Background

Following the success of the first survey completed this spring, Deloitte, together with BDRC Continental, are pleased to present the second edition of the Taste of the Nation.

The report continues to track the trends and patterns of consumers' going out habits, and sheds light on the size of the market and its opportunities. By comparing the data with that obtained earlier this year, we have been able to start building a picture of evolving consumer eating and drinking habits on a regional level, as well as by a range of demographics and sub-sectors.

Key findings

  • The average UK consumer goes out for food and drink 19.7 times per month, which is 9% higher than previously predicted;
  • Consumers are expecting to go out 1.4% less in the coming months;
  • Generation Y have driven the recent increase, currently going out 23% more than our last survey and almost twice as often as Generation X;
  • Males continue to dominate the market and go out over 50% more than their female counterparts, particularly for drink-led occasions. Men are forecasting an overall decrease in going out over the coming months, whilst women expect their going out occasions to increase;
  • Our predictions surrounding visits to fine dining restaurants and clubs have materialised, but occasions are expected to stabilise in the future;
  • Coffee and sandwich outlets are expected to experience increased visits for food in the next six months;
  • Londoners go out over a third more than the next highest region, reflecting the range of outlets available and the strong going out culture in the capital;
  • Average spend per head increased by £0.40 (3%) overall, suggesting that consumer resilience extends beyond going out occasions and to actual spending whilst at the destination;
  • Vouchers and onsite deals have proved an effective tactic for attracting new custom and increasing overall going out activity, particularly for Generation Y
  • Nearly one in five consumers would stop visiting outlets they currently used if vouchers were no longer provided.

Taste of the nation - Still going out (PDF)

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