The history of the burger has changed dramatically since its humble beginnings in the early 1900’s. As the convenience and fast-food industry emerged in the ‘70s, the burger gained popularity. It was clear food processing had to be improved to meet consumer demands for variety. Today, flexible and smart food processing solutions must be leveraged more than ever for meat processors to differentiate from competition and continue to be the top choice for their customers.
In the last two decades, Marel and their burger-focused customers have seen a strong trend upwards in quality, taste, and customization, resulting in the production of premium burgers. The perfect burger appearance is a key performer for success while varied types of texture and volume hold strong as well. Raw materials, fiber orientation , compounds, fillings, and ingredients of the patty also play roles in providing the consumer with an exceptional burger. Almost as important as variety, many want to know exactly what ingredients they are consuming for health, safety, and eco-conscious reasons.
What do burger enthusiasts of the 21st century want on their plates?
Due to high demand, fast food chains, cafes, high-end restaurants, and retailers alike have begun adding comparable, high-quality burgers to their menu and product ranges. What is considered high-quality and varied? The list is as complex as today’s gourmet burgers — multi-layered with proteins and toppings which create a variety of textures and consistencies. Unsurprisingly, the beef patty isn’t the only star of the show anymore. With the industry evolving to meet the consumer demands for varied diets and lifestyles, various protein types and even hybrid burgers are necessary to maintain and increase business. Chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, game, and not to mention the increasingly popular plant-based patty are sought after options in the market.
Whether the goal is to eat out at a gourmet establishment, cook at home, or make a stop at a quick service restaurant, the burger industry needs to react and appeal to all demographics. A single burger product on the menu just doesn’t exist anymore. To have a competitive edge, restaurants and chains are developing unique — and sometimes outrageous — burger choices, keeping it simple and classic (think lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, and a dill pickle) or getting their creative juices pumping to attract the adventurous foodies.
As access to an abundance of variety becomes readily available, it’s certain the burger will continue to reign as the leader of fast-food. Are you ready to take the leap into the ever-evolving burger industry? Get in touch with one of our specialists and learn more about our innovative solutions that will help you meet consumer demands.