New report provides key insights on pizza trends

Pizza Today has released its annual State of The Pizzeria Industry Report, providing pizza professionals with a comprehensive analysis of the market, including insights, issues and trends for 2023.

The magazine surveyed over 750 pizzeria owners from all 50 states to find out what is happening across America’s pizzerias.  According to Pizza Today, the pizzeria industry is thriving, with the market expected to increase by another $42.2 million by 2025.  The report states that an increase in sales can be attributed to several factors, including the growing popularity of plant-based toppings, pizzeria owners keeping up with the trends and styles and the increasing number of consumers opting for pizza as a convenient meal option.

New York-style pizza remains the most popular pizza in the country, with a close second being Chicago thin. Pizza Today has identified three styles to keep an eye on this year and beyond: Detroit, Deep Dish and Sicilian.

“This report provides a deep and insightful look at the current state of the pizza industry and offers valuable advice and guidance for pizzeria owners and operators,” says Jeremy White, editor-in-chief of Pizza Today. “With 65% of consumers saying their pizza consumption will remain the same next year and 18% saying it will increase slightly, I am confident that this report will help others in the industry succeed and thrive in today's competitive market.”

The increasing use of technology is having a tremendous effect on the pizzeria industry. Technology plays an important role in how pizzerias do business, from online ordering and delivery systems to kitchen automation and point-of-sale systems, and this trend is expected to accelerate in the coming years, as more and more pizzeria owners look to streamline their operations and improve their bottom line.

As consumers become more adventurous in their food choices, pizzeria owners are responding by offering a wider range of toppings and flavor combinations. Thirty-one percent of consumers want organic ingredients, while 22 percent want restaurants to offer plant-based items.

Consumers are also looking for more accessibility and convenience. Forty-two percent prefer an online ordering system where they can track their pizza order, and 38 percent want curbside pickup availability. Additionally, 23 percent of American consumers would like to order pizza from their smart TV, a 20 percent increase from 2020.

The International Pizza Expo & Conference is set to take place on March 28-30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Thousands of professionals will come together to network with top suppliers, join educational sessions taught by industry leaders and participate in national pizza competitions.