Frequency of dining out occasions flatlines in October despite rise in consumer confidence
In the four weeks to 29 October, the frequency of dining out occasions across the UK eating and drinking out market remained at 1.4 per week.
This comes despite a rise in consumer confidence, with visits up by 2 percentage points (ppts) to 56% when compared to the same period last year.
Pubs and bars struggled in particular over October, with above-average rainfall and stormy weather prompting more consumers to watch the Rugby World Cup at home.
As a result, share of occasions across the channel fell by 1.9ppts.
The increase in consumers choosing to drink at home rather than visiting more costly out-of-home venues was also driven by the rises in alcohol duty.
This has in turn led to hikes in the prices of alcoholic drinks, with the latest Lumina Intelligence Eating & Drinking Out Panel data showing drink-only occasions are down -0.9ppts year-on-year.
When it comes to eating out occasions, consumers are continued choosing lower-ticket options, with QSR’s market share rising by 1.2ppts over the period.
For more on out of home food and drink consumption in the UK, and to access Lumina’s consumer insight and data solution, click here.
