trends we spotted | Week 13

31-3-2026

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:

• Horecava is taking the next step in its culinary positioning with the arrival of the Gault&Millau Netherlands guide launch in Amsterdam.
• Speaking of April Fools’ jokes: BJ’s Restaurants is launching a bold Pizookie with a sweet-and-savory twist on April 1 — the ‘Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie®’.
• Planet Hollywood has announced plans to open a large-scale resort, including hotels, a casino, and an entertainment complex, in Tbilisi.
• Travel and Tour World recently published its list of the 50 safest travel destinations for 2026. Due to geopolitical tensions, travelers are increasingly choosing stable countries with strong infrastructure and reliable systems. Find out where the Netherlands ranks!
• Anantara Ubud Bali Resort has recently launched an initiative to release the endangered Bali starling (a bird species) into the jungle. The first two pairs will be released on Earth Day.
• Grubhub is launching a pilot program for drone delivery by Dexa at Wonder in Green Brook, New Jersey.
• NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, in collaboration with Planteray Rum, has completed the world’s first certified underwater rum aging process.
• This week, among others: we spotted  ‘Wearable Cones’ on Instagram, handy for the ice cream season? And a funny April Fools’ post by the Nuttington Post about ‘McSushi’.

Enjoy reading!

Horecava strengthens culinary focus with Gault&Millau guide launch in Amsterdam

Horecava takes the next step in its culinary positioning with the arrival of the Gault&Millau Nederland guide launch at the RAI Amsterdam. From 2027 onwards, the annual event will take place in Amsterdam, bringing gastronomy closer to the wider hospitality sector.

The collaboration creates room for growth and further highlights culinary craftsmanship. Initiatives such as Taste of Horecava connect chefs, producers, and entrepreneurs in a setting focused on knowledge sharing and innovation. In doing so, Horecava continues to evolve as the platform where gastronomy and hospitality come together. More details in their press release, link in the title.

BJ’s launches Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie® for one day only

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse introduces the Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie® on April 1: a bold remix of its signature dessert. The warm chocolate chunk cookie is topped with vanilla ice cream, crispy pepperoni, and a drizzle of Mike’s Hot Honey.

Following earlier experimental creations, the brand continues to explore sweet and savory combinations. The result is a daring flavor fusion inspired by its pizzas and iconic Pizookie®. This limited edition is available for dine-in on one day only. With this launch, BJ’s highlights its focus on creative menu innovation and unexpected taste experiences.

Planet Hollywood launches first integrated resort in Tbilisi

Planet Hollywood expands into Tbilisi with a large-scale integrated resort. The development includes a Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino alongside a Radisson Blu, totaling over 1,100 rooms. The destination will feature a casino, entertainment venue, and extensive retail and dining concepts. With over 2,000 jobs and international partnerships, the project aims to strengthen Tbilisi’s position as a fast-growing tourism market.

The launch marks the next step in Planet Hollywood’s global expansion strategy, focused on high-growth markets and immersive hospitality and entertainment experiences. More details in their press release, link in the title.

TTW reveals top 50 safest travel destinations for 2026

Another top 50 list! Travel and Tour World has released its list of the 50 safest travel destinations for 2026, as safety becomes a key factor in travel decisions. Ongoing geopolitical tensions are driving travelers toward stable countries with strong infrastructure and reliable systems. Canada, Australia and Switzerland lead the ranking.

Europe and Asia-Pacific dominate the list, while island destinations such as Mauritius and the Maldives emerge as peaceful alternatives. The ranking highlights a clear shift toward confidence, predictability, and secure travel experiences in a changing global landscape. Check out the complete list in their press release, in the link in the title. Curious on which number the Netherlands is ranked?

Bali Starlings set free at Anantara Ubud Bali Resort

Anantara Ubud Bali Resort has launched ‘Where Harmony Takes Flight’, a program supporting the release of the endangered Bali Starling in Payangan’s jungles. Guests can witness the inaugural release, celebrating Bali’s cultural and ecological heritage. Conceived by Made Warnata, Director of Spa, Wellness and Recreation, the initiative reflects sustainable travel and meaningful connections to local traditions. In partnership with Yayasan KEHATI and BKSDA, birds receive expert care and structured release. Currently supporting two pairs, new releases are planned, including for Earth Day (April 22). The project aligns with Anantara’s global sustainability program, Dollar for Deeds, allowing guests to actively participate in conservation.

Grubhub launches drone delivery pilot in New Jersey

Grubhub is testing Dexa’s drone delivery at Wonder in Green Brook, NJ. Since March 18, customers within 2.5 miles can choose fast drone delivery at no extra cost. Dexa’s fully automated DE-2020 drones deliver safely via approved flight paths, with real-time tracking and updates through the Grubhub app. Wonder offers 15 restaurant concepts from one location, optimized for drone delivery. The three-month pilot evaluates autonomous integration into Grubhub’s platform and may expand to other restaurants. A community demo event was held on March 16 to showcase the technology before the program launched.

The world’s first certified underwater aged Planteray Rum at NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort

NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, in partnership with Planteray Rum, completed the world’s first certified underwater rum aging. Bottles rested for a year ten meters below the sea, where currents, pressure, and stable temperature enhanced flavor. Harvested during the resort’s December 2025 reopening, the inaugural batch received praise for its smoothness and complexity. The experiment blends craftsmanship, innovation, and storytelling, becoming a permanent resort feature. Guests can enjoy the sea-aged rum at Handhuvaru, served neat or in inventive cocktails like Chai on the Rocks and Mocha Molasses.

Spotted on Instagram

This week, among others: ‘Wearable Cones’, handy for the ice cream season? And a funny April Fools’ post by the Nuttington Post about ‘McSushi’. Not exactly our taste, but it would probably create a whole new wave of sushi lovers overnight! Check out the post below.

 

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Een bericht gedeeld door The Nuttington Post (@thenuttingtonpost)

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