Foodservice saw growth in outlets, transactions and value sales in 2025, though those datapoints are less cause for celebration and more necessity for industry survival. Even as the trend of recovery has continued since 2020’s global shock, foodservice sales in real terms still fall short of 2019’s height. Inflation outpaces average ticket price growth and is likely the forward trend as limited-service performance outpaces full-service. Consumers crave convenience but remain value-minded.
Delivery
This report comes in PPT.
Key findings
Foodservice transitions from recovery to reality
The pace of global industry growth is moderating as permacrisis hinders long-term prosperity. Consumers are still intent on frequenting foodservice, but inflation is outpacing average ticket price as the cost-of-living crisis shows little sign of abating and discretionary spending tempers.
Future opportunities in developed and developing markets alike
The top markets, the US and China, hold a commanding lead in value sales, outlets and transactions and show a rich foodservice landscape that can accommodate consumer bifurcation. At the same time, rising markets in APAC and MEA, driven by high GDP growth and increased discretionary spending, are fertile ground for chained restaurant expansion.
The old guard defends itself against disruption
Leading brands such as McDonald’s, KFC and Starbucks are grappling in their home markets and abroad to maintain their share of sales. Dynamic consumer values, mercurial brand equity and fervent expansion by new and smaller players all make for an especially competitive outlook.
Online delivery rides the wave of digital consumption
Delivery continues to be the most dynamic and optimistic fulfilment channel within consumer foodservice, now accounting for more than one in five dollars spent globally. The impact of the digital shopper is evident, with online delivery fulfilment expected to pass USD1 trillion in constant terms by 2029.
Beverages driving new growth and strategies
Luckin Coffee, Chagee and Mixue, all coffee and tea specialists, have exploded in China and are looking to international expansion to build on their successes. In the US, McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A have both built new beverage-forward outlet concepts. A menu focus on drinks is nothing novel, but it is a growing playing field for established and breakout players.
Our expert’s view of Consumer Foodservice in 2026
Consumer Foodservice snapshot
Key findings
Consumer foodservice recovery plateaus as discretionary spending is stressed
Top five trends in Consumer Foodservice
Top five trends uncovered
Drivers of consumer markets and impact on Consumer Foodservice
Adjacent industries and how they impact Consumer Foodservice
Foodservice moves past pandemic recovery and into permacrisis
North America and Europe account for 47% of global foodservice spending
Chained limited-service expansion thrives despite geopolitical fragmentation
All eyes on Asia Pacific as local consumer confidence warms
One in five dollars of foodservice globally now fulfilled through delivery
McDonald’s fighting on multiple fronts as chicken and coffee competition surges
The plateau is fast-approaching for coffee and tea specialist growth in China
Brand share proving fleeting as younger generations gain spending power
Online delivery fulfilment market slowly consolidating
Future spending on foodservice resilient while limited-service and cafés grow share
Fierce competition ahead for chained players in home as well as growth markets
Limited-service quickly closing gap on full-service’s dominance
SWOT analysis
Opportunities for growth
Scope
Consumer Foodservice
Consumer foodservice is composed of cafés/bars, full-service restaurants, limited-service restaurants, self-service cafeterias and street stalls/kiosks.
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