Trends we spotted | Week 15
13-4-2026
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:
- Eberhardjes, the heart-shaped butter biscuits from Amsterdam, are launching a limited-edition pack this month in collaboration with Schiphol, to mark the 100th anniversary of the connection between the city of Amsterdam and the airport.
- Over the past ten years, the Verspillingsfabriek (the Waste Factory) has grown into an impactful production site where circularity, taste and social value come together.
- Since 2024, there has been a ban on single-use plastic cups at events in the Netherlands, but research by the ‘Inspectie Leefomgeving & Transport’(Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) (ILT) in 2025 shows that the sector is failing to comply. They announced stricter enforcement.
- From 14 to 17 April 2026, Interclean Amsterdam, an international trade fair for the cleaning and hygiene sector, will take place at the RAI Amsterdam. It will conclude with a ‘Feel Good Friday’, a themed day exploring the role of cleaning in the hospitality experience.
- KFC in the US released a single, ‘Finger Lickin’ Machine’. They hope the track will be a new contender for the season’s most popular track. Introduced in combination with a Value-feast meal.
- AI voice agent Rachel called 3,000 Irish pubs to reconstruct the Guinness Price Index.
- McCain Foods launched ‘Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves’: a crispy, wavy potato innovation for the hospitality sector in the US and Canada.
- From 21 April, McDonald’s in the US is expanding its value-for-money offering by giving fans more choice on the McValue® menu.
- The Berkeley in London will reopen its exclusive rooftop terrace to the public again in summer 2026. The organize ‘Capri in the City’ near their rooftop pool, for the second year running.
- McDonald’s in Türkiye launched a ‘Drink & Drive’-campaign to raise awareness of road safety. Starring their McCafé.
Enjoy reading!
A limited orange edition of Tompoesje | From cult pastry to party shot
10-4-2026
A tompouce is a traditional Dutch pastry you’ll find at nearly every bakery in the Netherlands. Some eat it layer by layer, others squash it in one go. But for those who prefer to toast rather than struggle, there’s a new alternative this season. Tompoesje introduces a limited Orange Edition: the iconic tompouce pastry transformed into a festive shot drink. The original pink version has already grown into a popular favorite at parties and gatherings, and with this special edition, Tompoesje taps into every moment when the Netherlands turns orange. From King’s Day to the World Cup, and those spontaneous nights where the party vibe matters just as much as the score.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 14
7-4-2026
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:
- Funny April Fools’ Day jokes: the Friturette from Snacksalon de Schelp and the orange oysters from Pesca.
- Restaurant Aroma is closing and is offering a special way to say goodbye with a menu in 19 scenes.
- On April 22 and 23 2026, the Independent Hotel Show Amsterdam will take place for independent hoteliers and boutique hotel professionals.
- Marriott International and the Leali family are launching a joint venture to add Lefay, the luxury wellness hotel brand, to the Marriott portfolio.
- Pup flight or a Bark-cuterie at the Wasserhund Brewing Company pop-up.
- KFC in Spain is transforming its restaurant signs into giant döner skewers.
- A new season brings new products to the Dutch fastfood-chain Family: the Peanut Butter Shake and the Chicken Smashburger.
- Radisson Hotel Group opens the Radisson Hotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Hoofddorp.
- Fletcher Hotels expands its international presence with the acquisition of the Parkhotel Olsberg-Winterberg in Germany.
Enjoy reading!
Fatburger opens new restaurant in Rosny-sous-Bois, the first near Paris
3-4-2026
FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., the parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, has announced the opening of a new Fatburger location in Rosny-sous-Bois, in the Paris area. This restaurant is the first of 30 planned openings across France in partnership with the group behind Big M CIE. Fatburger has over 200+ locations in 20 countries.
