CHICAGO — Following a drop from 2013 to 2015, burger consumption in Canada is now on the rise as nearly half of Canadians (46 per cent) eat burgers at least weekly, according to Technomic’s 2017 Canadian Burger Consumer Trend Report. Though consumption hasn’t yet reached 2013 levels, the upward trend underscores the strength of the emerging fast-casual burger market and suggests menu changes are resonating.
“Burger consumption has benefited from an increased emphasis on quality and sourcing, particularly as it relates to domestic beef, as well as operators’ ability to adapt the classic burger to modern demands through menu development,” says Anne Mills, manager of Consumer Insights at Technomic. “Going forward, routinely innovating with new flavours, particularly sauces and premium toppings, will be key as expectations continue to rise for unique burgers.”
Key takeaways from the report include:
• 36 per cent of consumers have a preferred restaurant they almost always go to for their burger occasions, up from 30 per cent in 2015
• 40 per cent of 18 to 34 year olds say it’s very important that restaurants offer burgers with new and unique flavours, compared to 22 per cent of older consumers
• 56 per cent of consumers say it’s very important that they can customize burger toppings
