Trends we spotted | Week 9

3-3-2026

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:

• Burger King is introducing updates to its iconic Whopper, including a new bun and box packaging.
• Live Más LIVE 2026 by Taco Bell, a Hollywood-themed event revealing its 2026 menu innovations.
• Kyriad has launched ‘Prompt It’ the first AI-powered travel guide created by the brand.
• Travel and Tour World has released its ‘Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations for 2026’.
• Starbucks is launching new Coffee & Protein bottled drinks on March 23.
• Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has added permanent Senior Meals (55+) to its menu.
• Mandarin Oriental has appointed Simone Biles as its first Global Wellness Ambassador.

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Trends we spotted | Week 6

10-2-2026

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:

• Tropical Smoothie Cafe is celebrating Valentine’s Day with pets, featuring the limited-time Puppy Power Bowl, available through 3 March.
• Starbucks has reached a significant recycling milestone: polypropylene cold to go beverage cups are now recyclable for more than 60% of US households.
• IKEA and Tiny Chef are launching a new mini-series from 2 to 9 February, celebrating the joy of plant-based cooking with the beloved stop-motion character Tiny Chef.
• Wendy’s is marking Singles Awareness Day on 15 February with a special in-app offer: a Dave’s Single® cheeseburger.
• Kwalitaria is the first major Dutch snack chain to introduce completely plastic-free packaging, with fries and snack trays protected by a biodegradable seaweed coating.
• Vaseline® and Red Lobster are launching a temporary Valentine’s Day Kissing Booth in Times Square, from February 10 to 12, featuring exclusive menu items and the new Lip Therapy® collection.
• Café Teichner dal 1922 in Rome is serving an espresso with hazelnut cream and chocolate at Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina 15.

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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.

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Trends we spotted | Week 39

29-9-2025

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:

• Ruby x ADE. Ruby Hotel Amsterdam celebrates Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) with a boutique stage for music, culture and unexpected moments in intimate setting.
• Restaurant La Mar celebrates 20 years of Peruvian culinary excellence with ‘La Mar Around the World’ menu.
• A new research-backed initiative sees physicians recommending trips to Sweden for the health benefits. ‘Sweden, first country on prescription’ by Visit Sweden.
• Hot Slices, Cold Drinks. A collab between Siegfried Gin and Domino’s Pizza Germany results in 2 small bottles of gin inspired by bestsellers pizza’s.
• The spooky season is arriving! Red Robin conjures up a Mega Monster Burger and a Mad Scientist Margarita.
• Starbucks named official coffee partner of the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA.
• October 3 means it’s time for Leidens Ontzet – and at Snackcafé de Gaper this is celebrated in style! From 12:00 to 18:00, locals can stop by for refined snacks.
• World Tourism Day – Stefan Hartman of NHL Stenden wrote a vision: ‘Use tourism to strengthen broad prosperity, not just the economy’.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre and Haven Hotel Rotterdam officially opened

19-9-2025

On Thursday, September 18, two renovated hotels at the Leuvehaven in Rotterdam were officially opened: DoubleTree by Hilton Rotterdam Centre and Haven Hotel Rotterdam, Curio Collection by Hilton. Both are located directly on the Maas River with views of the Erasmus Bridge and within walking distance of iconic city highlights such as the Markthal, the Maritime Museum, and Kop van Zuid. The hotels are directly connected but each offers its own distinctive experience.

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Trends we spotted | Week 30

25-7-2025

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:

• Eataly makes its Dutch debut at Schiphol Airport! Enjoy their Italian specialties at Lounge 1.
• For its Summer 2025 menu at the EMEA markets (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Starbucks took inspiration from Treviso, the birthplace of tiramisu. The result? A Tiramisu Cream Cold Foam.
• Another Coffee trend spotted in the US: the Iced Coconut Water Americano.
• Essendi, a leading hotel owner and operator in Europe, announces a strategic partnership with Workplace Pride during Pride Amsterdam 2025. The agreement was signed in their INK Amsterdam hotel.
• KFC’s new marketing campaign features a serious Colonel who ‘would not be happy’ about the brand’s recent market share loss. See how they’re taking on this challenge.
• Lawa blends ‘Mario Kart and Strava’ to make movement fun for teens and brands. Available in the Netherlands and it’s possibly interesting for amusement parks, too.
• Mattel recently launched the first-ever UNO Social Club in Las Vegas—an immersive game night experience combining competition, fun, and social connection. More locations are on the way!
• Spotted on Instagram: ‘unbreakable glasses’ by Djuce Studio. Made from Tritan copolyester and we love the way they look!
• Would you like to play a golf game at your wedding? We’ve also spotted fun mini golf games to enjoy with friends!