2 minutes read
Make it Peachy | A new summery spritz variation: the Peachtree Spritz
31-3-2026
This season, the spritz gains a colorful and summery new variation. Peachtree, the global market leader in the peach liqueur segment, introduces the Peachtree Spritz: a light, refreshing cocktail with peach at its core, also launching as a ready-to-drink canned option. With the Peachtree Spritz, the brand adds its own twist to the spritz category, which has grown significantly in popularity in recent years.
Reading time: 2 minutes
ORA Taverna & Bar opens its doors | Mediterranean ‘slow living’ in Breda
31-3-2026
On March 26, 2026, ORA Taverna & Bar officially opened its doors at Nieuwe Ginnekenstraat 3 in Breda, near Van Coothplein. With a modern Greek-inspired kitchen, a wine list that is unique in the Netherlands, fair pricing, and a kitchen team with experience in top-tier restaurants, entrepreneurial couple Charlotte and Vasilios Papadopoulos bring a refined and accessible slice of Mediterranean ‘slow living’ to Breda.
Reading time: 2 minutes
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!
At Otomat on the menu this spring | ‘You’ve Got The L’Oeuf’ pizza or egg benedict pizza and pitchers of spritz
27-3-2026
Spring is just around the corner, and at Otomat that means a fresh update to the menu, with new dishes and a brand-new look. From 25 March 2026, Otomat is introducing a new spring menu featuring lighter flavours, new vegetarian options, such as the ‘You’ve Got The L’Oeuf’ pizza (aka Egg Benedict pizza) and spritz pitchers, as well as a few surprising twists on classics.
2 minutes read
Starbucks launches the ‘Ube Spring Drinks’-collection across European stores
26-3-2026
Starbucks launches its ‘Ube Spring Drinks’-collection across European stores, featuring beverages inspired by the vibrant purple yam from the Philippines. From lattes and matcha to Frappuccinos®, the range combines the nutty sweetness of the yam with a striking purple color. By introducing the ‘Ube Spring Drinks’-collection, Starbucks brings a centuries-old culinary tradition to café menus while tapping into growing interest in global flavors and seasonal innovations. The collection delivers a fresh taste experience and visually appealing drinks that perfectly capture the energy of spring and social media trends.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 12
23-3-2026
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:
- Padbol, an energetic Argentine game that combines padel and football on a fenced-off court.
- Lighthouse is launching the first ChatGPT app for direct hotel bookings, featuring AI-driven, reliable hotel information.
- 24H Chefs, a biennial initiative with Gault&Millau, sees top chefs cook for 24 hours to raise funds for War Child and the Prinses Máxima Centrum.
- Bagels & Beans is expanding to nearly 100 locations, preparing for international expansion and appointing Carolien Vergouwe as managing director.
- The ‘Wissel ’ns Wat!’ campaign encourages the Dutch to make plant-based choices and offers a newsroom on the protein transition.
- Design & Wijn, in collaboration with Wijngoed Gelders Laren, is launching Portique, a Dutch port-style wine in a limited edition of just 438 bottles.
- Le Pain Quotidien is opening a location at Designer Outlet Roermond, thereby expanding its presence in the Netherlands.
- HEINEKEN has reached 1,500 alcohol-free tap points in The Netherlands and is promoting responsible 0.0 draught beer consumption at sports clubs.
- Het Noorden celebrates its 160th anniversary with Noorden Blond, a speciality beer brewed by Brouwerij Wentersch.
- Nine new properties join the global Relais & Châteaux collection.
Enjoy reading!
‘Brew City® Beer Battered Potato Waves’ by McCain Food for the US and Canada
Capri in the City - The Berkeley in London
De Verspillingsfabriek - the Waste Factory - 10 years of impact
Feel Good Friday - a themed day exploring the role of cleaning in the hospitality experience at this festival
KFC® drops their first single, ‘Finger Lickin' Machine’
McDonald's Türkiye has launched a ‘Drink & Drive’-campaign spotlighting driving safety
The Eberhardjes (ccokies with a gentle Amsterdam theme) arrive at Schiphol
