While foodservice rebounded from the lows of 2020, it is still faced with some hurdles.
Let’s take Belgium for example: consumer foodservice experienced double-digit growth in 2021 in terms of current value sales and transactions, and another strong year followed in 2022. But the segment has been affected by a labor shortage, particularly in full-service restaurants and cafés/bars. In addition to a general scarcity of staff, 2022 was also notable for staff retention and the recruiting of competent professionals.
As Belgian consumers grow accustomed to casual dining, big brands like McDonald’s and Quick have benefited to some extent from Belgium’s transition from full-service restaurants to limited-service restaurants. As a result, owners of full-service restaurants are now attempting to incorporate some of the traits of limited-service eateries, according to a report by Euromonitor. Additionally, 2022 saw substantial inflation, forcing the proprietors of a lot of independent pubs, restaurants, and cafés to utilize their own resources to keep their companies afloat.
While there is a generally good outlook for consumer foodservice in Belgium throughout the forecast period, by 2027 it will likely still be difficult to return to pre-pandemic levels across all indices. This image can be seen in other parts of Europe, as well.
There are also some trends that might affect footfall, such as ‘fakeaways’ – a sort of remanence of the ‘cooking at home’ period of 2020. Working remote and some atypical schedules for employees in certain countries, such as the UK, might also play a role. So, while it’s difficult to assess what the future holds, it’s clear that foodservice as an industry must find ways to attract more customers. How it will do that remains a question, at least for now. Let me know what you think at bogdan.angheluta@trade.media
Please access your complimentary e-copy of the Frozen Food Dossier Spring, 2023 issue here.