Locally-Sourced Food, Unique Cocktails, Jobs and Sales Gains on the Menu for 2013

ALBANY, NY (01/24/2013)(readMedia)-- The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA), working in conjunction with its national affiliate, the National Restaurant Association (NRA), today highlighted hospitality and related economic trends consumers can expect in 2013 based upon interviews with 1,800 leading chefs nationally.

More local sourcing and ingredients, unique specialty cocktails, healthful kid's meals and a strong overall economic outlook, including a 3.8 percent projected increase in sales from 2012 are highlights of the hospitality industry report just released.

The top 5 culinary trends from the NRA's research include:

1. Locally sourced meats and seafood

2. Locally grown produce

3. Healthful kids' meals

4. Environmental sustainability as a culinary theme

5. Children's nutrition as a culinary theme

"Local and healthy are the dominant themes again this year, as they have been in recent years," said NYSRA Chairman, Colleen Holmes who owns Wheatfields Restaurant in Saratoga Springs and Wheatfields Bistro in Clifton Park, NY. "And New York restaurants are responding to these consumer trends in innovative and unique ways; combining good, old-fashioned, farm-to-market principles with modern delivery mechanisms."

The study also focused on the adult beverage sector and determined the following five trends emerging in the coming year

1. Onsite barrel-aged drinks

2. Food-liquor/cocktail pairings

3. Culinary cocktails (e.g. savory, fresh ingredients)

4. Micro-distilled/artisan liquor

5. Locally produced spirits

On the economic side, the NRA's projections point to national restaurant sales topping $660 billion in the coming year. In New York State alone, sales are projected to be up $33,569,546 or approximately 3.9 percent beyond 2012.

"The New York State Restaurant Association has worked hard in recent years with Governor Cuomo and local leaders in New York City and across the state to improve the climate for restaurateurs, caterers and other hospitality professionals," said Holmes. "These numbers just out from the NRA's national research signals this work is beginning to get traction."

According to the NRA study, nationally, the restaurant industry represents 10 percent of the nation's workforce and will continue to drive new employment by creating 13.1 million positions in 2013. In New York State alone over the next ten years, the restaurant industry is projected to create approximately 50,600 jobs, a 6.7 percent increase in employment over the decade.

For further comment, please contact Colleen Holmes, 518-322-6624.

###

About the New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA)

The New York State Restaurant Association, founded in 1935, is the leading business association for the restaurant and hospitality industry in New York State. Comprised of more than 56,000 restaurants, bars, clubs, New York restaurants represent more than 628,000 employees and sales of approximately $27 billion - making it the cornerstone of the economy, career opportunities and community involvement. Along with the New York State Restaurant Association and New York State Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, NYSRA and its chapters work to represent, educate and promote the rapidly growing hospitality industry. For more information, visit our Web site at www.nysra.org.