At jellybean, it’s our job to stay on top of the ever-changing foodservice industry. That’s why we’re members of the Lumina Intelligence Food Strategy forum and make sure we make it along to their quarterly briefings as we did this March for their Q1 update. As expected, the UK foodservice market is adapting to economic shifts, evolving consumer behaviours, and exciting new trends. Here are the key takeaways from Lumina Intelligence’s latest insights.

Market Overview: Cautious Optimism

The UK economy remains in a steady but subdued growth phase. Consumer confidence is still recovering, impacted by high inflation (2.8%) and rising operational costs, including energy and labour. However, a stabilising market and stronger footfall are expected to drive growth.

Operator Strategies to Watch

Consolidation & Mergers and Acquisitions – Big brands are acquiring and merging to strengthen market positions, signalling confidence in long-term growth.

Brand Revitalisation – Legacy names like Starbucks and Pizza Hut are undergoing modern refreshes to stay relevant.

Digital Evolution – AI, automation, and data-driven marketing are being leveraged to enhance customer experience.

Food & Drink Trends to Watch

Korean Cuisine Goes Upscale – Elevated Korean dining is on the rise, blending tradition with innovation.
Zero Waste & Seasonal Menus – Sustainable dining concepts, like Jaan Bread Hall, focus on using every part of their ingredients.
Day-to-Night Dining – Hybrid venues like Café Mondo transform from cafés by day to bars by night.
Stout Goes Mainstream – The Guinness boom is leading to a wider appreciation of alternative stouts.
Reinventing Classics – Traditional British foods, like jacket potatoes, are getting premium makeovers and social media hype.
Affordable Indulgence – Flavours like pistachio and ‘Dubai Chocolate’ are making luxury accessible.
The Sensory Experience Matters – ‘Hyper-crunch’ is the latest texture trend, fuelled by ASMR food videos. Consumers crave multisensory experiences, influencing product development.

2025 and beyond…

The foodservice industry is evolving with consumer preferences, emphasising authenticity, digital transformation, and experience-driven dining. Operators that embrace these changes will thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Thanks to the team at Lumina Intelligence on a truly informative session. To find out how we can help you leverage the latest foodservice trends and insights to help you succeed out of home get in touch here.

Ellie Murrell
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