Research from market leading pâtissiers, Brioche Pasquier has identified that 62% of 25-34 year olds and 58% of 16-24 year olds have ordered a takeaway dessert. This compares with only 35% of 45-54 year olds.
“There is a clear correlation between age and purchase of desserts through takeaway,' said Matt Grenter, Foodservice Sales Manager. “Takeaway and delivery is being driven by the younger age groups, and they order what they feel like at the time, which does not necessarily mean a main meal.”
When it comes to the takeaway market as a whole, the research shows that most people - 34% - order a main meal only, but those who order both a main and dessert are catching up with 28% choosing this option.
Grenter explained, “Desserts are growing part of the takeaway and delivery business, and Covid has fuelled this trend as lockdown and tiers have meant that at certain times takeaway has been the only option for consumers who want to eat ‘out’. A dessert makes a takeaway or delivered meal extra special, adding a layer of luxury and indulgence to the offering.”
All age groups agreed that the most important factors for choosing a takeaway dessert are a combination of enjoyment and practicality. Some 30% of consumers chose taste as the most important factor, 23% considered the price and durability was at 14%.
Operators can add value to a takeaway offering with high quality dessert options. Brioche Pasquier offers a range of individual Tartelettes, Tartes, Macarons and Petits Fours which come frozen and require no preparation other than a couple of hours to thaw.
When it comes to other dessert occasions, afternoon tea is popular, with 20% saying they’d be interested in purchasing this through takeaway. This is an opportunity for takeaway and delivery operators as afternoon tea is not currently widely available in takeaway form.