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Food To Go

Food To Go
Posted in: Industry Insight

Food To Go

In March, our Insights Manager, Anna Clapson, attended the MCA Food to Go conference. This was an opportunity to get a current look at the market including an inside scoop on the upcoming market trends and how we will see the market develop. The conference reviewed grab and go food, takeaway and delivery options with updated consumer insight, which will determine where the industry is set to go over the next few years.

Sector outlook

Following the COVID-19 pandemic having such a significant impact on the UK food-to-go market, we have seen an increase in the FTG market share, mainly due to many staying at home through lockdowns. As dine in was no longer an option, takeaway and delivery became more popular. Now that restrictions have eased and customers have returned into stores again, we have seen a change in their tastes and how food providers operate i.e., with quick grab and go options becoming a preferable choice. The food-to-go market is predicted to hold over 23.5% total market share by 2025.

Drivers for market growth


The two key drivers for growth within the market are:
• Delivery
• Expansion

The development of food delivery services and the convenience it brings with it has resulted in it becoming a popular option among consumers - even post lockdown. We are seeing the expansion of product ranges and the variety of products on offer grow exponentially to cater to varying needs and dietary requirements.  

Trends

Premiumisation- brands have nearly doubled new product offerings which hold an average price of over £4 since 2020 -most of which tend to feature healthy ingredients and vegan offerings. 

Rise of dietary requirements –  over a third of food-to-go consumers describe themselves as flexitarian. The majority of consumers in the market are more likely to be non-drinkers, vegetarians and non-dairy. As a result, we are seeing the expansion of product ranges that include a larger variety of vegan items to cater to the demand. 

Health Values –in comparison to average eating and drinking out consumers (where we are seeing ‘indulgence’ become popular trend within this market), food-to-go consumers are more likely to align with health-led values. Messaging on packaging and advertising of the products is developed around promoting healthy ingredients to align with the active, healthy lifestyle of consumers.

 

“This sector is seeing strong growth, with FTG having a £1.7 billion forecasted growth by 2025. Due to the nature of this sector and its key traits i.e typically low-ticket items, accessibility on the go, use of technology and key locations/expansions – these traits allow it to appeal to many consumers with different needs across different dayparts.

The conference was extremely insightful – from the sessions reporting on market outlook and trends to hearing from UK FTG leaders talking through their strategies and key focuses for the next few years.”

Anna Clapson

Insights Manager

 

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