Band 7 Example
Question: What challenges do restaurants face when introducing foreign food to a new market?
Idea 1
Cultural Acceptance
Model Answer
One big challenge is getting people to try and like foreign food. Sometimes, the flavors are very different from what locals are used to, and they might not be willing to try it. Also, there can be stereotypes about certain cuisines that aren't very positive, which can discourage people from trying the food. Restaurants need to find a way to make their food appealing and educate people about what makes it special.
Idea 2
Sourcing Ingredients
Model Answer
Another challenge is finding the right ingredients to make authentic dishes. Often, specific ingredients are not available locally, or they are very expensive to import. This can make it hard to keep the food tasting consistent, especially if the restaurant has to find local substitutes that don't quite match the original flavor.
Idea 3
Competition
Model Answer
Restaurants also face tough competition from local eateries and other international cuisines. It can be hard to stand out in a market that already has well-established dining options. New foreign food restaurants need to work hard to build a customer base and find their niche among local and expatriate diners.
Idea 4
Regulatory Challenges
Model Answer
Dealing with local regulations can be tricky for foreign food restaurants. There are often many rules about food safety, business operations, and importing goods. It can be a lot for a new business to handle, especially if they're not familiar with the local system.