The fast-food market has expanded in value by £1.6bn from 2019 to 2022, according to the latest Lumina Intelligence’s Operator Data Index.

Strong consumer demand for delivery services throughout the pandemic as well as investment in physical expansion and omnichannel revenue streams has seen segments, including traditional fast food and delivery focused fast food, outpace 2019 values.

However, operators in the branded contemporary fast-food segment are seeing a slower recovery post-covid following dampened city centre footfall and greater value scrutiny.

The coffee shop and sandwich market has increased in value versus pre pandemic. Branded coffee shops saw the strongest growth year-on-year, with operators including Costa and Starbuck’s performing strongly.

The branded bakery-led segment is also driving growth in the sector, underpinned by the strong performance from market leader Greggs.

(source: Lumina Intelligence, image: Greggs)