In 2024, the gradual decentralisation of office work in major Indian metros affected weekday footfall for many self-service cafeterias, especially those located within or around corporate parks. Hybrid work models meant fewer employees dined on-site regularly, leading to unpredictable volumes. Self-service cafeterias in tech parks and business hubs saw lulls on Mondays and Fridays, prompting some operators to reduce operational hours or consolidate menu offerings on low-traffic days. This shift

Self-service cafeterias performed well in Switzerland in 2024, with positive growth seen in value sales, transactions, and unit expansion. Ultimately, affordability is key to success for self-service cafeterias, as consumers look to this channel for value for money and affordable meals. Self-service cafeterias are popular with office workers during lunch breaks, and travellers en route. As such, the return to workplaces and the resumption of travel and tourism after the era of pandemic restricti

Self-service cafeterias saw strong growth in current value terms and in terms of the volume of transactions in 2024, while the number of outlets now exceeds that seen before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This positive performance was despite self-service cafeterias continuing to face significant challenges shaped by the ongoing realities of war in the country as well as economic instability.

Self-service cafeterias in Germany experienced stagnation in 2024. While outlet numbers remained fairly robust, albeit sitting below pre-pandemic levels, transaction volumes and current value marginally declined during the year. The German consumer landscape favours quick and convenient food options that align with busy lifestyles. Self-service cafeterias, which offer diverse and freshly prepared meals at competitive prices, appeal to individuals, families, students, and professionals seeking fa

In 2024, self-service cafeterias in Indonesia recorded a weak performance with value sales stagnating. This can be attributed to the ongoing challenges faced by key players in the channel, where consumer interest has waned, leading to a decline in the number of outlets since 2020. This continued decline in popularity suggests a shift in consumer preferences.

In 2024, self-service cafeterias in Brazil saw low current value growth, but turned to decline in terms of transaction volumes and outlet numbers. The channel faced significant challenges arising from macroeconomic factors and changes in consumer habits. The Brazilian economy experienced instability, which directly affected consumer foodservice, including self-service cafeterias. High inflation, especially related to food and beverages, put pressure on operating costs, such as the acquisition of

Self-service cafeterias saw slight growth in outlet numbers in China in 2024, with a stronger increase in current value terms. Mr Rice continued to lead self-service cafeterias in 2024, accounting for approaching half of value sales. Apart from Mr Rice and Ikea Restaurant, all other brands are regional. In addition to its established reputation amongst white-collar workers, Mr Rice is also expanding to include more older customers. For example, Mr Rice locations in Huangpu District, Shanghai hav

Although self-service cafeterias witnessed a slight recovery in value sales over 2024, this is a small category with limited growth potential in New Zealand. With many competing channels within the consumer foodservice industry, like limited or full-service restaurants, consumer preferences lie beyond the self-service cafeteria style of service. On top of this, the current economic landscape has resulted in consumers spending within their means, putting consumer foodservice under pressure. Consu

The small consumer foodservice channel of self-service cafeterias in the United Arab Emirates continued to grow in 2024, driven by the expansion of major brands such as Ikea Restaurant (locally operated by Al Futtaim Group), with the retailer opening a new store in Al Dalma Mall. This expansion highlights the brand’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the United Arab Emirates while enhancing convenience for consumers.

Self-service cafeterias saw current value growth in Sweden in 2024. With the Swedish economy showing signs of improvement, including the easing of inflation and rising real wages, consumers became more confident and willing to spend more time outside their homes in shopping locations. This provided a boost to the performance of self-service cafeterias. The category’s value growth was slower than in the previous year, but this was largely due to the marked impact of the high rate of inflation see

In 2024, foodservice value sales decreased in self-service cafeterias while transactions declined. This fall in value sales was due to a lack of outlet expansion, with outlet numbers remaining static in 2024.

