With the time pressures on our lifestyles today, particularly relating to working life, and our changing eating habits impacting on meal occasions, it might be expected that lunch was becoming a thing of the past. Far from it in fact, with only 3% of us choosing not to eat lunch it is an important meal of the day. Consumers are prepared to spend time and money on their lunch and the choice of what and where to eat is vast.

This is the first time that Mintel has specifically investigated eating habits at lunchtime, and exclusive research has been conducted to explore consumer's preferences and attitudes. Other Mintel reports of relevance include:

- Sandwiches, Leisure Intelligence, July 2001

- Leisure Venue Catering, Leisure Intelligence, July 2001

- Eating Out Review, Leisure Intelligence, June 2001

- Independent Pubs and Bars, Leisure Intelligence, June 2001

- Onboard Catering, Leisure Intelligence, May 2001

- Themed Pubs and Bars, Leisure Intelligence, April 2001

- Themed Restaurants, Leisure Intelligence, March 2001

- Coffee Shops/Bars, Leisure Intelligence, February 2001

- Vending, Leisure Intelligence, January 2001

- In-store Catering, Leisure Intelligence, November 2000

- Pub Catering, Leisure Intelligence, October 2000

- Pub Visiting, Leisure Intelligence, August 2000

- Ethnic Takeaway & Other Fast Food, Leisure Intelligence, June 2000

- Roadside Catering, Leisure Intelligence, May 2000

- Chicken & Burger Bars, Leisure Intelligence, April 2000

- Pizza & Pasta Restaurants, Leisure Intelligence, March 2000

- Restaurant Chains & Independents, Leisure Intelligence, February 2000

- Emerging Catering Markets, Leisure Intelligence, January 2000

- Lunch Foods, Market Intelligence, January 2000

- Sports Venue Catering, Leisure Intelligence, September 2001

- Internet Cafés, Leisure Intelligence, October 2001

- Hotel Catering, Leisure Intelligence, October 2001

- The Role of Branding in Catering, Leisure Intelligence, November 2001.