Trends we spotted | Week 28

14-7-2025

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:

• Nazuna Inc. which operates friendly, luxurious machiya inns in Kyoto, has launched a new experienced-based recruitment model: ‘Stay first, then interview’. An inspiring approach?
• Wouldn’t it be great to have a cookies ATM at your favourite bakery? In Darwin, Australia The Cookie Lab has just that: its very own Cookies ATM.
• The Lobby in Amsterdam has once again affirmed its status as a top wine destination, earning two Wine Spectator’s 2025 Restaurant Awards and they start Cork-Free Mondays.
•  Using local events in your marketing strategy is a classic tactic. The Ivy Collection gives us with a great example with their Centre Court Melting Bombe during Wimbledon.
• As of July 1st, McDonald’s Switzerland has introduced a new twist on their iconic McRaclette burger: a chicken version.
• The Aussie Jawssie cocktail and the Sharky Temple mocktail are back at Outback Steakhouse locations across the US. We love the names and the presentation!
• Check out this interesting on QSR Magazine about KFC’s bold new brand: Saucy by KFC is shaking up the fast food world.
• At International Hotel Capital Partners (IHCP), employees can save for personal dreams through their innovative Bucketlist Programme. Here is a great example of how it works.
• On Thursday, July 17, the terrace of WOLF Food Market in Antwerp will once again transform into an open-air cinema. Expect a screening of the movie Pulp Fiction, a Campari Spritz and an exclusive live BBQ by Rambo.

 Enjoy reading!

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ProVeg launched ‘Future Plates’ | A catering guide to inspire more plant-based meals at global events

11-7-2025

Last month, ProVeg International released Future Plates, a new catering guide designed to help large-scale events offer more plant-based food options. Launched during the UN’s climate conference in Bonn, the guide includes best practices, inspiring case studies, and flavourful recipes like jackfruit tuna salad, shepherd’s pie, chickpea curry, French bean casserole, and more.

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Celebrate National French Fry Day with the latest snacking trend | Fry Bags

11-7-2025

In our weekly trend letters, we always highlight upcoming national and international food-related days, listed a few weeks in advance. You can subscribe here. Today, July 11, it’s National French Fry Day, and we’ve spotted great inspiration for snack bars and fries brands: Fry Bags. In short: Fries + Spices = Shake, Rip, and Dig In. Sounds like a trend we can also appreciate in the Netherlands!

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New Summer Drinks | Will we also go for a Sarti Spritz, a Matchatini or a Spicy Sauvy B?

8-7-2025

We’ve been enjoying glorious summer weather for a few weeks now, and the popular seasonal drinks are already known. Mocktails, cocktails, spritz variations, rosé, and white wine remain favourites. Still, we’re seeing some new developments, both here in the Netherlands and around the world. Hard seltzers have firmly established themselves here in the Netherlands, especially at festivals, and alcohol-free beer is becoming increasingly popular. We’re curious whether summer drinks like the Sarti Spritz, the Matchatini, Osan Drinks, Established, and wines such as Kaiken Disobedience from Argentina will become more common. We do have our doubts about the Spicy Sauvy B, but luckily, the choice is yours!

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Trends we spotted | Week 27

4-7-2025

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:

• It’s a Dutch tradition, herring parties to celebrate ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’! This year for the for the 30th time, the Hilton Amsterdam received the first keg by fishmonger Jan van As.
• Chef René Redzepi and the team behind restaurant Noma are heading to Los Angeles in 2026.
• Airbnb is official partner of the Tour de France till 2027 and will offer unique experiences to enjoy the Grande Boucle and the communities surrounding the route.
• Dutch hostel chain Stayokay has launched a playful new campaign: ‘This is not a hostel!’
• With rising temperatures, cooling becomes increasingly important. Skycooler provides a refreshing solution for terraces, sports facilities, events, and smaller indoor spaces.
• Hotel brand ibis continues its European expansion, with recent openings in Belgium, Spain, Estonia, Germany, and upcoming locations in Poland and Hungary. The brand now boasts over 2,500 hotels worldwide.
• Thai street food brand Kaimug is the first restaurant in Germany to introduce a robot chef: the Omni by Botinkit.
• At their recent Leadership Experience event, Starbucks announced their first generative-AI powered solution, Green Dot Assist. This system will support their baristas and other green apron partners.
• Accor’s newest luxury brand, Emblems Collection, blends a storied legacy with a visionary redesign. Fiftheen hotels are in the pipeline, including Rimrock Banff, Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa near Bath in the UK and the Elatos Resort in Greece.

