How Global AFH innovators are responding to 2026’s biggest trends

As the Away From Home (AFH) market continues to evolve at pace, operators worldwide are demonstrating remarkable agility in responding to economic pressures, shifting consumer needs and rapid technological acceleration. IGD’s latest Q1 2026 global inspiration report brings together the most innovative concepts shaping the future of AFH across all nine sectors, highlighting early signals, best‑in‑class examples and the trends that will define the year ahead. Read the full report here.

Four trends shaping AFH in 2026

We have identified global case studies that align with our four key trends for 2026.  These cases can help operators, manufacturers, and wholesalers identify and develop new solutions to address these emerging trends.

1. Affordable & accessible

Operators are re-engineering formats, menus and service models to offer value and convenience without compromising experience. Examples include:

• Restaurant‑to‑vending brand extensions, such as California Pizza Kitchen’s move into 2,000 smart fridges across the U.S:

• Robotic and automated food production, enabling low‑capex expansion and 24/7 accessibility.

• Streamlined omnichannel models where brands blend delivery, kiosks and physical stores to maximise reach.

• Digital tools to drive operational efficiencies back of house throughout the supply chain.

2. Enhanced experiences

With experience now a key differentiator, brands are using technology, environment design and storytelling to elevate occasions.

• Science‑backed store design, applying behavioural principles to shape emotional connections and increase sales, as seen at the new Gloria Jean stores in Australia:

• Multi‑zone experiential dining, where guests journey through different restaurant spaces.

• Transport hubs broadening and elevating the dining offer to span all missions from artisan bakeries to cocktail bars

• Brand refreshes, to extend formats and appeal to a more diverse customer base.#

3. Sustainability simplified

Operators are implementing practical net-zero solutions with measurable impacts.

• Smart cup return systems using RFID for frictionless recycling have been introduced at Edgbaston stadium:

• Hotel‑level water recycling systems, including on‑site purification for irrigation

• Indoor growing systems enabling ultra‑fresh herbs and reduced food waste in professional kitchens.

• Digital procurement tools giving chefs live CO₂ reporting and real‑time price tracking.

4. Health as a lifestyle driver

Health is shifting from a goal to a lifestyle, prompting operators to offer transparent, well-defined benefits.

• Protein‑boosted menus and beverages across QSR and coffee chains, such as Dunkin’s newly released protein refreshers:

• GLP 1 aligned portions, giving consumers more choice and better price points.

• Zero‑alcohol social experiences, offering consumers inclusive spaces without compromising on occasion.

• Wellness‑centric hotel stays, integrating wellbeing, local sourcing and immersive programming.

5. The rise of technology

AI, robotics and automation now sit firmly at the core of future‑proof operating models. Across sectors, operators are using tech to solve long‑term issues around cost, labour and complexity. These technologies are no longer experimental, they’re accelerating into scalable, commercially viable solutions:

• AI voice ordering and virtual assistants reduce friction and improve accuracy.

• Smart kitchens and energy‑efficient equipment are being trialled in pubs and hospitality formats.

• Robotic baristas and fully automated production are going mainstream in both workplace and retail settings.

• AI menu planning tools are helping caterers manage inventory, allergens, sustainability and customer preferences in real time.

AFH subscribers can view our full report: Global inspiration in away from home Q1 ‘26, to see all 34 global examples.

For non-subscribers a summary highlights deck is available here