Self-service cafeterias registered current value growth in Portugal in 2024. Although at a slower pace than in 2022 and 2023, inflation continued to push prices up in 2024, with value per transaction rising amidst declining transactions. The category faces strong competition, mainly from limited-service restaurants, which continues to proliferate in the country and conquer share. As customisation and product packaging become increasingly significant nowadays, convenience and more popular product

In 2024, foodservice value sales in self-service cafeterias rose by 3%, while outlets declined. Self-service cafeterias were predominantly visited due to offering good value for money. However, an increasing focus and value was placed on fast serving times, as the food is typically pre-prepared and only requires selection. This made self-service cafeterias a popular choice for lunch, as the reasonable prices combined with quick service allowed consumers or employees to enjoy a meal and still hav

Independent self-service cafeterias dominate the self-service cafeteria landscape in Malaysia, accounting for the majority of outlets. By contrast, chained self-service cafeterias remain limited, with Ikea Restaurant being the most prominent player in this market.

Chained self-service cafeterias in Norway gained category shares in outlet, transactions and foodservice value sales in 2024, driven by investments for brands in outlet expansion, such as for Sabrura (Sabrura Drift) Pincho Nation (Pincho Nation Norge). Self-service cafeterias witnessed a tangible recovery in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period in terms of foodservice value sales and transactions. However, overall outlet numbers decreased, driven by closures of independent outlets amidst ongoing ec

In 2024, self-service cafeterias in Saudi Arabia experienced healthy growth in current value terms, even without an increase in the number of outlets. This positive trend was primarily driven by the continued success of IKEA Restaurant, which remains the dominant brand in this category. The growing number of expatriates entering the Kingdom, who constitute more than a third of the total population, has also contributed to this growth.

A fall in consumer spending has been accompanied by fewer consumers visiting shopping centres or other locations where self-service cafeterias in Australia operate, including the likes of Ikea Restaurant. As a result, the number of transactions through the channel continued to decline in 2024, consistent with the overall performance of the consumer foodservice industry in the local market. Many Australians were still recovering from the high rate of inflation and high interest rates towards the

Self-service cafeterias remained one of the strongest performers in the Czech consumer foodservice industry in terms of value growth in 2024. The affordability of these outlets, particularly compared to full-service restaurants, has helped them to weather the cost-of-living crisis better than other establishments. However, growth slowed compared to 2023, as the legacy of high inflation made consumers more price-conscious.

In 2024, self-service cafeterias in Peru remained the smallest category in terms of sales. However, the market experienced the strongest uplift in value growth, primarily due to the increased activity seen in chained self-service cafeterias. This growth was fuelled by the reopening of sites by Plaza Vea supermarkets, which operate under the DeliVea brand. This reopening significantly boosted sales, especially since these self-service cafeterias were not operational in 2023.

In 2024, street stalls/kiosks in the Philippines grew at a slower rate than the previous year of the review period, primarily due to increased competition from fast-food chains, convenience stores, coffee shops and other foodservice establishments offering affordable alternatives. For instance, milk tea is no longer exclusive to speciality shops, as it is now widely available in fast-food chains, cafés, and convenience stores, intensifying competition. While consumer mobility remained strong, sp

In 2024, foodservice value sales in self-service cafeterias grew by 3%, while chained player seeing the strongest growth. The performance of self-service cafeterias in Greece is heavily influenced by tourist flows, as most outlets are located in areas such as ferries, campsites, service stations on highways, and hotels. As such, both domestic and inbound tourism play a direct role in shaping the performance of the self-service cafeterias. In 2024, however, the cost of living crisis affected both

Self-service cafeterias were among the strongest performers in Poland's consumer foodservice industry in terms of current value sales growth in 2024. Much like limited-service restaurants, these establishments proved more resilient to the cost-of-living crisis than other categories, largely due to their affordable pricing. Their budget-friendly menus continue to attract a loyal customer base, particularly among lower-income workers, students, and elderly adults, reinforcing their position as a g

While distinct from other foodservice types, self-service cafeterias in Finland developed largely in line with the industry in 2024. Thus, foodservice current value sales slowed after a tumultuous review period, characterised by a slump due to COVID-19, but dynamic growth after the worst of the pandemic was over. Transactions followed a similar path, albeit taking longer to recover from the COVID-19 crisis, but benefiting from the perceived value for money option of self-service cafeterias amid

In Hungary, the growing trend of workers returning to offices is driving a resurgence in self-service cafeterias. As companies scale back remote work options and mandate in-person attendance, office occupancy rates are rising, leading to increased foot traffic in nearby dining establishments. This shift is revitalising a sector that had previously faced challenges due to the prevalence of remote working arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic. As office-based work established itself as the nor