Diners still likely to eat out despite credit crunch

Despite the current financial crisis, research conducted on behalf of McCain Foodservice has found that over a quarter of respondents are still likely to eat out between once and three times a week in the lead up to Christmas, with restaurants and gastro pubs topping the poll as the destination of choice.

The poll of over 1,000 UK consumers showed that when dining out, the nation is getting increasingly frustrated by the lack of variety on offer. A massive 67% of respondents said that going out for dinner is their favourite means of celebrating a special occasion with family and friends.

Meanwhile, menu variety topped the poll as the most important factor when considering venue. Indulgence and variety seems to be the new consumer demand, with price being a far smaller consideration, despite the credit crunch.

Adrian Greaves, McCain foodservice associate director, commented on the findings: "This research highlights that despite the economic challenges there is still cause for optimism among caterers. Outlets need to embrace the festive period and more importantly focus on what their customers really want: variety, inspiration and indulgence."

In addition, a staggering 77% of respondents expect to pay more if a meal was made from good quality ingredients.

Greaves continued: "Christmas is a highly competitive time and caterers need to use it as an opportunity to boost business across the festive period. McCain has been listening to caterers and consumers and developed the McCain signatures starters & sides range after extensive research into how caterers can drive profits. 

"The range has been specially created to help caterers differentiate themselves, providing distinctively better quality and more interesting food items to satisfying consumer demand especially across the festive season."

Words: Maria Bracken

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