Trends we spotted | Week 4
27-1-2026
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:
- Did you know that 1 in 8 Americans has worked at a McDonald’s restaurant at some point? McDonald’s in the US taps into this insight with McDonald’s Arches & Ambition, the 1 in 8 Mentorship Program.
- Bouldering is also fairly popular in the Netherlands. Recently, we came across two new variations: moving climbing walls.
- Happy Doggo: squeaky dog toys shaped like fries, sandwiches and burgers at McDonald’s France. Likely a hit with many Dutch dog lovers and McDo fans as well!
- Burger King US introduced The Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper as part of its ‘Whopper by You’ initiative.
- McDonald’s Germany launched a new vegetarian platform with the introduction of five plant-based products: Veggie lovers welcome.
- On Saturday 31 January, Stooges’ Funhouse opens in Het Industriegebouw on Rotterdam’s Goudsesingel. This will be their second location in Rotterdam.
- From February 26 until the next edition of De Vrienden van Amstel LIVE, a musical get-together, hits the road. Every Thursday evening, a different traditional pub hosts a night full of music, friendship and atmosphere: Amstel LIVE in the pub.
- Van Gelder Netherlands, producer of plant-based products, launched a unique range of seven fully plant-based sauces and dressings for the foodservice market during HORECAVA 2026.
Enjoy reading!
Novotel introduces ‘Longevity Everyday’ | Wellbeing as standard
23-1-2026
Novotel, part of Accor, presents ‘Longevity Everyday’, a global strategy with which the hotel brand aims to structurally integrate wellbeing, vitality and sustainability into the daily experience of travellers. With more than 600 hotels in over 60 countries, Novotel is responding to the growing focus on physical and mental health while travelling. Whereas many wellbeing programmes are complex or exclusive, Novotel makes healthy choices practical, accessible and applicable.
2 minute read
New Dutch brand Bo&Co introduces locally produced organic syrups
9-1-2026
The new Dutch brand Bo&Co is introducing a range of locally produced organic syrups, developed for professional use in the hospitality and retail sectors. The brand is launching with five flavours: Lemon, Strawberry, Raspberry, Lemongrass–Ginger and Elderflower, made with carefully selected organic ingredients. The official market launch of Bo&Co will take place during Horecava 2026.
1 minute read
Inspiration for 2026, from 2025
8-1-2026
Approachable inspiration, trends and highlights from 2025 that can be easily applied to your own business in 2026. A whitepaper to scroll through when you need ideas.
You can download the whitepaper for free on the next page.
What’s your breakfast strategy?
15-12-2025
In September 2025, I was quoted in a BBC Travel article on changing breakfast experiences. The article, titled “Is it time to retire the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet?”, explores how breakfast habits around the world are evolving — and which traditions are here to stay. Some trends are obvious, such as the growing focus on healthier dishes and products. Others, like the continued desire for abundance resulting in waste, are more open to debate. This article reflects our perspective on breakfast strategy. ^Marjolein van Spronsen
3 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 49
8-12-2025
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:
- GolfSuites recently announced a strategic shift, prioritizing its scalable Indoor Simulator Lounge concept for nationwide expansion. An interesting idea for hotels near golf courses?
- ORDER AI, an app for people using GLP-1 medication (which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar) as well as health-conscious consumers, is now available globally on the Apple App Store.
- On Monday, November 24, FHC Formulebeheer held its annual entrepreneurship ‘Big Impact Event’ at Madurodam, the miniature park in The Hague that symbolizes how small initiatives can create big impact.
- The second edition of the Rescue Dogs of London & Friends ‘Christmas Jumper Parade Walk’ took place last November 29 in London. We think it’s Vondelpark (Amsterdam) worthy. 😉
- Until January 16th 2026 you can walk a Snoopy trail through London’s Fleet Street Quarter, featering 12 unique sculptures of Snoopy.
- Holiday Cocktail Inspiration: The Candy Cane Martini!
- Outernet, a free cultural attraction in London, is fully in Christmas spirit with its Ice Palace experience. Outside, you’ll find Tod’s Festive Feast, a Christmas food market curated by influencer @eatingwithtod.
