Eating out, takeaways and nights in the pub will be among the first activities to be chopped by UK consumers in the wake of the downturn but restaurants are better placed to survive the economic turbulence than fifteen years ago, research by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has revealed. In a study that surveyed 1000 people, 27 per cent confirmed the first items they would cut back on would be restaurant meals, takeaways or fast food, and visits to the local pub, compared to 18 per cent who would cut back... ...Read more »

Foodservice consultants Technomic have discovered that age-based distinctions among consumers’ use of restaurants run deeper than originally expected. The findings, published in the ‘Generational Consumer Trend Report’ reveal numerous and often-subtle factors that play an important role in shaping menu and restaurant trends, while also highlighting key opportunities to effectively market to these segments. The report examines attitudes and behaviour relevant to restaurant services... ...Read more »

Australian pizza maker Domino’s Pizza Enterprises Limited (DMP) today announced a $11.8 million full year Net Profit After Tax, up 29.6% on the previous year. DMP, Australia’s only publicly-listed pizza company and the master franchisor for the Domino’s Pizza brand in Australia, New Zealand, France, Belgium and The Netherlands, reported that their profit was generated from Total Network Sales of $591.2 million, an increase of 13.9% on full year 2007. The opening of 36 new stores... ...Read more »

The notion of calorie counts on restaurant menus has polarised opinion in the US, as California appears likely to follow in the footsteps of New York and introduce controversial calorie count legislation. New York introduced a law earlier this year which requires calorie information to be shown next to items on the menus of restaurant chains with over 15 stores. The restaurant industry is against the plans as they feel the implementation of such legislation unfairly singles them out as the prime... ...Read more »

More than one-third of American consumers (35 per cent) report they are eating or buying dinners out less frequently than one year ago as the need to offer an edge to the value offering becomes pivotal for restaurants. Foodservice consultants Technomic advise that money issues dominated the reasons for decreased patronage; 77 per cent of those cutting back are doing so to save money, while 59 per cent said they have less money to spend and 46 per cent cited the price of restaurant meals. “It’s... ...Read more »

Limited-service restaurants have reduced the number of beverage items on their menus compared to last year to ensure maximum profitability, reports foodservice consultants Technomic in the new Beverage Consumer Trend Report. The greatest drop occurred in customised beverages like specialty coffees, teas and smoothies. At the same time, there has been a corresponding increase in limited-time only (LTO) beverages. “Limited-service operators are rationalizing their offerings to focus their regular... ...Read more »

The retail industry has been bruised by sagging consumer sentiment and increased costs and, while this has heralded a 6-year low in quarterly retail turnover, the implications on food have so far been mixed - according to new research by Freshlogic. Martin Kneebone, a director of consultancy firm Freshlogic, says that slimming household budgets are prompting a noticeable move toward cheaper meal options. The eating-out food market may lose as much as $3b in annual consumer spending, part of which... ...Read more »

As time-pressed workers try to cut costs and eat healthier, carried lunches are becoming increasingly popular in the American workplace, according to a new study from The NPD Group - a leading market research company. NPD reports that the rise in lunches carried from home is contributing to the softening of the mid-day meal business at commercial restaurants. According to the NPD study, entitled, “How Brown-Bagging Is Affecting Foodservice Lunch”, weekday lunches carried from home reached... ...Read more »

A proposal to prevent new fast food establishments from opening in the south of Los Angeles is one step closer to becoming reality. The area is one of the poorest in LA and the high number of fast food restaurants has caused concern that it might be contributing to high rates of obesity in the area. A recent study suggested children living in the south of the city were significantly more likely to be obese than those in the rest of LA (30% compared to 21%). The ordinance is designed to... ...Read more »

The Food Standards Agency has published a survey of more than 2,000 people across the UK that provides a snapshot of what consumers want when they eat out. The findings show that 85% of people agreed with the statement that restaurants, pubs and cafes have a responsibility to make it clear what is in the food they serve. In addition, when asked where respondents would expect to see nutritional information for it to be most useful, 81% of people said they would like to see it at the point... ...Read more »