Technomic Launches Foodservice 4Sight Tools

Chicago-based research and consulting firm Technomic has launched a suite of consumer research tools called Consumer4Sight (C4S), to understand consumers' decision-making behavior and interactions with the foodservice industry.

Technomic offers a range of services - such as research studies and management consulting solutions, online databases, and fact-finding assignments - to food manufacturers and distributors, restaurants and retailers. Last year, the firm partnered with retail data giant IRI to develop a joint offering called Restaurant to Retail (R2R) Insights, which combines consumers' retail point-of-sale data with their eating habits at major chain restaurants.

Led by a team of consumer research specialists, Technomic's new C4S platform combines foodservice industry knowledge with survey design methodology, menu ordering simulations, sensory testing, and qualitative research, in order to obtain insights into taste preferences, attitudes, moods, cravings, loyalty and other consumer influences.

Sara Monnette (pictured), Senior Director, Consumer Insights and Innovation, comments: 'Our methods recognize that today's evolving consumer culture leaves no room for error in determining what consumers want. Consumer insights have to reach far beyond one-dimensional brand or menu choices and break down the greater complexities, such as how to use menu design to mitigate rising food costs without sacrificing customer satisfaction, or pinpointing how and when more menu choices can lead to category cannibalization.'

Web site: www.technomic.com .