Research carried out by Seatrade Cruise in 2022 indicated that the global food and beverage market is expected to be worth $8.9 trillion by 2026, with six leading cruise lines accounting for over $2 billion in food and beverage annually.
These findings headline the first Cruise Food and Beverage Trends E-Report published this week by Seatrade Cruise, in advance of the inaugural edition of F&B@Sea, (March 28-29, 2023), taking place alongside the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Fort Lauderdale (March 27-30, 2023).
The research data, which was collected by surveying F&B suppliers and cruise professionals responsible for food, beverage & hotel ops, reveals challenges impacting the sector as well as several key trends influencing shipboard drinking and dining.
Some of the top challenges to be solved for the multibillion-dollar cruise food and beverage industry, as denoted by survey participants, include inflation/price increases (78%), supply chain disruption (76%), as well as longer lead times for restocking/order fulfillment (44%).
Cruise vessel supply chains within the food and beverage segment are growing increasingly complex, as several in demand products prove difficult to procure and meet passenger expectations. Namely, seafood and eco-friendly packaging were identified as products in highest demand and lowest availability.
“Our detailed report findings present a unique opportunity for food and beverage suppliers to gain a glimpse into the abundant possibilities for growth within the cruise industry,” says Chiara Giorgi, Global Brand and Event Director for Seatrade Cruise. “Armed with invaluable insights and an informed perspective,
industry executives will find the perfect ecosystem for collaborating and connecting with cruise line decision makers at the inaugural F&B@Sea.”
The report also outlines top food and beverage trends in three priority sectors predicted to take off in 2023/2024:
EATS | Demand for sustainable dining is a common thread
• Local gastronomy reflective of cruise itineraries – 61%
• Sustainable seafood (aquatic food consumption has doubled since 1961) – 35%
• Meat substitutes – 24%
• Zero-waster cooking – 22%
As indicated in the report, the above are predicted to be more important than 1) “Instagramable” dining experiences and 2) cruelty-free produce
DRINKS | A thirst for more nutrition, and less libation
- Low to no alcohol beverages – 50%
• Craft-spirit fusions – 37%
• Health supplement drinks – 37%
TECH | Convenience is king
• Ordering/menu apps – 61%
• AI for predictive ordering and waste management – 43%
• Contactless ordering capabilities – 37%
The complete Cruise F&B Trends E-Report is available online at https://event.seatradecruiseevents.com/FB_Cruise_TrendsReport.
Seatrade Cruise’s first F&B@Sea event in 2023 will offer practical demos by top chefs and mixologists and other interactive content, and shed light on the issues raised within this survey.
The two-day experience catering to the cruise food and beverage community will take place March 28-29, 2023 at Port Everglades’ Terminal 2, in Fort Lauderdale, FL – in tandem with Seatrade Cruise Global (March 27-30, 2023). It is the world’s first event dedicated to cruise dining and drinking.
F&B@Sea was developed in close consultation with cruise lines, food and beverage stakeholders, and culinary leaders with support from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and industry consulting leader MarkeTeam.
More information about F&B@Sea is available at
