According to recent data, the number of out-of-home eating occasions remained consistent with the previous year, based on a 52 week/MAT basis. However, in the latest 12 week period, there was a notable growth of +4% in out-of-home eating occasions compared to the equivalent period in 2022.
Breaking down the statistics further, it is evident that total food to go occasions experienced a +4% growth in the latest 12 weeks. This growth was primarily driven by various sectors including discounters (+27%), multiples (+10%), independent convenience stores (+10%), high street (+7%), and fast food & takeaways (+6%). On the other hand, forecourts (-13%), transportation sites (-8%), sandwich shops and specialists (-4%), and coffee shops and cafés (-1%) all experienced declines, while workplace remained static.
In terms of sales, there was an increase of +7% in value sales on a 52 week/MAT basis, and a +9% increase in the 12-week ending period compared to 2022.
Tom Fender, the development director at TWC, commented on these results stating, “It is really encouraging to see out of home eating occasions back in growth this period, not just in value but also in terms of the number of occasions, which were up +4% in the latest 12 weeks (vs. year ago).” He further mentioned the strong performance of independent convenience stores, which exhibited a +10% growth in the 12-week ending period, aligning with the success of multiples in outperforming the market for some time.
The prevailing consumer preferences indicate that “something quick and easy” and “regular favorite” missions are the winning factors, implying that consumers prioritize convenience and familiarity over taking risks. While “something inexpensive” remains in year-on-year growth, it is not driving the market as significantly as it did a few months ago.
The shift away from the sector being solely driven by value presents opportunities for suppliers and operators and aligns with the gradual improvement in consumer confidence, as reported by GFK.
To summarize the key figures, the latest 52-week data shows that there were 3.632 billion out-of-home eating occasions in Great Britain, remaining consistent with the previous year’s figure of 3.641 billion. However, in the latest 12-week ending period, there was a +4% increase, totaling to 861 million occasions compared to 828 million in the same period last year.
In terms of value, the total out-of-home GB value increased by +7% on a 52 week/MAT basis, reaching £22.062 billion compared to £20.558 billion in the previous year. For the 12-week ending period, there was a +9% growth, amounting to £5.389 billion, surpassing the £4.958 billion figure of the same period in 2022.