While the picture may seem gloomy for the out of home sector, there are a number of encouraging trends:

		in 2005, the total expenditure on food and drinks (excluding alcohol) was over £113 billion of which about £80 billion (71%) was spent in the home and £38 billion was spent out of home

		in 2005, there were approximately 263,000 catering outlets in the UK serving 8.6 billion meals across all sectors

		in 2005, 5 billion meals were consumed in UK restaurants, fast food, cafes/takeaways, pubs, hotels and throughout the leisure sector

		between 2001 and 2005, restaurants have seen the biggest increase in meals across all sectors at 6.4%

		since 2001, staff catering has seen a 1% decrease in volume sales

		quick service outlets command the highest percentage of food sales with 25% (average spend: £4.39 per meal). Restaurants have a 21% share (average spend: £10.37 per meal); hotels with 18% of the market (£10.23 per meal)

		geographically, the South East and London have the highest number of catering outlets in the UK (70,700) followed by the south West (26,000) and Scotland (25,000)

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Food and Drink Sales in £million at 2005 Constant Prices

Source: Horizons

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