Paramount 21 Ltd has published it latest trends report, coinciding with the 33rd anniversary of the Newton Abbot, Devon, UK-based producer frozen seafood, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free products for the British foodservice sector and export markets in continental Europe, the UAE and Australia.
Filled with insightful information, the report looks at how the commercial landscape has changed following an especially challenging year for the food industry, and how operators of restaurants and cafeterias can encourage consumers to resume normal buying behavior patterns that existed prior to the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic.
Tips to stimulate sales include: recreating holiday-style experiences to tap into the staycation boom; capitalizing on social media’s influence in harnessing the power of viral food trends; and how to satisfy both vegan and vegetarian customers, without having to buy in multiple products.
Paramount also highlights the importance of customer service. Research suggests just under half of clients are reluctant to return to restaurants, even after the lifting of lockdown and social distancing restrictions. Diners see interacting with staff as a key part of their experience, and although apps and digital ordering have helped businesses reopen, striking the right balance is the key to success.
The company is well placed to offer advice, having built up its business from a humble investment of just £3,500 made in 1988, second-hand machinery, determination, and lots of faith.
Paramount continues to go from strength to strength, as the company recently became an accredited Living Wage employer. It currently pays workers £9.50 per hour, which is significantly higher than the government minimum of £8.91 per hour for persons over 23 years old.
In addition, Paramount has expanded production capabilities to match increases in demand, and has £650,000 of capital expenditure planned for the autumn of 2021.
The company has also racked up Gold Award wins from the Taste of the West for its Mac ’n’ Cheese Croquettes, Spicy Sweetcorn Fritters and MSC Gluten-Free Coated Whitebait. Paramount’s Ultimate Fish Pie was a finalist in this year’s Food Management Today Industry Awards, while its Salmon, Haddock & Asparagus Fishcake and MSC Jumbo Cod Fish Fingers were listed as highly commended products.
