New market projections from Mordor Intelligence point to continued expansion across global foodservice and convenience-driven food categories, as consumers increasingly prioritize affordability, speed and digital accessibility in their purchasing decisions.
The research firm estimates the European foodservice market will reach USD1.04tn in 2026, while India’s foodservice sector is projected at USD93.97bn and the UAE market at USD27.28bn. Globally, the quick-service restaurant sector is forecast to grow to USD1.16tn.
According to the reports, the growth reflects a broader shift in consumer spending toward formats that combine convenience, digital access and stronger value perception, rather than a simple increase in dining out activity.
Demand across food categories is also becoming more dependent on format and functionality. Snack products are increasingly serving as meal replacements, while frozen food categories continue to benefit from consumer demand for convenience paired with nutritional value. Dairy, bakery and ice cream producers are simultaneously expanding premium and functional product offerings.
Within foodservice, operators are increasingly competing on operational efficiency, menu optimization, off-premise consumption and digital ordering capabilities rather than relying solely on physical expansion.
Industry forecasts for 2026 suggest restaurant chains are placing renewed emphasis on affordability and familiarity as consumers remain cautious about discretionary spending. Value-oriented menu strategies, comfort foods and globally influenced formats are expected to remain among the strongest drivers of customer traffic.
The reports also indicate that convenience is extending beyond traditional takeaway channels. Prepared meals, frozen foods and quick-service restaurant formats are increasingly converging around consumer demand for faster access to food without sacrificing taste, nutritional quality or consistency.
At the same time, premiumization continues to play a role in select categories including chocolate, ice cream and bakery products. Growth in those segments, however, is becoming more concentrated among products that can justify higher prices through indulgence, innovation in format or functional attributes.
Digital ordering is also becoming a structural component of the foodservice business model. In major markets, app-based ordering, digital payments and delivery-focused consumption patterns are increasingly influencing restaurant economics, labor allocation and the scalability of foodservice concepts, according to Mordor Intelligence.
Find out more at: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/