Callebaut’s report reveals diners are looking for indulgence

Callebaut’s latest Dessert Report has found that consumers are spending more on desserts as they look to treat themselves when dining out.

The second edition of the report, which features CGA-commissioned research, focuses on the past, present and future of dining out in the UK. The report covers pricing, menu creation, the role of dietary requirements and demographics, giving operators invaluable insight on ways in which they can maximise their profit potential by offering desserts.

The report highlights that consumers are opting for desserts on social, celebratory and indulgent occasions, supporting the findings that they are spending more on desserts to treat themselves. In fact, 84% of dessert consumers opt for sharing desserts as 34% agree they do this to enjoy the sharing experience. Seasonality also plays a significant role with 61% of consumers preferring a seasonal dessert menu to a consistent one.

With 36% of consumers aged between 18 and 34 eating out once or twice a week, restaurants were found to be the most popular out-of-home channel.

Dietary requirements do play a role in dessert consumption. More than half of typical dessert consumers, and 76% of those with a dietary requirement, think vegan dessert options deserve a place on menus. Providing vegan and vegetarian desserts is unlikely to deter most consumers, but will influence around half of those with dietary restrictions to order more.

Vincenzo Mangano, sales director gourmet at Callebaut UK & Ireland, commented: “This year’s Dessert Report offers a complete overview of the market at a critical time for operators as they look to recover from the effects of having to shut their doors. Desserts are an integral part of a food offering for an operator and can contribute significantly to their financial gain.

Callebaut have also launched their Future of Foodservice Campaign designed to help operators grow their businesses following the challenges of the pandemic and including six detailed reports focused on major topics operators will have to tackle by 2025. The first report focuses on the to-go occasion with the tagline, ‘Food-to-go Is your way to grow’.

To read the Dessert Report click here