Amidst the challenges faced by the restaurant industry, there’s a bright spot that’s worth celebrating for onion growers and shippers: the National Restaurant Association’s forecast of record-breaking sales in 2024. With the restaurant industry poised to exceed $1.1 trillion in sales this year, there’s a significant opportunity for onion suppliers to continue serving the foodservice sector and contributing to its success.
According to the National Restaurant Association’s latest report, optimism abounds among restaurant operators, with nearly 8 in 10 predicting sales increases or stability compared to 2023 levels. This positive outlook is fueled by continued employment growth, technological advancements, and expanded consumer use of restaurant apps, off-premises dining, and loyalty programs.
The report highlights several key findings that indicate a favorable environment for onion growers and shippers supplying the foodservice industry:
- Delivery, Carry-out, and Drive-thru Growth: The growing preference for off-premises dining, especially among millennials and Gen Z adults, presents an opportunity for onion suppliers to meet the demand for fresh ingredients in takeout and delivery orders.
- Restaurant Employment: Despite the industry’s expansion, 45 percent of operators report a need for more employees to meet customer demand. This creates opportunities for onion growers and shippers to supply restaurants with high-quality onions for their menus, contributing to job creation in the process.
- Menu Composition and Trends: Operators are adapting their menus in response to increased food costs and supply chain disruptions. This presents an opportunity for onion suppliers to offer versatile and cost-effective onion products that meet the evolving needs of restaurant operators and consumers alike.
- Off-Premises Dining: Off-premises dining remains a key area of opportunity, with customers expressing satisfaction with the variety of local food options for takeout and delivery. Onion suppliers can cater to this trend by providing convenient and high-quality onion products for off-premises consumption.
As the restaurant industry continues to innovate and evolve to meet customer demands, onion growers and shippers play a vital role in supplying the fresh ingredients that contribute to the success of foodservice establishments nationwide. By staying attuned to industry trends and consumer preferences, onion suppliers can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the thriving restaurant sector.
For more information about the report and for the link to purchase the full data, go to, Press Releases | National Restaurant Association
