BDO: Smokehouses and pop-ups to thrive in 2015
It predicted the continued strengthening of the M&A market in the new year, saying with high-profile estates on the table and debt becoming easier to find, deals will happen.
Crowd funding is also set for a successful year, according to BDO, which it said would encourage new concepts and start-ups.
It said: “In addition, we believe the retail bond will continue to be attractive to more established brands, albeit as much as a marketing tool as a financing one.”
The fallout from the market-rent only amendment to the pubs code will become clear in 2015, BDO said. It predicted food would continue to drive growth and that big pubcos may look to restaurant acquisitions.
Growth and innovation outside of London will continue, the company said, while concepts focussing healthy eating will continue to thrive in the capital.
BDO predicted cashless payments will finally take hold in 2015 with the practice extending “beyond the tech friendly early-adopters, particularly in the grab and go market”.
It also forecast high end delivery becoming viable for the first time. The report said: “Using technology building on the success of Uber and others, efficient delivery models providing fast, predictable response times (and hot food!) could open up the delivery market to the mainstream casual dining market and beyond.”
On pop-up and mobile units, BDO said: “The flexibility and energy of the pop up culture will continue to grow. Innovative operators can take more risks with lower capital costs, and a younger generation of adventurous foodies will continue to demand vibrant new experiences.”
It predicted pressure will grow on firms to offer the living wage.
On smokehouses, it said: “2014 saw the continuing rise of the burger, in 2015 we expect new concepts and roll outs in the smoke and barbecue world to have a great year. Brands like Bodean’s, Red’s True Barbecue, Porky’s and Jackson & Rye will continue to grow, building on strong and smokey US flavours.”
