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The 2026 Technomic Foodservice Planning Program Summer Summit highlighted the economic, operational, and consumer trends expected to shape the foodservice industry over the next 12–18 months. While operators continue to navigate inflationary pressures and cautious consumer spending, the outlook remains optimistic, with foodservice sales projected to grow 4.3% in 2026.
A consistent theme throughout the conference was the need for menu solutions that balance profitability with guest appeal.
One of the strongest opportunities discussed was the continued momentum behind limited-time offers (LTOs). The number of LTOs appearing on menus increased 13% from 2024 to 2025, with additional growth expected in the coming year.
Technomic identified the “3 I’s” of successful LTOs: Indulgence, Information, and Innovation, reflecting consumers’ demand for craveable comfort foods, menu items with compelling stories, and unexpected flavor and texture combinations.
The conference also reinforced the growing importance of non-commercial foodservice, including healthcare, colleges and universities, business dining, and senior living. These segments continue to outperform many traditional restaurant channels as operators focus on delivering nutritious, satisfying, and operationally efficient menu options.
One notable example highlighted at the conference was a Southwest Potato Breakfast Bowl that has become the default plant-based breakfast option across hundreds of hospital locations, demonstrating how familiar, versatile ingredients can successfully meet consumer preferences while supporting operational needs.
Overall, the summit reinforced that operators are prioritizing menu items that deliver value, versatility, operational simplicity, and guest satisfaction. These trends create meaningful opportunities for potatoes, which are well-positioned to support menu innovation, limited-time offers, plant-forward applications, and the continued growth of non-commercial foodservice while helping operators meet both business and consumer demands.