The foodservice industry is one of the industries that has been hit hardest by COVID-19, and it will be one of the industries that takes longest to recover. Venue closures have already led to a significant loss of income for the vast majority of operators. Meanwhile, even though venues such as restaurants, pubs and coffee shops will be able to reopen from 4 July, many will see their capacity and revenue limited by enforced social distancing measures.

This will inevitably see a large number of business failures, although the extent of the damage will be dependent on the scale of rent relief packages offered by landlords and/or the government, as well as the timing and nature of the relaxations of social distancing measures. The 2 metre rule has already been relaxed, but there are still many challenges that will need to be overcome.

However, there are some reasons to optimistic about the long-term future of the industry. The underlying demand for socialising with friends and family over food and drink out-of-home will remain post-COVID-19. Mintel’s research shows that going out for a meal or drinks are among the things consumers are most looking forward to once measures are relaxed.

• The impact of COVID-19 on the foodservice market.

• How consumers’ eating out habits will change in the short, medium and long term.

• How a COVID-19 recession will reshape the foodservice market.

• What lessons UK foodservice operators can learn from post COVID-19 developments in other regions.

This Report covers the UK foodservice industry.

Mintel’s market size is based on the following:

Foodservice: consumer expenditure on food and drink (ordered to eat/drink-in or for takeaway/home delivery) in pubs/bars, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels (bars, restaurants and room service), roadside outlets/service stations and street food stalls or food courts.