New research from MCA Insight – a leading research insight agency across the foodservice & hospitality out sectors – suggests the eating & drinking out market is set to grow by £5bn across the next three years to reach £94.4bn.

The insight comes from MCA’s new UK Eating Out Market Report 2018, which looks at the key trends affecting the market, the competitive landscape, the changing needs of consumers and the outlook for future development.

The value of the UK eating out market is set to grow 1.5% in 2018, down from 1.7% in 2017, and the lowest rate over the past five years.

Steve Gotham, Director of Insight at MCA, commented: “Growth across the sector has slowed due to decreasing visit frequencies. Demand-side factors around weakening consumer confidence and very limited growth in real pay levels are forcing consumers to be more selective with their discretionary spending and eat out less.

“However, it isn’t all doom and gloom for the eating out sector. With a modestly recovering growth outlook and £5bn of additional spend up for grabs over the next three years, there is a substantial prize to be fought over.  Better-managed, consumer-centric operators that stand out in this crowded market will be best placed to benefit.”