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
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
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!
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!
NYX Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandt Square opens as a cultural meeting place in the city
26-6-2026
With the opening of NYX Hotel Amsterdam Rembrandt Square on June 25, Amsterdam is gaining more than just a new hotel. The first NYX Hotel in the Benelux combines hospitality, art and culture in a destination designed to bring people together. Located near Rembrandt Square, the hotel embraces a role that extends beyond accommodation. Through a dedicated cultural programme, a permanent art collection and hospitality concepts focused on connection and experience, the hotel aims to contribute to the city’s creative energy. The concept reflects a broader hospitality trend in which hotels are increasingly evolving into destinations, community hubs and platforms for local talent.
2 minutes read
Île de Bisous brings Mediterranean summer evenings to Amsterdam South
23-6-2026
This summer, Amsterdam South is gaining a temporary Mediterranean hotspot. With the launch of Île de Bisous, Bisous and Strandzuid are joining forces for a two-day waterfront event. On July 10 and 11, Strandzuid will transform into an atmospheric open-air destination inspired by the Côte d’Azur, where gastronomy, entertainment, and togetherness take center stage.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 25
23-6-2026
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:
- As Anantara Hotels & Resorts celebrates 25 years of meaningful travel, the brand is shining a spotlight on the people who have shaped its story with the launch of the ‘People Who Inspire’ series.
- Mandarin Oriental and Amouage unveil ‘Whispers of the Fan’, a bespoke luxury amenities collection inspired by the art of hospitality.
- Paris is celebrating the release of season 4 of the hit series The Bear on Disney+ with a special pop-up. On June 27 and 28, fans can enjoy the famous beef sandwich from The Bear at restaurant Amagat.
- We recently wrote about the combination of tea and cheese, and now we’ve spotted a Gouda Latte, or Gouda Cheese Iced Latte, created by YourCoffeeDude.
- One of Monaco’s most iconic beach clubs, La Rose des Vents, has received a colourful Gucci makeover. Check out the details in the images, we love it!
- We love the idea of serving mini cocktails, like the mini Espresso Martini featured in a reel by L’Antica Enoteca in Rome.
- Barista Cafe is expanding to 30 branches in the Netherlands, with a focus on nationwide coverage.
- Effium has developed an innovative pan which, inspired by rocket technology, uses up to 50% less gas and cooks faster and more efficiently.
- Bagels & Beans is looking for a new bagel manager in Zutphen and is organising an open day for this purpose on June 29.
Enjoy reading!
Zwarte Cross snack set for nationwide launch | Tante Rikanto already outselling frikandels and croquettes
19-6-2026
With great pride and rumbling stomachs, the organization behind Zwarte Cross, the Feestfabriek Alles Komt Goed BV, has announced that the Tante Rikanto snack will soon be available nationwide in the Netherlands. “A milestone that will shake up the food & beverage world,” according to the former Zwarte Cross festival director and the snack’s namesake, Tante Rikie.
2 minutes read
Museum of Ice Cream opens its sweetest adventure yet in Las Vegas
18-6-2026
As the largest Museum of Ice Cream location to date, the Las Vegas flagship delivers a larger-than-life celebration of joy. Spanning 14 one-of-a-kind installations inspired by the energy, glamour and playful spirit of Las Vegas, the experience invites guests to indulge their senses through immersive, whimsical environments and plenty of sweet surprises.
2 minutes read
Snackification - small bites, big impact
Snackification - small bites, big impact
