Food menu prices increased 4.5% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024. 

Here are some other details about menu price increases:

• Pub and bar menus: The average price of pub and bar menus increased 5.5% year-on-year, the highest increase among food menu types.
• Coffee and sandwich shop menus: The average price of coffee and sandwich shop menus increased 2.1% year-on-year, the lowest increase among food menu types.
• Ingredients: Operators are using more premium ingredients and dishes that have become more popular in the UK, such as kimchi-based dishes.

Most operators are reducing menu counts but broadening their offering. Most notably, across the pub and bar channel, operators are reducing menu counts year-on-year. QSR operators are bucking this trend with an additional 10 items on menus.

Operators across all channels have been adding a wider variety of dishes and drinks to align with a more aspirational customer, Other key highlights from the recent report include margaritas becoming the 'cocktail of the summer' in restaurants.

Mainstream pubs are modernising with the use of trendy ingredients including whipped feta and kimchi. QSR and coffee shop operators are expanding their drinks ranges with items including protein shakes, premium hot drinks and energy/sport drinks.

The team at Regency work with members on a daily basis to review and engineer their menus to drive sales and profitability. Please get in touch if you'd like to find out how we can support your business.