Upcoming Trade Shows in UK for Catering

Recent data from the Lumina Intelligence Eating and Drinking Out Panel reveals a more optimistic outlook for the UK catering industry given the improved performance observed during the festive period of late 2023. Participation in the eating and drinking-out market surged during the holiday season, marking a notable uptick of 2.8 percentage points in December 2023 compared to the previous year. This positive momentum signals a promising turnaround for the industry, driven by various factors contributing to consumer confidence and engagement. The improvement in market performance can be attributed to a notable decrease in inflation, which saw a halving during the festive period. Additionally, the easing of energy costs played a pivotal role. These economic factors created a favorable environment for increased consumer spending and social engagement. Dinner occasions experienced a remarkable year-on-year rebound, seizing an increased share by 6.1%. The absence of frequent train strikes, which had hindered evening socializing in the past, contributed to this resurgence. With reliable train travel available, consumers were more inclined to enjoy dining experiences outside their homes, which bolstered the catering sector. Restaurants emerged as the primary beneficiaries of the festive season as they experienced the highest growth in occasion share. Consumers were able to partake in Christmas gatherings and meals at restaurants without apprehensions. This shift in consumer behavior propelled restaurant sales and contributed significantly to the industry’s overall performance. Despite the festive fervor, coffee and sandwich occasions remained consistently high with in-person Christmas shoppers driving robust sales in this channel. The enduring popularity of these quick-service options underscores the resilience of certain segments within the catering industry. The Lumina Intelligence Eating & Drinking Out Panel drew from 78,000 surveys across the year to break down major trends concerning consumer behavior and market trends. The panel provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolving dynamics within the UK catering industry.