Drop in growth for eating out sector

The frequency of eating out amongst consumers fell from an average of 2.21 times to 1.92 times over a surveyed two week period compared to the same period last year.

And in comparison to the 71% of respondents who said they had eaten out over a two week period in 2014, only 69% said they had when asked this year.

Average spend dropped from £12.72 (including drinks) in June 2014 to £12.54 this June, both falling below June 2013’s average spend of £13.30.

Pubs on top                                                                            ​

Pub restaurants and takeaway outlets were marked as consumer favourites for eating out, with 19% of those who said they had eaten out over a two week period having chosen to visit of the two types of venues.

Squeezed middle​

The decline in eating out was most prominent among consumers aged 35-44, with 62% saying they had eaten out over a two week period compared to 72% in 2014.

Nicola Knight, foodservice analyst at Horizons, said: “The 34-44 age group are those most likely to have the biggest financial ties – often having dependent children, house moves to pay for and foreign holidays to save for.

“If this age group is once again starting to spend on higher ticket items like these, or perhaps new cars, fridges or DIY, it might be that eating out becomes one of those expenses they are prepared to forego temporarily.”

Youth in action​

Horizons’ research reported that 18-34 year olds were the most likely consumers to be eating out, with 77% of respondents in this age group saying they had eaten out over a two week period.

Frequency of eating out visits amongst 18-34 year olds was also high, coming in at an average of 2.25 times over two weeks.

Customers over 55 were also reported to be eating out more, with 67% of respondents in this age group saying they had eaten out over a two week period compared to 65% last year.