The Canadian foodservice market continues to grow. Here are five leading Canadian foodservice trends from Technomic.

"U.S. operators are certainly looking at Canada as an area for potential growth. But to be successful they will need to do more than take a cookie-cutter approach to the Canadian marketplace," says Technomic EVP Darren Tristano. "There are distinct differences in consumer attitudes and behaviors between the U.S. and Canada, and those play out every day in the way that trends take shape and establish themselves in each country."

Here are five of Technomic's top 10 Canadian foodservice trends.

1. Staying Local: Farm-to-Table Initiatives Sprout Up

Restaurants will increasingly source their ingredients from local vendors in 2011. Operators with local ingredients on their menus are able to respond to consumer demand for local items, while providing fresh, high-quality fare and supporting their local economies.

2. U.S. Chains Eye Canadian Border

Canadians' growing interest in more food options is encouraging U.S.-based chains to expand north. The Canadian market appeals to U.S. chains because it is not yet saturated, and close proximity makes it easy for U.S. companies to develop and manage Canadian operations.

3. Food Trucks Roll Out Portable, Ethnic Foods

Food trucks are rolling out across the country. These trucks are diversifying the foodservice landscape of Canadian cities with their selections of convenient, portable foods sold at affordable prices. Look for menu trends taking shape in food trucks to appear on the menus of traditional brick-and-mortar restaurants.

4. Healthier Ingredients Integrated into Indulgent Diets

Canadians will continue to seek out more healthful versions of their favorite comfort foods. Choosing indulgent foods with nutritious ingredients will allow consumers to feel less guilty about eating the foods they love. It is up to restaurant operators to find just the right balance between indulgence and health on their menus.

5. Fast-Casual Growth Accelerates