United Kingdom Food Service Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032

United Kingdom Food Service Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032


Market Outlook

According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the United Kingdom food service market size reached a value of around USD 91.80 billion in 2023. Aided by evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements, the market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.90% between 2024 and 2032 to reach a value of nearly USD 182.24 billion by 2032.

The food service sector in the United Kingdom encompasses a wide range of establishments providing meals served outside the home, including restaurants, cafes, fast-food joints, catering services, and mobile food services. This market has been characterised by a dynamic shift in how food is delivered and consumed, influenced by rapid technological innovations, changing dietary preferences, and the increasing importance of sustainability.

The growing consumer awareness regarding health and wellness has significantly impacted the United Kingdom food service market growth. Consumers are increasingly seeking options that are not only nutritious but also contribute to their overall well-being. Many establishments now offer gluten-free, keto, vegan, and vegetarian options to cater to diverse dietary preferences. There is a higher demand for transparency about ingredients, with consumers wanting to know the nutritional content and the origin of the food they consume.

Technological integration has transformed the operational dynamics of the food service sector in the UK. The adoption of mobile ordering apps and online platforms has streamlined operations and enhanced customer convenience, leading to increased sales. As per the United Kingdom food service market analysis, restaurants and food services are incorporating automation in cooking and delivery processes. For example, robotic chefs and drones for food delivery are becoming more prevalent, reducing labour costs and improving efficiency.

There is a shift towards using locally sourced ingredients, which not only supports local farmers but also reduces carbon footprints. Food services are implementing more robust waste management practices, such as composting and recycling, to minimise their environmental impact.

As per the United Kingdom food service market outlook, the line between dining and entertainment is blurring, with consumers looking for an enhanced dining experience. More restaurants are offering unique and immersive dining experiences that combine food with entertainment, such as themed decor or live performances. Services like meal kits and ready-to-cook meals delivered at home are gaining popularity, offering restaurant-quality options for time-pressed consumers.

The concept of ghost kitchens (kitchens that only prepare food for delivery, without a dine-in option) has proliferated in the UK, especially in urban areas, which further boosts the United Kingdom food service market development. Ghost kitchens do not require prime real estate or front-of-house staff, significantly reducing operational costs. They can quickly adapt to changing consumer preferences or experiment with new cuisines without the risk associated with full-scale restaurants.

The food service market is recognising the importance of employee satisfaction and wellbeing, which impacts service quality and customer satisfaction. Many businesses are improving work conditions by offering competitive wages, flexible hours, and career development opportunities. Enhanced health benefits and support for mental health in the United Kingdom food service market are becoming more common, improving staff retention and attracting talent.

Restaurants are increasingly using multiple channels to engage with customers beyond the traditional dining experience. Leveraging platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase menu items and special offers encourages engagement and drives foot traffic. Implementing interactive technologies, such as AR menus or apps that allow customers to customise dishes, enhances the dining experience and customer involvement. These trends are influencing the United Kingdom food service market expansion, driving innovation and offering new opportunities for growth and development.

Market Segmentation

The market can be divided based on sector, systems, and restaurants.

Market Breakup by Sector
  • Commercial
  • Non-Commercial
Market Breakup by Systems
  • Conventional Foodservice System
  • Centralised Foodservice System
  • Ready Prepared Foodservice System
  • Assembly-Serve Foodservice System
Market Breakup by Restaurants
  • Fast Food Restaurants
  • Full-Service Restaurants
  • Limited-Service Restaurants
  • Special Food Services Restaurants
Competitive Landscape

The EMR report looks into the market shares, plant turnarounds, capacities, investments, and mergers and acquisitions, among other major developments, of the leading companies operating in the United Kingdom food service market. Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:
  • McDonald's Corporation
  • Domino's Pizza Inc.
  • Yum! Brands
  • Greggs plc
  • Nando's
  • Starbucks Corporation
  • Costa Limited
  • Baskin-Robbins, Inc
  • Restaurant Brands International, Inc.
  • Supermacs
  • Others
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*We at Expert Market Research always strive to provide you with the latest information. The numbers in the article are only indicative and may be different from the actual report.