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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.

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Trends we spotted | Week 18

2-5-2025

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:

• We love the idea of making a wedding cake on the spot! Spotted in Italy.
• Marriott International has announced it is expanding its lifestyle portfolio by acquiring citizenM.
• The Maybourne Riviera hotel reopens for the 2025 season with new culinary, wellbeing and guest experiences.
• Mandarin Oriental Bodrum is set to host the iconic Gigi Rigolatto pop-up this summer.
• Spotted at Chin Chin labs: vanilla soft serve with French fries and a drizzle of potato peel sauce.
• The first 3D printed Starbucks store has opened in Brownsville, Texas.
• Designs have been revealed for Laheq, the first residential-led development at The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, developed by Red Sea Global (RSG) and designed by Foster + Partners.
• Starting May 5, McCrispy™ Strips and the all-new Creamy Chili Dip will be available nationwide at McDonald’s USA.
• Domino’s Pizza and Bicky launch spicy Bicky Mexicano® pizza in Belgium.
• Sensory Cooking by Homey’s Tools for Life elevates the cooking ritual with kitchen tools designed by Boey Wang of Studio Boey.

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Trends we spotted | Week 10

10-3-2025

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:

• A castle full of Michelin Chefs and it’s not even a fairy tale! Sterren Preuvement 2025 takes place at Kasteel de Wittenburg from 28 to 30 March 2025. Tickets are still available for Friday and Sunday!
• The Hoxton Florence at Via delle Mantellate 2, is opening its doors! With a ‘House’ apartment, free bikes for their guests and various sports facilities, even external.
• Robuuste Reiger (Robust Heron) is Bird Brewery’s first 2025 special.
• Prêt-à-Portea, the high fashion version of the Afternoon Tea at The Berkeley in London, is now also available as The Red Carpet Collection at the Maybourne Beverly Hills in Los Angeles.
• Shrink and Print, a mini 3D model of yourself or together with your loved one is a fun unique gift for those who already have everything.😉
• The Aziz Foundation’s Ramadan Lights London with over 30,000 LED lights are turned back on at Piccadilly Circus!
• You’ve probably never heard of soft-serve ice cream and bubble tea chain Mixue Bingcheng but they do have more outlets than McDonald’s and Starbucks.
• For fans of the Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil; this spring a neighbourhood restaurant will open in Los Angeles in honour of its parents: Max and Helen’s.

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Trends we spotted | Week 50

13-12-2024

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:

• We think the Ritz Carlton Berlin has one of the most beautiful Christmas trees in their lobby, ‘Der Giving Tree’! An initiative to make wishes come true for children who are hospitalized. They give their guests and passers-by the change to participate in the season of giving.
• Heineken Hoek Steakhouse has recently opened in the hotel ‘The Diamond’ in Amsterdam.
• Le Pain Quotidien opened its first franchise in Maastricht and is looking for expansion to other Dutch cities through franchise.
• Great examples of how international ‘Christmas trends’ are used – in their own way – in the Netherlands. A gondola and a ‘Christmas lighting party’ or as they call it a ‘magical winter evening’ at ‘t Noorden in Aalten. And you can dine in a transparent igloo at restaurant Saus in Bergen op Zoom.
• 1 Hotels announced a new hotel in 2025: 1Hotel Tokyo.
• A ‘Reindeer Games Pop-Up Bar’ at Holston House Nashville.
• Panera turns the holidays upside down with their new: limited edition Holiday Soup Cup Collection. Some ‘soup’- inspiration!
• The ugly Christmas sweater ‘trend’ continues to inspire, this time we got a press release from soccer club PSV and came across a press release from KFC about their Christmas sweater.

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