The outlook for self-service cafeterias is relatively bleak with the channel expected to continue performing poorly with a projected decline in terms of number of outlets, transactions and value sales (at constant 2024 prices). Independent self-service cafeterias are expected to suffer the most considering that it is more difficulty for these players to compete due to their lower resources and their greater difficulties in modernising their businesses to address issues such as sustainability and the digitalisation of the market.
Over the forecast period it is expected that self-service cafeterias in Italy will increase their focus on sustainability as they look to promote a more positive image for their businesses. For example, in 2024 Hera Group and Cremonini Group signed a new three-year collaboration agreement to collaborate on projects oriented towards the circular economy and environmental and social sustainability.
Alongside a greater focus on sustainability initiatives, it is also expected that self-service cafeterias will become increasingly attentive towards the positive impact they can have on local communities and wider society. In line with this, some players are expected to put in place more actions aimed at supporting the local community, which would likely be appreciated by Italians and potentially prove good for business.
Delivery:
Files are delivered directly into your account soon after payment is received and any tax is certification is verified (where applicable).
This report comes in PDF with additional info in Excel included.
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Self-Service Cafeterias industry in Italy with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
If you're in the Self-Service Cafeterias industry in Italy, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
Self-Service Cafeterias
Self-service cafeterias are outlets where there is no (or limited) service content. Rather than table service, there are food-serving counters/stalls where customers take the food they require as they walk along, placing it on a tray. In addition, there are often stations where customers order food and wait while it is prepared, particularly for items such as hamburgers or tacos which must be served hot and can be prepared quickly. For some food and drink items, customers collect an empty container, pay at the check-out, and fill the container after check-out. Free second servings are often allowed under this system. For legal purposes (and the consumption patterns of customers), this system is rarely or never used for alcoholic beverages. Self-service cafeterias do not have a cover charge, customers are either charged a flat rate for admission (as in a buffet) or pay at the check-out for each item. Some cafeterias also charge by weight. Self-service cafeterias resemble contract catering self-service cafeterias such as canteens, dining halls and cafeterias located within institutions such as a large office building, school and universities. However, fully captive contract self-service cafeterias are excluded from consumer foodservice. Unlike fast food, self-service cafeterias feature a menu comprising full, regular meals, often with a large choice of first course, main course and desserts. As cafeterias can effectively serve large number of customers with comparatively few employees, they are often found within larger complexes, for example, department stores, shopping malls, travel foodservice (motorways stations, railway stations, airports). Self-service cafeteria examples include: Ciao (Autogrill), Flunch (Agapes Restauration SA), IKEA (Inter Ikea Systems BV)
See all of our definitionsThis report originates from Passport, our Self-Service Cafeterias research and analysis database.
If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!