Food to go is becoming increasingly popular among younger consumers according to the latest research from M&C Allegra Foodservice.
The Food To Go Tracker Q3 2015 shows the proportion of food to go customers aged 18 to 34 has increased by three percentage points compared to the same period in 2014.
The latest breakdown of food to consumers shows 9% are 18-24; 26% are 25 to 34; 31% are 35 to 49 and 34% are over 50. The figures for the total eating out market show 6% are under 24, 18% between 25 and 34; 27% 35-49 and 49% over 50.
The latest research shows growth in the sector driven both by higher spend and more visits.
UK adults now make an average 6.1 food to go purchases per month, up from 5.9 in Q3 2014. Average food to go spend rose in all day parts year on year except for lunch.
Snacking is key for food to go, accounting for half of all purchases. The increase in frequency has been driven in-part by snack occasions, which are up from an average of 3.1 to 3.3 per head per month since the same period last year. Growth has also occurred in food to go breakfast visits, which are bought once per month on average and now account for 17% of visits up slightly from 16% last year.
The Top 10 Food To Go players for share of visits operate from a range of segments including bakery (Greggs), fast food (McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King), coffee shops (Costa and Starbucks) and grocery retailers (Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S and Co-op). The fast food, sandwich retailer and supermarket to-go channels over-index on food to go visits, but half of the Top 10 operators, mostly from these channels, have lost market share to smaller players since Q3 2014.
The report looks at key performance indicators for the top brands, breaks down demographics of customers and looks at the top food and drink items consumed on food to go visits and where they were purchased.
To find out more contact Richard Hayman on richard.hayman@mcallegra-fs.com .
