Consumer Foodservice in Austria

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Three important trends shaping the Austrian consumer foodservice industry

Three important trends are having an impact on foodservice in Austria. The first is the ever-increasing pace of living, which creates demand for faster services and the need for greater convenience in foodservice establishments. This has had a positive affect on sales of fast food outlets, street stalls/kiosks and the frequency that consumers visit these establishments. Second is the long-term trend towards single households with singles unwilling or able to cook for just one person. This particularly benefits 100% home delivery/takeaway outlets. The third is the health and wellness trend, which affects many industries, as well as consumer foodservice. This leads to an increased awareness for healthier food, fresh ingredients and smaller portion sizes.

Fast food underdeveloped in Austria

Fast food remains relatively underdeveloped in Austria and the only fast food chain with a significant share is McDonald' s. However, with Burger King entering Austria in 2001 and KFC opening its first outlet in 2005, fast food has the potential to be an area of future growth over the forecast period.

Chains play a minimal role in the overall Austrian foodservice industry

Independent outlets generate the majority of sales in the Austrian consumer foodservice industry. Only McDonald' s and Tchibo Holding play a significant role in terms of presence and sales. In general Austrian consumers are fairly conservative in their tastes and are sceptical about new international chains.

100% home delivery/takeaway witnesses the highest growth

Demand for 100% home delivery/takeaway outlets has been growing due to more hectic consumer lifestyles and an increase in single households. Therefore, these outlets have been experiencing higher number of transactions and a significant increase in value sales.

Greater acceptance of foreign cuisine

The Austrian consumer is becoming more exposed to international trends and more experimental in terms of choice of cuisine. This has resulted in an increase in sales for full-service restaurants providing international cuisine, particularly Japanese and Chinese. The presence of restaurants providing foreign cuisine is expected to increase over the forecast period including more exotic dishes such as Thai and Indian.