How do you track and forecast the demand and availability of seasonal ingredients?

1 Know your suppliers

The first step to tracking and forecasting seasonal ingredients is to establish a good relationship with your suppliers. Find out what they grow, when they harvest, and how they store and deliver their products. Ask them about their availability, quality, and price fluctuations throughout the year. Communicate your needs and expectations, and be flexible and adaptable to their supply conditions. You can also use online platforms, such as Local Harvest or Farm to Table, to find and connect with local and regional producers.

2 Use data and tools

The second step is to use data and tools to monitor and predict the demand and availability of seasonal ingredients. You can use your sales history, customer feedback, and market trends to identify which ingredients are popular, profitable, and in season. You can also use tools, such as MenuSano or Menu Profit Pro, to analyze your menu costs, margins, and profitability based on different ingredients and prices. These tools can help you adjust your menu items, portions, and prices according to the changing supply and demand of seasonal ingredients.

3 Plan ahead and diversify

The third step is to plan ahead and diversify your menu options. You can create a seasonal menu calendar, where you map out the ingredients, dishes, and specials that you will offer each month or week. You can also have a core menu, where you feature items that use ingredients that are available year-round or have a long shelf life, and a rotating menu, where you showcase items that use seasonal or limited ingredients. This way, you can balance your inventory, reduce waste, and offer variety to your customers.

4 Educate and engage your customers

The fourth step is to educate and engage your customers about the benefits and challenges of seasonal ingredients. You can use your menu descriptions, signage, website, social media, and staff training to inform and entice your customers about the freshness, flavor, quality, and sustainability of your seasonal offerings. You can also use promotions, discounts, loyalty programs, and events to encourage and reward your customers for trying your seasonal dishes. By creating a story and a connection around your seasonal ingredients, you can build customer loyalty and satisfaction.

5 Test and evaluate your menu

The fifth step is to test and evaluate your menu performance and customer feedback. You can use surveys, comment cards, online reviews, and social media to collect and analyze your customer feedback. You can also use sales reports, food costs, labor costs, and waste reports to measure and improve your menu efficiency and profitability. By testing and evaluating your menu regularly, you can identify what works and what doesn't, and make adjustments accordingly.

6 Stay updated and inspired

The sixth step is to stay updated and inspired by the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in seasonal menu development. You can follow industry publications, blogs, podcasts, and influencers to learn about new ingredients, techniques, recipes, and concepts. You can also network with other chefs, restaurateurs, suppliers, and experts to exchange ideas, insights, and advice. By staying updated and inspired, you can keep your menu fresh, relevant, and competitive.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?