Diners are still eating out but have reduced average spend

16th September 2009, 12:39pm

Despite the recession consumers are still eating out but have reduced their average spend when they do so by going to cheaper outlets, according to market analysts Horizons.

New statistics found that on average consumers spent £189.61 on eating out in the high street during the first six months of 2009, compared with £200.26 in the first six months of 2008.

This year consumers are spending an average of £6.45 per meal, compared with £6.62 in 2008. The figures also show that the QSR (quick service restaurant) share of spend has grown from 41.2% to 42.2%, demonstrating the growing popularity of fast food outlets and takeaways.

Managing director Peter Backman said: "The eating out market is unlikely to improve into 2010. The cost-conscious consumer is here to stay and that consumer is looking for value-for-money and attractive offers. That's not likely to change in the short-term and most operators – particularly the high street restaurant chains and pub operators - are doing a great job of adapting to this."

He added: "The consumer of 2010 will be paying off more debt, taking on less borrowing and tightening the purse strings when it comes to discretionary spend. 

"Average spend is likely to drop further still so the challenge for foodservice operators going forward is to keep people coming through the door with innovative deals and interesting menus without jeopardising margins."

Related Articles:

• 10 Nov 2009 - Over 520 restaurant operators will finish 2009 in financial difficulty
• 04 Nov 2009 - Price of starters and desserts go up while cost of main courses remains flat
• 30 Sep 2009 - EXCLUSIVE: £500m business rate bombshell facing central London hospitality firms
• 18 Aug 2009 - Restaurant operators urged to control costs
• 23 Jul 2009 - Canny diners find ways to eat out for less
• 10 Jun 2009 - Eating out is falling after hitting new high
• 16 Apr 2009 - Brits opt for chicken breast over sirloin steak
• 13 Jan 2009 - Consumers eat out less but spend more
• 18 Dec 2008 - Horizons broadens with new acquisition
• 12 Nov 2008 - Pub sales set to drop by £1 billion

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