Supermarket meal deals threaten eating out

28th April 2009, 10:56am

Consumers are increasingly opting for supermarket 'meal deals' which typically offer a meal for two for £10 or under, rather than eating out in a restaurant, according to new QuickBite research from market analyst Horizons.

Some 13% of respondents, in which over 1,000 people were interviewed during two days last month, said that over the past two weeks they had opted to stay in with a supermarket meal deal rather than eating out.

The largest uptake of supermarket deals was in the 16-24 and 35-44 age groups, in line with the trend for young adults to be less inclined or have less time to cook meals from scratch and families with children who are often also time-poor.

Men (15%) were also keener than women (11%) to spend their food pounds this way.

Supermarkets have responded to consumer reluctance to pay for food out of the home by offering a growing number of restaurant-style offers, some geared around traditional eating out occasions such as Valentine's Day or Mother's Day.

Marks & Spencer's 'dine in for two for £10' promotion kicked off the genre, extended this Mother's Day with a 'dine in for four' promotion and currently a lunchtime meal deal offering a choice of sandwich, crisps and a drink for £2.

Last month Sainsbury's trumped its rivals by offering a 'dine in for a fiver' deal with a choice of three gourmet main courses for two, a side dish and a choice of two desserts. A similar promotion from Waitrose offered consumers a 'dine in for two for £10' deal including an 'Indian meal deal' with two curries from a choice of five, rice, an accompaniment and a four-pack of drink for £10.

Last week Tesco went even cheaper with a meal for two from its Finest range including main course from a choice of five, side dish, dessert and wine for just £9.

Horizons' managing director Peter Backman said: "There is no doubt these deals are aimed at people who may once have eaten out but who could now be persuaded to save money by buying a gourmet-style meal to eat at home instead.

"Many pubs, restaurants and takeaways are attempting to take the supermarkets on by marketing their own price promotions and meal deals, but perhaps they need to push the benefits of an eating out experience more by highlighting their atmosphere, facilities, menu choice or quality.

"It has never been as competitive on the high street as it is now – particularly when it comes to vying for consumers' food pound. While the supermarkets have always run strong price offers on food, the fact they are now putting together a menu means they are really competing head-to-head with high street restaurants, many of whom will be unable to compete. The recession has already seen casualties in this sector and we are bound to see more before the economy picks up."

The latest QuickBite research also showed that consumer spend in restaurants had fallen, down to £10.64 from £11.15 per head last year. There was also a fall in the number of consumers opting to eat at a table service restaurant (from 48% to 46%) although a rise in fast food restaurant spending (11% to 12%).

Related Articles:

• 10 Jun 2009 - Eating out is falling after hitting new high
• 16 Apr 2009 - Brits opt for chicken breast over sirloin steak
• 27 Mar 2009 - Putting your business acumen to the test
• 06 Mar 2009 - Can we predict who will survive the crunch?
• 13 Jan 2009 - Consumers eat out less but spend more
• 18 Dec 2008 - Horizons broadens with new acquisition
• 03 Dec 2008 - Restaurateurs need to discount

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