Fish and chips still Britain’s most-wanted pub meal as appetite for premium versions grows

A survey for CGA’s exclusive new ‘Food Insights 22’ report shows that more than a quarter (28%) of consumers pick fish and chips as one of their three top dishes when eating out in pubs and bars. This puts it ahead of other perennial favourites like carveries and roasts (24%), steak (22%), pizza (21%) and beef burgers (17%) on the report’s rundown of consumers’ most-wanted pub and bar meals.

While fish and chips has been a classic dish for decades, CGA’s in-depth report into out-of-home food trends flags significant opportunities to increase sales even further. It indicates that half (48%) of consumers would be willing to try a premium fish and chip restaurant or shop, while three in five (60%) say they are likely to pay more for a better quality version of the dish. Diners are also interested in exploring new variations on the meal, and more than a quarter say they would consider ordering options like tuna (29%), lobster (27%) and crab (27%) if they saw them on a fish and chip shop’s menu.

Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA, said: “Britain’s consumers have never had such a wide choice of options when eating out, so it’s fascinating to see the appetite for fish and chips is undimmed. Even in very mature parts of the eating-out market like this, it’s encouraging to see there is still so much potential to grow sales, especially by helping people trade up to new alternatives and making fish and chip shops destinations in their own right. With spending on eating out under mounting pressure, tempting consumers with exciting twists on popular favourites like fish and chips will be a crucial tactic in the months ahead.”

CGA’s ‘Food Insights 22’ report offers a wide range of actionable data and expert analysis on many areas of out-of-home eating, to help suppliers and operators respond to the latest developments in consumers’ habits. It explores topics including emerging food trends, global cuisines, new menu options and the needs of consumers with dietary requirements. The full report is available to purchase now.

CGA works with food and beverage suppliers, consumer brand owners, wholesalers, government entities and pub, bar and restaurant retailers to protect and shape the future of the out-of-home experience. Its mission is to use phenomenal data and expert insights to give brands a competitive edge and ensure the market we love is the most vibrant possible. To learn more, contact: hoaf@cgastrategy.com