Trendsetter Says Veganism is Here to Stay

Abdul Kader Saadi, managing director of Dubai-based restaurant and hotel management consulting group GLEE Hospitality, recently discussed evident shifts in consumer dining habits with industry media outlet Food & Dining Franchise. In addition to identifying fast-casual dining as an emerging trend, Saadi said veganism is on the rise. “Another trend of course is the healthy eating and being vegan,” Saadi said. “I won’t call it a trend because I think [that] healthy eating [and] being vegan [are] here to stay. People are more cultured about eating healthy, and I don’t think that’s a fad.” Saadi’s assessment is upheld by predictions made across several market research firms this year, with Baum + Whiteman forecasting a major shift in 2018 toward more plant-based options across the hospitality industry in its effort to cater to sustained consumer demand.