A growing trend sees unexpected retailers investing in food-to-go, a sector expected to reach £23.4 billion by 2027.
- Fortnum & Mason introduces its first dedicated café counter, enhancing its takeaway offerings.
- Holland & Barrett expands its H&Bean service with a new café at London Victoria Street.
- Hotel Chocolat launches bakery and hot food concessions to strengthen its food-to-go presence.
- WHSmith unveils Smith’s Kitchen café format, expanding its successful food-to-go line.
In an evolving retail landscape, several retailers are making significant strides into the burgeoning food-to-go market, projected to be worth £23.4 billion by 2027. Historically dominated by sandwich chains and supermarkets, this market is witnessing new players seeking to capture consumer interest.
Fortnum & Mason, renowned for its luxury goods, has ventured into the food-to-go arena by unveiling its first-ever café counter within its Piccadilly flagship store. This addition offers an array of hot and cold drinks, pastries, and ice cream, complementing its existing Bagel Bar. Zoe Norman, a fresh buyer at the retailer, remarked, “We are increasing our offering to cater for even more of our customer base.”
Holland & Barrett has continued to explore the food-to-go sector with the expansion of its H&Bean café service to a new location on London Victoria Street, following a successful trial at its Birmingham site. Customers can enjoy signature organic teas and coffees infused with vitamins and wellness ingredients, such as the ‘Calm Latte’, designed to boost energy and reduce fatigue.
Hotel Chocolat has strategically expanded its food-to-go options by launching bakery and hot food concessions across several Yorkshire locations. These outlets feature a distinctive menu inspired by the retailer’s own restaurant creations, including tempting items like Chocolatier’s Carrot Cake and Caribbean Chicken Curry.
WHSmith, a familiar name in the retail space, has inaugurated a new café under the Smith’s Kitchen brand within Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton. This move follows the establishment of Smith’s Family Kitchen range, which has delivered record-breaking sales. The café provides a diverse array of beverages and snacks, enhancing its footprint in the food-to-go market.
Ralph Lauren offers a unique twist on the food-to-go concept with Ralph’s Coffee, initially a temporary fixture that has become a staple next to its New Bond Street store in London. The brand also operates another location within a vintage Citroen truck at Bicester Village, serving an exclusive selection of coffees and sweets.
These retail initiatives highlight a strategic shift towards the lucrative food-to-go sector, reflecting its growing importance in consumer habits.
