A wind of optimism is blowing through the restaurant industry. Despite the downturn linked to the Olympic Games, the chaotic political situation and the gloomy weather, the sector saw its revenues increase in 2024, according to a study by the Food Service Vision firm published on Wednesday. The firm expects catering turnover to increase by +1% in 2024, “honorable growth in a year marked by consumer decisions which weighed on attendance”he estimates in his strategic review, published every quarter.
Attendance at establishments, which had fallen in July, August and September, recovered from October, notes the study, a rebound “not really expected” “due in part to a favorable timing of the All Saints’ Day holidays and rather pleasant weather”.
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An increase of 3% over one year
Collective catering saw its turnover increase by 3% over the year, while local shops recorded an increase of 2%. The study, which compiles both professional data and consumer barometers, highlights that the French are paying more and more attention to the price of dishes (89% of customers, an increase of 5 points compared to the year ‘before) and reduce their shopping basket, “alcoholic beverages being the most sacrificed product in this arbitration”.
On the restaurant side, the big franchises are waging a price and communication war, with menus “low prices” or children for less than 5 euros, and also try “unprecedented taste experiences” especially on the spiciness. “The independents who are doing the best are changing their menu (product quality, new products, shorter, more local ranges, reworked tableware)”note encore Food Service Vision.
Finally, if inflation has stabilized this year, certain categories of products such as chocolate (+ 52.9%) and butter (+ 12.1%) have experienced very strong increases this year, which has a impact on sectors such as bakery and coffee shops.
