Market Trends of united kingdom full service restaurants Industry
Italian cuisine gains traction in the United Kingdom, driven by demand for cosmopolitan cuisines
- Around 35,129 full service restaurants were operating within the United Kingdom in 2022, down from 42,070 in 2021. In addition to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, the technology industry is also evolving rapidly. Restaurants may revolve around good quality food and service, but technology also plays a significant role in the foodservice market. For example, in 2020, QR codes became far more filtered into the mainstream restaurant market. Over 84% of UK citizens have used a QR code to pay for a meal, establishing their presence as a staple in restaurant payment options. This trend grew in 2022 and will further play an important role in the growth of full service restaurants.
- European cuisine held a major market share of 46.9% of the full service market in 2022. Italian cuisine is becoming more common among consumers around the country. The demand for cosmopolitan cuisines, vibrant ingredients, and less sugary desserts is rising. In 2020, an average of 88 g of pizza was consumed per person per week in the United Kingdom. Some popular Italian dishes in the country are pastas, tomato sauces, pesto, Prosciutto di Parma, Prosciutto San Daniele, and Prosecco. Likewise, many Italian cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Mascarpone, and mozzarella, are also popular.
- Independent restaurants held a major share of 67.6% of the full service market in 2022. In the United Kingdom, small, independently-run restaurants continue to trade and thrive. In contrast to the impersonal franchises, the proprietors of these small businesses frequently designate comfortable corners where customers may gather, mingle, and enjoy a meal in casual and frequently homely conditions. Tourists visit local restaurants to explore the culture of the region.
Demand for full service restaurants to grow in the United Kingdom, driven by consumer preferences for innovation and local cuisines
- The demand for full service restaurants is expected to increase due to changes in consumer behavior and demand for local cuisines. Consumers, at present, are looking for innovation in food and technology. Around 40% of restaurant consumers are comfortable dining out regardless of contactless payment options, but 56% of restaurant consumers say that such options are of importance to them. In 2022, popular dishes in the country included lamb chops, chicken/lamb biryani, salmon sashimi, and falafel, priced at USD 14.5, USD 12.5, USD 7.2, and USD 7.1 per 300 g, respectively. The demand for innovation and customization in food menus will fuel the full service market's growth.
- As Latin American cuisine has become so popular, restaurants offering Mexican cuisine have increased the variety of dishes they offer. Due to the increasing demand, many Mexican restaurants are increasingly offering a variety of specialized tacos, quesadillas, burritos, and nachos on their menus. Popular Mexican dishes, including falafel and hummus, were priced at USD 5.4 and 7.2, respectively, per 300 g in the country. Operators will have to compete for the most compelling offerings due to the shift in consumer demand. The average order value for FSR was priced at USD 21.45 in 2022. The demand for full service restaurants in the United Kingdom is a growing premiumization trend, and there is an increasing demand for various international cuisines by tourists. The number of overseas visits to the United Kingdom totaled nearly 30 million in 2022, increasing by over 20 million from 2021. In the country, the most popular international cuisines are Chinese, Indian, and Mexican cuisines. Chinese cuisines were most popular in cities like Glasgow, London, Birmingham, Belfast, and Cardiff.