Food to go accounts for one-in-four out of home occasions

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Food to go continues to account for more than a quarter of out of home occasions, according to new data from Lumina Intelligence.

The latest quarterly update to the Lumina Intelligence UK Food To Go Market Report 2021 reveals that 28% of visits made to a foodservice operator in the 12 weeks to 5 September were consumed on the go.

This is down from one in three in the previous 12 weeks, reflecting that as restrictions have eased, consumers have moved more to on-premise drinking and dining.

The data shows that the vast majority (78%) of food-led food to go visits continue to include savoury food, with sandwiches, wraps and burgers dominating the market.

McDonald’s is the leading brand in food to go with a 10% share of occasions, with Greggs and Costa Coffee coming in second and third with a 9% share each; reflecting their strong presence across a diverse range of locations including suburban towns, travel hubs, commuter belt towns and city centres.

Katherine Prowse, senior insight manager at Lumina Intelligence said, “Despite restrictions easing and consumers returning to their favourite dine-in restaurants, pubs and cafes, food to go still accounts for over one-in-four out of home occasions. With the continuation of hybrid working and reduced city centre footfall, this highlights the resilience of the channel and the important role it continues to play in recovery.”

“Proximity, previous experiences and value for money are the key reasons driving consumers to choose a particular food to go outlet. Ease of ordering across the food to go channel is the area that satisfies consumers the most. Operators have continued investment in touchscreen and kiosk ordering and this will be a key driver for food to go growth.”

For more information of Lumina Intelligence’s UK Food To Go Market Report 2021 click here.