A burgeoning trend is reshaping the retail landscape as more retailers venture into the food-to-go sector, predicted to be worth £23.4bn by 2027.
- Fortnum & Mason branches out by launching its first café counter, diversifying its in-store dining options.
- Holland & Barrett enhances its wellness offerings with a new café concept, integrating health-focused beverages.
- Hotel Chocolat expands its reach by introducing bakery and hot food options in select locations.
- WHSmith unveils a new café format, capitalizing on growing demand for quick-service dining.
The food-to-go market, traditionally dominated by sandwich chains and supermarkets, is undergoing a transformation. Retailers are increasingly investing in this sector, with projections estimating a market value of £23.4 billion by 2027. Fortnum & Mason, a renowned luxury department store, has entered the fray with its first café counter at its Piccadilly flagship, offering a variety of beverages and pastries. This move aims to cater to a broader customer base, responding to growing lunchtime demands.
Holland & Barrett, known for its health and wellness focus, has opened its second café concession in London. The H&Bean initiative, trialed in Birmingham, features unique organic teas and coffees with added vitamins. Offerings like the ‘Calm Latte’ emphasize energy support and reduced fatigue, adding a wellness twist to traditional café fare.
Meanwhile, Hotel Chocolat is diversifying its offerings by introducing bakery and hot food options in its Yorkshire outlets. Known for its confectionery, the brand is now offering dishes inspired by its restaurant’s menu, including the Chocolatiers’ Carrot Cake and Caribbean Chicken Curry, merging sweet and savory in an innovative food-to-go format.
WHSmith has also stepped into the food-to-go market with its new Smith’s Kitchen café in Southampton’s Princess Anne Hospital. This follows the success of its Smith’s Family Kitchen food-to-go range, with the retailer experiencing unprecedented food sales. The café provides a range of beverages and breakfast items, illustrating WHSmith’s commitment to extending its fresh, ambient, and drinks offerings.
Ralph Lauren has also embraced the food-to-go trend with its Ralph’s Coffee outlets. Originally a pop-up, Ralph’s Coffee is now a permanent feature next to its New Bond Street store, offering an array of coffee, teas, and sweets. The initiative demonstrates Ralph Lauren’s strategic move towards integrating lifestyle experiences within its retail spaces.
The strategic investments by leading retailers into the food-to-go sector highlight a promising trend poised to reshape traditional retail dynamics.
