Brits spend most in on-trade on date night

01-Aug-2019 - Last updated on 01-Aug-2019 at 13:23 GMT

Celebration occasion: consumers spend the most when they are out on a date

Consumers spend the most on food and drink when they are on a date and nearly one third of those who go out for food on a date, do so on a weekly basis, new research has revealed.

The CGA Food Insights report found the average British consumer goes out to eat 63 times a year and goes out for a drink 85 times a year and will spend £22.50 per head when on a date.

CGA food client director Fiona Speakman said: “It’s good to learn going out for a meal is still considered special enough for a date and worthy of a higher spend than normal.

“Informed operators are now thinking about the reasons diners are visiting them – whether it be a date, celebration or a quick bite to eat, and providing meals for these occasions such as sharing platters, light main meals or smaller plates, which can really maximise sales.”

Areas of opportunity

The report also uncovered more than half (57%) of Brits drink outside the home at least once a week and 43% eat out at least weekly. Furthermore, 56% of consumers said it was important to them to be able to try new foods when they eat out.

Speakman added: “Our research highlights consumer trends in eating out and areas of opportunity for operators.

“For example, average spend per visit in the workplace is the lowest, but has one of the highest visit frequencies – an important consideration when location planning.”

Less traditional occasions

The report also found an area operators can tap into – the rise of on-the-go snack purchasing. Some 61% of consumers are tempted by these at least once a week, spending an average of £3.75.

It also revealed the popularity of late-night snacks with 52% of consumers buying one of a weekly basis, spending an average of £6.20 when they do.

Almost one in two (47%) of respondents go out for breakfast at least once a week, spending £8.75 on average.

“We have seen a rise in eating out on less traditional occasions such as breakfast and brunch but late-night snacking and on-the-go snacking have now become the most frequent reasons to eat out, which highlights the evolving nature of the out-of-home market.”