Enjoy reading!

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Poké Perfect launches limited edition Kesbeke Bowl

3-7-2025

As of today, July 3, the new Kesbeke Bowl is available for a limited time at all Poké Perfect locations. This special is the result of a flavourful collaboration with Kesbeke, where pickles take center stage rather than serving as a mere side.

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Young entrepreneurs & new locations | Le Smash, Elysianne and Beau

1-7-2025

Every day we spot fun and exciting new concepts. This week: a new Le Smash location in Leiden, restaurant Elysianne in Amsterdam, and Beau in Rotterdam.

Le Smash recently opened its eighth location in the Netherlands at Steenstraat 12 in Leiden. Meanwhile, the ninth location has also already opened in Groningen. Early 2025, restaurant Elysianne opened its doors at Ruysdaelstraat 48 in Amsterdam. Chef Matt Pace and his team serve refined versions of classic Creole dishes from Louisiana. And this Saturday, July 5, Beau will open at Stadhuisplein 23 in Rotterdam—a place to dine, experience, and linger.

We wish these entrepreneurs and their teams the best of luck and lots of fun with their new concepts.

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Michelin-starred restaurant Onder de Linden embarks on a new path| Even more local, sustainable and affordable

1-7-2025

Herberg Onder de Linden, located in the village of Aduard in Groningen (in the north of the Netherlands), is becoming even more local and accessible. The Michelin-starred restaurant (*), owned by chef Steven Klein Nijenhuis, is eliminating nearly all ingredients sourced from afar. In addition, the menu now includes an attractively priced three-course option, and two new luxury suites have been added, bringing the total number of guest rooms to six.

3 minutes read

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Trends we spotted | Week 26

27-6-2025

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:

•  Spotted on Instagram: a bitterballen claw machine! Our ‘bitterballen’ would probably be cold by the time we manage to grab one.😉 Found at DUS in Utrecht.
• Also spotted on Instagram: a fun way to serve ice cream – Zoo Ice Cream by BoBa in Barcelona!
• Also via Instagram: the Tuna Fight Club – a spectacular dining experience at Notting Hill Fish + Meat Shop.
• Accor Netherlands has been named the official hotel partner of WorldPride 2026 in Amsterdam, taking place from July 25 to August 8, 2025.
• LuminAir, the bar above Amsterdam launches The Menu of Colors, a new cocktail menu inspired by prismatic colors. Artist Lynn Spoor created a matching artwork.
• Starting July 1, fans in the U.S. can take home a tiny piece of McDonald’s with one of 21 mini toys from the Lil McDonald’s Happy Meal.
• J Hotel Shanghai Tower is located at the top of China’s tallest skyscraper and the third-highest in the world.
• The Ruby Group will open its first Greek hotel in 2027, right in the heart of Athens, near Omonia Square.
• Redbrick is known for its iconic Safety Sneakers: sturdy work shoes with the look of casual sneakers. A completely renewed collection is now available.

Enjoy reading!

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Copitas | Ostend celebrates Mexican Spirits at a unique festival

26-6-2025

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Ostend will host a first: Belgium’s very own festival dedicated to Mexican spirits. Copitas — Spanish for “little glasses” — celebrates the richness and complexity of Mexican drinks like tequila, mezcal, rum, whisky, and gin. Founders Stijn Deschacht, Jeroen Van Dyck, and a group of agave ambassadors from around the world invite the Belgian public to taste, learn, and enjoy artisanal spirits full of story, terroir, and tradition. Tastings will be paired with Mexican-inspired food.

2 minutes read

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