What key trends are you seeing in FTG?

It is shifting from being purely about convenience to a focus on quality, health and experience. Consumers are increasingly treating FTG as a moment of enjoyment rather than a rushed necessity. We’re seeing higher spend per visit, driven by premium mains, hot food and complete food‑and‑drink missions. Quality has now overtaken value as the main driver of choice, with growing demand for restaurant‑level food, functional health benefits and familiar favourites done well.

How are operators tailoring their offering in a booming sector?

Premiumising menus while being much smarter with pricing. That means clear entry points for value, alongside premium ranges, upgraded ingredients and limited‑time offers to lift spend. There’s also a strong focus on hot, filling food, global flavours, high‑protein and high‑fibre ranges. From a format perspective, growth is concentrating in travel hubs, commuter routes, drive‑thrus and smaller ‘micro’ formats, supported by technology such as self‑service kiosks, loyalty apps and AI‑driven labour and stock management.

Are people spending their money differently, especially in challenging times?

Yes, but unevenly. Lower‑ and middle‑income consumers are cautious and cutting back, while those on a higher income are spending more. Growth in FTG is now being driven largely by affluent professionals, who are using it as a high‑quality but convenient trade‑down from restaurants. Value still matters but it’s increasingly defined as ‘fair pricing for quality’ rather than the cheapest option.

Is the geopolitical and economic landscape hurting operators – and how can they adapt?

Rising labour costs, food inflation, business rates changes and supply‑chain volatility are putting real pressure on margins. As a result, businesses are becoming more disciplined: slowing expansion, re‑engineering menus and leaning heavily on technology. Using AI and automation to cut waste and manage labour, adopting capital‑light formats and using customer data can help operators price more intelligently and target promotions more precisely.

What does 2026 look like for FTG overall?

2026 remains a growth year, with FTG outperforming the wider eating‑out market – however, growth is moderate. The next phase won’t involve estate expansion, instead focusing on smarter execution, premiumisation and efficiency.