1 Preface
2 Report Coverage – Key Segmentation and Scope
3 Report Description
3.1 Market Definition and Outlook
3.2 Properties and Applications
3.3 Market Analysis
3.4 Key Players
4 Key Assumptions
5 Executive Summary
5.1 Overview
5.2 Key Drivers
5.3 Key Developments
5.4 Competitive Structure
5.5 Key Industrial Trends
6 Market Snapshot
7 Opportunities and Challenges in the Market
8 Global Food Service Market Overview
8.1 Key Industry Highlights
8.2 Global Food Service Historical Market (2018-2023)
8.3 Global Food Service Market Forecast (2024-2032)
8.4 Global Food Service Market Share by Region
8.4.1 North America
8.4.2 Europe
8.4.3 Asia Pacific
8.4.4 Latin America
8.4.5 Middle East and Africa
9 United Kingdom Food Service Market Overview
9.1 Key Industry Highlights
9.2 United Kingdom Food Service Historical Market (2018-2023)
9.3 United Kingdom Food Service Market Forecast (2024-2032)
10 United Kingdom Food Service Market by Sector
10.1 Commercial
10.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
10.1.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
10.2 Non-Commercial
10.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
10.2.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
11 United Kingdom Food Service Market by Systems
11.1 Conventional Foodservice System
11.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
11.1.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
11.2 Centralised Foodservice System
11.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
11.2.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
11.3 Ready Prepared Foodservice System
11.3.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
11.3.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
11.4 Assembly-Serve Foodservice System
11.4.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
11.4.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
12 United Kingdom Food Service Market by Restaurants
12.1 Fast Food Restaurants
12.1.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
12.1.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
12.2 Full-Service Restaurants
12.2.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
12.2.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
12.3 Limited-Service Restaurants
12.3.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
12.3.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
12.4 Special Food Services Restaurants
12.4.1 Historical Trend (2018-2023)
12.4.2 Forecast Trend (2024-2032)
13 Market Dynamics
13.1 SWOT Analysis
13.1.1 Strengths
13.1.2 Weaknesses
13.1.3 Opportunities
13.1.4 Threats
13.2 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
13.2.1 Supplier’s Power
13.2.2 Buyer’s Power
13.2.3 Threat of New Entrants
13.2.4 Degree of Rivalry
13.2.5 Threat of Substitutes
13.3 Key Indicators for Demand
13.4 Key Indicators for Price
14 Competitive Landscape
14.1 Market Structure
14.2 Company Profiles
14.2.1 McDonald's Corporation
14.2.1.1 Company Overview
14.2.1.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.1.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.1.4 Certifications
14.2.2 Domino's Pizza Inc.
14.2.2.1 Company Overview
14.2.2.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.2.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.2.4 Certifications
14.2.3 Yum! Brands
14.2.3.1 Company Overview
14.2.3.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.3.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.3.4 Certifications
14.2.4 Greggs plc
14.2.4.1 Company Overview
14.2.4.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.4.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.4.4 Certifications
14.2.5 Nando's
14.2.5.1 Company Overview
14.2.5.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.5.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.5.4 Certifications
14.2.6 Starbucks Corporation
14.2.6.1 Company Overview
14.2.6.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.6.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.6.4 Certifications
14.2.7 Costa Limited
14.2.7.1 Company Overview
14.2.7.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.7.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.7.4 Certifications
14.2.8 Baskin-Robbins, Inc
14.2.8.1 Company Overview
14.2.8.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.8.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.8.4 Certifications
14.2.9 Restaurant Brands International, Inc.
14.2.9.1 Company Overview
14.2.9.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.9.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.9.4 Certifications
14.2.10 Supermacs
14.2.10.1 Company Overview
14.2.10.2 Product Portfolio
14.2.10.3 Demographic Reach and Achievements
14.2.10.4 Certifications
14.2.11 Others
15 Key Trends and Developments in the Market
List of Key Figures and Tables
1. Global Food Service Market: Key Industry Highlights, 2018 and 2032
2. United Kingdom Food Service Market: Key Industry Highlights, 2018 and 2032
3. United Kingdom Food Service Historical Market: Breakup by Sector (USD Million), 2018-2023
4. United Kingdom Food Service Market Forecast: Breakup by Sector (USD Million), 2024-2032
5. United Kingdom Food Service Historical Market: Breakup by System (USD Million), 2018-2023
6. United Kingdom Food Service Market Forecast: Breakup by system (USD Million), 2024-2032
7. United Kingdom Food Service Historical Market: Breakup by Restaurant (USD Million), 2018-2023
8. United Kingdom Food Service Market Forecast: Breakup by Restaurant (USD Million), 2024-2032
9. United Kingdom Food Service Market Structure

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