Higher-quality Foods and Expanded Menu Options are Driving U.K. Pub

Higher-quality Foods and Expanded Menu Options are Driving U.K. Pub Patronage, Finds Technomic

CHICAGO, February 2, 2012-

  As pub foodservice expands, pub chains look to new growth opportunities with an
extended mix of food and drink for their customers. Consumers cite higher-quality food as
the number one reason for visiting pubs more often, indicating that high-quality
ingredients and premium positioning can drive traffic and sales. Thirty-nine percent of
consumers say they are visiting pubs less often than they did a year ago in the midst of a
sluggish economy. However, changes in the evolving pub sector are attracting a broader
base of consumers and attracting more young consumers, 52 percent of which say they are
visiting pubs more often compared to a year ago.

  “Consumers expect pubs to offer high-quality foods, despite the established perception
of traditional pub fare,” says Technomic Managing Director Darren Tristano. “Pubs aren’t
just a place to grab a pint anymore. By broadening their menu items and adjusting their
concept positioning, new dayparts such as breakfast, can attract couples and families
choosing pubs as a viable dining option.”

  To help operators and others aligned with the foodservice industry more effectively
identify opportunities for growth and competitive advantage, Technomic has developed the
U.K. Pub Consumer Trend Report
[http://www.technomic.com/Reports_and_Newsletters/Consumer_Trend_Reports/dyn_PubLoad.php?pID=100 ]

  Interesting findings include:

 
  - Pubs accounted for 23 percent of the U.K.‘s overall foodservice industry
    sales in 2010 and made up 16 percent of all units.
  - Although many consumers seek contemporary, sophisticated dishes, nearly
    two-thirds (64 percent) prefer pub menus to feature a mix of traditional dishes along
    with contemporary options.
  - Opportunities exist for operators to offer longer service hours and create a
    new revenue channel through takeaway programmes. 29 percent of consumers report that
    late-night food menus are an appealing service pubs could offer.
  - 42 percent of consumers place high importance on new or unique menu items or
    flavours offered at pubs and 29 percent feel an extensive draught beer list is of high
    importance.
  - Consumers are nearly three times as likely to prefer food-led pubs over
    wet-led pubs, a shift in consumer perceptions of pubs.

  Technomic’s U.K. Pub Consumer Trend Report
[http://www.technomic.com/Reports_and_Newsletters/Consumer_Trend_Reports/dyn_PubLoad.php?pID=100 ]
assists foodservice executives in better understanding consumer behaviour,
preferences and attitudes regarding pubs. The menu insights section utilises Technomic’s
exclusive online trend-tracking resource, MenuMonitor
[http://www.technomic.com/Online_Services/MenuMonitor ], to provide an in-depth look at pub
menus at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Consumer Insights section examines pub customer
demographics, purchasing behaviour, attitudes and preference of more than 1,000 consumers.

  To purchase or learn more about this report please visit Technomic.com
[http://www.technomic.com ] or contact one of the individuals listed below.

 
  Contacts
  Sales Enquiries: David Wilkinson, 077 1529 1530, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
  Press Enquiries: Darren Tristano, 020 3318 1214, or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

  About Technomic [http://www.technomic.com ]

  Technomic provides comprehensive global information, analysis and insights to food
industry executives, through high quality fact-based consulting, market research, online
databases, tracking services and industry events. Our programs and services are designed
to target the specific needs of leadership, sales, management, marketing and product
development professionals. At Technomic, we’re always innovating to keep pace with
emerging global markets and trends. For over 45 years we’ve been supporting clients’
strategic decisions. Our breadth of research enables us to keep a pulse on food industry,
by providing insights into local markets with a global scope.

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Source: Technomic