Food ‘pleasure seekers’, app usage and coffee appreciation are three areas set to change the face of workplace catering over the next five years, according to a report commissioned by BaxterStorey, the UK’s leading independent foodservice provider.
Released at the company’s ‘Food Journey’ event held at the Gherkin, the report aims to identify key trends emerging amongst consumers who eat at their workplaces, providing businesses with insight to shape and develop their staff dining environments.
The research, carried out by M&C Allegra on behalf of BaxterStorey, found that growth in the foodservice sector (which has grown 3% since last year, taking the total value to £4.1bn in the UK) is being fuelled by more consumers eating out more frequently.
Changing demands
According to the findings, the fastest growing segments in the market are new style ‘fast food’, and street food concepts, with turnover growth of 17.3% and 13.4% respectively in 2015. These demonstrate consumers’ changing demands when eating out of home and in the workplace.
This increased demand has led to the introduction of more choice from retailers and foodservice operators, encouraging consumers to try different and more innovative options. According to the report, these ‘food pleasure seekers’ make up 20% of the population.
Adoption of new technologies
It is also noted that new technologies being used within foodservice is being embraced by the younger consumer, and despite the ageing demographic in the UK, it is the younger consumer that is making waves with 18-24 year olds eating out on average 28.4 times per month compared to the national average of 15.1.
As such, the use of food-based apps has increased dramatically with 15% of all consumers having used an app in the past year. Approximately 65% of app users have used promotional apps, 52% booking apps, 29% ordering apps and 24% using payment apps.
Coffee growth to continue
The report states that consumers appreciation of coffee will continue to increase and will be a key growth area in the workplace. The coffee shop/café sector is expected to grow by 8.5% by the end of 2015 with further growth expected over the next 3 years.
Understanding expectations
Noel Mahony, co-ceo, BaxterStorey, said: “This report really represents an opportunity for our sector and provides a real framework for clients and employers to better understand the expectations of their employees.
“Progressive businesses will not only understand the real engagement value which can be achieved through providing employees with tailored food and beverage solutions, but also appreciate the commercial advantages achieved through considered and insightful foodservice outlets within their buildings.”
Simon Stenning, executive director of M&C Allegra said: “The foodservice world is changing continually, and operators need to learn from and adapt to emerging trends and evolving behaviours. We’re pleased that our insight is being used so effectively by BaxterStorey to develop cutting-edge food solutions that are at the forefront of current trends.”