'Technology, health and Brexit' most pressing issues for hospitality industry

13-Mar-2018 - Last updated on 13-Mar-2018 at 10:46 GMT

Most pressing: the third edition of the Future Shock series highlights key issues in the sector

Healthy lifestyles are transforming the way consumers eat out, while hospitality is facing a post-Brexit crisis in recruitment - just two of the key findings of the third edition of Future Shock report, the series of insights into the UK’s eating and drinking out sectors from CGA and UKHospitality.

Analysis on out-of-home eating and drinking:

A 14.9% increase in Britain’s food-led licensed premises in the last five years, to around 45,500
47% of British consumers now eating out at least once a week
45.5% of pubs and bars’ sales now derived from food

Health issues are having a significant impact on the market, with three in five out-of-home diners saying they proactively try to lead a healthy lifestyle, said the report.

The research, showing falling alcohol consumption and rising demand for soft drinks, highlights the need to cater for health-conscious consumers, and young urban people in particular.

The document also identifies several challenges facing the out-of-home eating and drinking out markets, including rising property and people costs, and warns of a looming crisis in staffing as a result of Brexit.

With non-British nationals accounting for nearly a quarter of employees in hospitality and tourism — rising to nearly two thirds in London — operators will be closely watching the outcome of Brexit negotiations and planning strategies to improve their recruitment and retention, according to the report.

Huge change

Jamie Campbell, business unit director at CGA, said: “This is a time of huge change in out-of-home eating and drinking, and our latest edition of Future Shock spotlights three of the most pressing issues: technology, health and Brexit.

"Understanding these and the many other trends uncovered by CGA’s research is going to be crucial for all operators in the months and years ahead.”

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality added: “This has been a very busy year for the sector, with battles on business rates, the living wage, lease reform, the apprenticeship levy and the sugar tax.

"In the battle for share of voice within Government, insight, intelligence and information are king, and that is why the Future Shock series is so important.”

Future Shock also includes reflections on the 25th anniversary of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR), now part of UKHospitality, from industry leaders who have been instrumental in its growth, including CGA’s Peter Martin, Mitchells & Butlers’ Bob Ivell, Beds & Bars’ Keith Knowles and the Foundation Group’s Peter Salussolia.