Foodservice Network lists ten of the most popular tweets on foodservice critics in Q3 2020 based on data from GlobalData’s Influencer Platform.

The top tweets were chosen from influencers as tracked by GlobalData’s Influencer Platform, which is based on a scientific process that works on pre-defined parameters. Influencers are selected after a deep analysis of the influencer’s relevance, network strength, engagement, a

Top tweets on foodservice critics in Q3 2020

1. Michael Greger, M.D.’s tweet on the importance of good bacteria

Michael Greger, M.D., a physician and author, shared a video on how good bacteria that are present in our body live in symbiosis with the body. They are nourished by the fruits and vegetables that we consume. Bad bacteria, however, are propagated by meat, junk food, seafood, dairy and eggs, and may contribute to disease.

A strict vegetarian diet can help in improving the good bacteria, while decreasing the bad bacteria. The good bacteria also help in decreasing inflammation in the small intestines thereby improving metabolic and immunological parameters in the body. Animal-based diets increase the bad bacteria resulting in ailments such as bowel disease, the video highlighted.

Username: Michael Greger, M.D.

Twitter handle: @nutrition_facts

Retweets: 127

Likes: 327

2. Arnaldo Lorençato’s tweet on new outlet opened by La Guapa coffee chain

Arnaldo Lorençato, senior editor at Veja São Paulo magazine, a weekly news magazine in Brazil, tweeted on a new outlet opened by the La Guapa coffee chain in Tatuapé, in São Paulo, Brazil. The article noted that the new outlet was opened despite the pandemic and has become popular among the residents in the neighbourhood.

The new outlet spans 180m2 and can accommodate 61 people, however, due to Covid-19 restrictions, a maximum of 25 people can only be allowed. La Guapa plans to open more stores in 2021 in the interior parts of the state.

Username: Arnaldo Lorençato

Twitter handle: @Alorencato

Retweets: 23

Likes: 238

3. Katy McGuinness’ tweet on salmon farming and its repercussions

Katy McGuinness, a restaurant critic, shared an article on how salmon farming is creating environmental problems. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), more protein needs to be produced to feed the growing population in the world. Majority of this protein needed to be produced from the sea as agriculture is not able to sustain production, adds the FAO.

The fish industry has turned to fish farming to produce the required protein. Fish farming, however, is resulting in a host of new problems including the generation of large quantities of waste, farmed fish mixing with wild fish and high cost. While fish farming is beneficial for several reasons, it also poses risks that need to be addressed, the article highlighted.

Username: Katy McGuinness

Twitter handle: @katymcguinness

Retweets: 16

Likes: 172

4. Lucinda O’Sullivan’s tweet on use of face shield in restaurants

Lucinda O’Sullivan, a restaurant and travel critic, tweeted on how all restaurants that she has visited recently are using only face shields without a mask. She noted that face shield alone does not protect from contracting infection.

In fact, the face shield can carry the wearer’s germs towards a customer when they are seated. She added that face shield should be worn along with a mask or a mask alone should be worn.

Username: Lucinda O’Sullivan

Restaurant/Travel/Critic

Twitter handle: @LucindasIreland

Retweets: 38

Likes: 166

5. Vir Sanghvi’s tweet on small and artisanal brands emerging amidst the Covid-19 lockdown

Vir Sanghvi, a journalist and TV anchor, shared his Rude Food column on how small and artisanal brands have emerged during the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the Covid-19 disease in India. From HMan, a barbeque, to Chubby Cheeks, an artisanal ice cream brand, Sanghvi lists several new and small players who have entered the market.

Sanghvi noted that there are several new and emerging brands in the food and beverage sector. Majority of these brands often do not get the recognition they deserve but the lockdown has increased focus on such players, he added.

Username: vir sanghvi

Twitter handle: @virsanghvi

Retweets: 30

Likes: 154

6. Kim Severson’s tweet on inmates of a Michigan prison preparing food to celebrate the life of George Floyd

Kim Severson, food correspondent for The New York Times, shared an article on how inmates of the Muskegon Correctional Facility in Michigan found a way to join the protests that broke out in the US against the murder of George Floyd.

The inmates are not allowed to protest hence decided to cook a meal for 50 inmates to celebrate the life of George Floyd and silently protest. They made use of a microwave, plastic knives and empty popcorn bags to prepare a meal, which was appreciated by all. All the inmates also shared their views on racism and police brutality, and the need to address these issues.

Username: Kim Severson

Twitter handle: @kimseverson

Retweets: 57

Likes: 137

7. Pete Wells’ tweet on butter sculpting at Minnesota State Fair

Pete Wells, a restaurant critic for The New York Times, shared an article on how the Minnesota State Fair was cancelled due to the pandemic but the sculpting of the 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, a butter sculpting event, will be livestreamed.

Fans were disappointed when the fair, which is a tradition since 1859, was cancelled. The carving event has been a regular event since 1965 to highlight the fact that the state is the biggest producer of butter. It was livestreamed on the Princess Kay Facebook page.

Username: Pete Wells

Twitter handle: @pete_wells

Retweets: 18

Likes: 115

8. Ryan Sutton’s tweet on New York City’s new indoor dining rules

Ryan Sutton, chief food critic for Eater NY, a website providing food news and dining information for New York City, shared his article on indoor dining rules in the city. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced indoor dining was returning soon as the hospitality industry was severely impacted by the pandemic.

The article noted that amid the current pandemic indoor dining is not safe. According to a study from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people are more likely to contract coronavirus when dining at a restaurant. Measures such as climate controlled environment and space between tables are being implemented but operating with fewer tables and shorter tables may not be profitable, the article noted.

Username: ryan sutton

Twitter handle: @qualityrye

Retweets: 37

Likes: 81

9. Robert Sietsema’s tweet on Chinese restaurants in New York City

Robert Sietsema, a restaurant critic at Eater, a website providing food news and dining information across the US, shared his article on 38 Chinese restaurants in New York City that are open and operating amid the pandemic.

Delivery and take-out business for smaller establishments has returned for some, while others have developed curb side dining areas to keep operations running. The list includes The Handpulled Noodle on Broadway, Atlas Kitchen on 109th Street and Xi’an Famous Foods on 78th Street among others.

Username: Robert Sietsema

Twitter handle: @robertsietsema

Retweets: 11

Likes: 64

10. Marion Nestle’s tweet on Coronavirus marketing exploitation

Marion Nestle, Paulette Goddard Professor of Nutrition at the Department of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at New York University, shared an article on marketing exploitation amid the coronavirus pandemic. Lay’s, a potato chip maker, introduced four new flavours inspired from international destinations to appeal to people craving for both food and travel.

The company introduced a marketing ploy by not selling these flavours in stores but asking anyone interested in tasting these flavours to reply to their social media posts, on which country they world they would like to visit. Chosen winners will be shipped a bag from the country of their choice.

Username: Marion Nestle

Twitter handle: @marionnestle

Retweets: 20

Likes: 62