- Cocktail bar Golden Ratio, created by and part of Redwood Hospitality, opened on November 26 in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. With a focus on sustainability and creativity, the bars serves cocktails and mocktails using restaurant byproducts.
- Snoopy is certainly having a moment this holiday season, it’s his 75th birthday and his popularity is soaring. Krispy Kreme is partnering with Peanuts to launch the Krispy Kreme x Peanuts Collection this festive season.
- During last week’s Black Friday, Pepsi released a limited online edition of Pepsi® Prebiotic Cola ahead of a wider store launch early next year.
Enjoy reading!
Marriott International introduces new brand ‘Series by Marriott’ | First 26 hotels open in India
4-12-2025
Marriott International continues its expansion across India with a new hospitality brand, ‘Series by Marriott’, shaped for modern domestic travellers. Its new collaboration introduces a collection that balances local identity, sustainable design, and globally trusted service standards.
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 48
28-11-2025
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:
- Qeet provides sustainable catering in the renovated Nederlands Fotomuseum , which opens in February 2026.
- Staff of the IHCP hotels in the Netherlands did collect toys for families in poverty through the Sintvoorieder1.
- Solid Wiggles creates jell-o cocktails with a creative, aesthetic twist.
- The Berkeley London launches luminous artwork ‘Aurora: Light in Motion’ by Rob and Nick Carter.
- Shower Hour IPA and Laundry Club Kölsch – Epic Cleantec launches beer made from purified shower and laundry water in California.
- McDonald’s introduces a temporary Grinch Meal with themed Grinch socks in the US.
- At the end of this year TRIBE The Hague Central will open as the second TRIBE hotel in the Netherlands and it will be the brand’s new flagship.
- The Social Hub invests €227 million in new B Corp hub in Edinburgh.
- The Hoxton opens in Dublin with the introduction of the first nightclub of this chain.
Enjoy reading!
Trends we spotted | Week 45
10-11-2025
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:
- Porsche Netherlands & Tomasu present Vat (barrel) 911 and have made a short documentary video about the production of this barrel of soy sauce and Tomasu’s quest for perfection.
- We already wrote about the ‘Lieve Amsterdammer’-campaign by the Eberhardjes foundation. This campaign was made possible thanks to a donation from the Rabobank, which has now been symbolically handed over.
- The 2025 Christmas tree in the lobby of Claridge’s hotel in London is being designed by Burberry’s Daniel Lee.
- KFC celebrated National Fried Chicken Sandwich Day (on November 9) last week with a ‘Size matters tour’ in major cities across the US.
- Maybourne, the British hotel chain, has announced that three of its British hotels have been included in the list of the world’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. With a link to the full list.
- The Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, the largest culinary school chain in the United States, recently celebrated a milestone in its graduation season.
- Spotted on Instagram:
- a ‘French toast Flight’ at London’s first French Toast Café, Crome.
- A Starbucks ‘bearista’ cup in the US.
- Dolce VyTa’s Maritozzo, made even more festive with an adorable reindeer makeover for the Christmas season.
Enjoy reading!
CIMA Rooftop Bar & Terrace | Amsterdam’s newest rooftop bar with a Mexican flavour
10-11-2025
From Mexican roots to the rooftops of Amsterdam, CIMA Rooftop Bar & Terrace has opened its doors. The name ‘CIMA’, Spanish for ‘peak’, reflects its unique location among the city’s rooftops, where guests can enjoy intimate views of Amsterdam and its iconic skyline.
Our colleague Leonie has already visited CIMA: “A fun, original spot in Amsterdam with delicious food and cocktails. I can’t wait for summer — it’s going to be one of the best views in the city.”
2 minutes read
A music get-together in traditional Dutch bars - Amstel Live in the pub
McDonald's in the US launched Arches & Ambition - The 1 in 8 Mentorship Program
Stooges’ opens second location in Het Industriegebouw in Rotterdam - credits Michelle Margot
Van Gelder Nederland - carrot, ginger & lemongrass dressing
Burger King kicked off the year with a new guest-Inspired creation - The Ultimate Steakhouse Whopper
