Consumer habits in choosing food have changed significantly after the pandemic. Today, customers are more careful in examining every ingredient contained in their menu choices.
The ease of access to information has made customers no longer easily trust sellers’ claims. Transparency regarding the origin of raw materials has become a key factor in determining the success of culinary businesses.
The Smart Consumer 2026 Phenomenon Demanding Product Transparency
Consumers in the era of open information are beginning to prioritize product safety over taste and price. They more frequently check the details of raw material origins listed on packaging labels.
Easy access to information through the internet has raised public evaluation standards significantly. Transparency has become the main capital for maintaining a restaurant’s reputation in the long term.
Customers have the right to accurate, honest, and non discriminatory information in accordance with Consumer Protection Law Number 8 of 1999. This serves as a reminder to always present accurate product data without concealing facts.
The Negative Impact of Boycotts on Culinary Brands That Ignore Transparency
Boycott movements have become a serious risk that can halt restaurant operations instantly. Rebuilding a damaged reputation requires significant time and much higher costs.
Housewives as primary household decision makers are very cautious when purchasing food for their families. They will switch to other brands if they feel misled about product contents.
This awareness aligns with the command in Surah Al Baqarah verse 168, which instructs people to consume what is halal and good. This spiritual foundation makes honesty in food composition a sensitive matter for the majority of consumers.
8 Key F&B Business Trends 2026 to Increase Customer Loyalty
Below are eight main pillars that will dominate the food and beverage industry in 2026.
1. Eco Friendly Packaging
Modern culinary businesses are moving away from single use plastics. Consumers increasingly value packaging that is biodegradable or recyclable.
This innovation strengthens brand image effectively. Businesses that care about environmental sustainability are seen as more valuable by the public. This also supports the government’s target of reducing marine plastic waste by 70 percent in accordance with Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation.
2. Hyper Personalization
Restaurants can now offer menus tailored to individual customer preferences. Customers feel valued when receiving recommendations suited to their personal conditions.
Utilizing customer order data helps create more personalized dining experiences, increasing repeat visits.
3. Storytelling Branding
The story behind a dish can be more memorable than the taste itself. Businesses can highlight the journey of local farmers in producing quality ingredients.
Honest narratives create emotional connections between customers and products, making customers proud to support positive business values.
4. Health Focused Menus
Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier menu options with lower sugar and salt content. Displaying calorie information helps customers make informed decisions.
Functional foods that support immunity will be highly sought after. Ensure all health claims are based on verifiable data, in line with Ministry of Health Regulation Number 30 of 2013 regarding sugar, salt, and fat labeling.
5. Omni channel Dining
The distinction between dine in and online ordering is fading. Customers expect seamless transitions across service channels.
Convenient digital payment systems play a major role in customer satisfaction. Service quality must remain consistent across all ordering channels.
6. Authenticity and Local Sourcing
Locally sourced ingredients provide freshness and traceability. Consumers feel safer consuming products with clear origins from local producers.
This approach reduces logistics costs and strengthens brand identity while supporting local economies. Unique and authentic flavors become competitive advantages.
7. Clean Label
Short and easy to understand ingredient lists are preferred by consumers. Avoid complex chemical names that may raise suspicion.
Transparency in food additives has become a new standard for product safety. Clean labeling is a strong foundation for building business integrity.
8. Integration of Halal and Quality
Halal certification is increasingly recognized as a global food safety standard. Certification issued by BPJPH, following halal audits conducted by Halal Inspection Bodies such as LPPOM, proves that products have passed strict quality control.
Official halal assurance provides peace of mind for all consumers. This level of transparency is becoming a fundamental requirement in 2026, as regulated under Law Number 33 of 2014 concerning Halal Product Assurance.
Ensuring Raw Material Quality Through Accurate Laboratory Testing
Businesses can independently submit raw material samples for laboratory testing to obtain valid proof of product purity. Simply contact the laboratory of Majelis Ulama Indonesia and send the samples for analysis.
Experts will detect the presence of porcine DNA using PCR methods capable of identifying contamination at very small levels. For liquid products, alcohol content will be measured precisely to ensure compliance with applicable standards.
After testing, businesses will receive official laboratory reports as scientific validation of product quality. These reports can be displayed to customers to enhance trust. All testing processes are accredited under ISO IEC 17025, ensuring international recognition.
Halal Restaurant Standards and Criteria for Selecting the Best Suppliers
Building a halal ecosystem begins with careful selection of suppliers. Businesses must verify supplier halal certificates against official databases to ensure authenticity.
Restaurants must also implement disciplined management systems to maintain consistent quality. Regarding this, Naomi Carissa Intaqta, S.TP, Acquisition Executive of LPPOM, explained during the Syawal Festival webinar titled “Boost Sales with Safe Ingredients, Legal Compliance, and Halal Certification!”
“The implementation of the Halal Product Assurance System ensures that every production process is protected from the risk of contamination by materials with unclear status.”
This system must comply with the Halal Product Assurance System SJPH criteria established by BPJPH.
How to Apply for Halal Certification Through LPPOM Before the October 2026 Deadline
Businesses can start by registering through the government’s SIHALAL portal. After that, select LPPOM as the Halal Inspection Body to conduct audits.
Prepare supporting documents such as the list of materials and product matrix before the audit schedule is determined. Working with professional teams will help ensure a smooth certification process.
This obligation is regulated under Government Regulation Number 39 of 2021 concerning the Implementation of Halal Product Assurance. Ensure your restaurant has official halal assurance to fully gain market trust.
Consult your business for free with the team from Majelis Ulama Indonesia at 14056 or via email at [email protected]. (TRAS Ed. YN)
