Eating out on increase in UK

Eurofood, Dec 3, 1998

By 2020 Britons are likely to spend more money on eating out than on food they eat at home, following a trend already well established across the Atlantic. A new report by industry analysts Foodservice Intelligence cites similarities between the North American and British markets, and indicates that the former is typically 25 years ahead of the latter when it comes to eating-out trends. US citizens currently spend 52.7% of their food dollars on eating out, having risen from 39.2% in 1977.

While an economic recession could slow growth in the eating-out sector, the catering market is likely to continue as a major force due to changes in lifestyle. These changes include a more relaxed attitude to eating out, longer working hours and a move away from the traditional family meal. The report predicts that the catering market will become increasingly powerful, gradually assuming a position from which they call challenge the retailers who have had a major hold on the food market over the last few years. It is already apparent that many retailers are responding to this challenge by. offering more ready meals and other innovations such as fresh cooked chicken.

"Catering Forecasts 1999" See back page for report details.