The UK foodservice market faces challenges due to the cost-of-living crisis, with consumers cutting back on dining out and operators delaying investments. Despite challenges, opportunities exist for those who adapt to changing consumer needs.
Quality could well be the key to winning over diners in the UK. Over half of UK foodservice consumers and nearly two thirds of those over 45 prioritise high-quality food, creating a chance to win older diners with premium ingredients and well-prepared dishes.
Younger diners aged 16-44 focus on affordability, with over half valuing deals like 2-for-1 offers. Additionally, nearly a third of foodservice consumers and almost half of 16-34 year olds have redeemed restaurant app rewards in the past six months, underscoring their importance. Balancing the needs of quality-focused older diners and budget-conscious younger ones will be key to success.
Delivery-only takeaways are growing, with over four in ten of takeaway consumers participating and over a quarter showing interest. This offers opportunities for foodservice operators to expand via dark kitchens and virtual brands. In October 2024, Busaba partnered with Just Eat to launch home delivery, allowing more London customers to enjoy their authentic Thai dishes conveniently from home.
This Report focuses on the UK foodservice market, specifically exploring various types of eateries within full-service restaurants, limited-service restaurants (including QSR eg coffee shops, fast food outlets and takeaways), pubs and bars, contract caterers and nightclubs.
Mintel has revised its market size to provide a more complete picture of the overall health of the UK foodservice market for this year’s Report. The revision was conducted using a combination of improved methodology and resources, including the analysis of ONS consumer spending data and business activity data in addition to trade interviews, analysis of business results and Mintel consumer research findings. This allowed for a more comprehensive assessment of the size of the UK foodservice market, including the value of food and drink sales from events and catering – segments that were previously excluded.
Excluded:
This report was written by Trish Caddy, Associate Director – Foodservice at Mintel. Trish Caddy currently writes a range of UK foodservice reports and has been called upon by some of UK’s leading media to comment on key insights and trends shaping the UK eating-out market. Prior to joining Mintel, Trish worked as a chef in London.
Success in foodservice requires striking the right balance between offering premium quality for older diners and value-driven promotions for younger consumers.
Trish Caddy
Associate Director – Foodservice
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