UK foodservice market on target for growth in 2016, says research
Sales of food and drink through the UK’s foodservice sector were worth some £10.8 billion in the first quarter of 2016, up 2.3% on the same quarter last year, according to foodservice consultancy Horizons.
Trading in the second quarter of the year is expected to see a 2.1% rise on the previous year, with sales worth £12.4 billion.
Speaking as the company launched a new report on the foodservice market, Horizons’ managing director Peter Backman said that 2016 was likely to finish showing slightly lower growth than 2015 at around 1.8%.
“Our consumer research* shows that frequency of eating out is now at 2.04 times in a two-week period, although average spend is down to £14.07. Brexit and the National Minimum Wage are both causing uncertainty but UK operators have already proved how versatile and adaptable they can be by embracing new food trends and keeping consumers dining out. The fact there was growth in Q1 demonstrates this resilience.”
Horizons has this week launched The Foodservice Market, an annual report offering an overview of the sector looking at the size, growth and key market drivers.
The report is aimed at suppliers to the sector, new operators coming into the market or anyone wanting to update their knowledge of this fast-moving industry.
“We issue various publications offering an in-depth view of aspects of the market but we realised there was a need for a report that pulls together all the changes and trends we are noting and researching, giving a comprehensive overview of the sector,” said Backman.
