BB Foodservice, the delivered foodservice arm of Bestway Wholesale, the UK's largest independent wholesaler, has revealed that one in three people will indulge in a takeaway this Easter – over 18 million people across the UK.
With restaurants and takeaway services key players in the delivery market thanks to people living increasingly busier lives, there is great opportunity for both to capitalise on the bank holiday weekend.
The research, commissioned by BB Foodservice, also highlighted that 11 million people are looking to eat out over Easter1, pinpointing further scope for restaurants to increase profits over the four-day weekend.
David Livingstone, Head of Catering at BB Foodservice, said, “Consumers are now indulging over the Easter weekend with more than just chocolate.
'The growing takeaway market and restaurants are becoming increasingly popular choices for people to enjoy a meal with friends and family during precious time off - and without the hassle of cooking.
'This presents a considerable opportunity for operators to increase footfall and profits, and there are a number of ways to maximise success over the holiday.”
BB Foodservice has compiled top tips for operators such as takeaways, restaurants, pubs and cafes, to prepare for and ensure a successful Easter weekend.
• Celebrate springtime ingredients: Offer your customers a taste of springtime with seasonal food inclusions such as asparagus, apricots, rhubarb, spring greens, carrots, spring onions, savoy cabbage, spinach and pepper
• Liven up your sweet offering: Chocolate desserts are bound to be a big hit over the weekend, but also incorporating Easter-inspired spices and flavours into desserts add a seasonal twist to your menu. As well as perfecting your chocolate desserts, offer exciting dishes containing nutmeg, candied citrus peel, cinnamon and currants
• Create Easter promotions or set menus: Whether they want to indulge at home with a takeaway or enjoy a restaurant meal, entice customers by advertising Easter deals or set price menus that offer great value
• Fun and games: Host fun activities such as an Easter egg hunt and games at your restaurant for some added colour
With a vast range of branded and own label Essentially Catering products, BB foodservice delivers a one-stop-shop of chilled, ambient and frozen foods, licensed and soft drinks and non-food catering supplies such as cleaning equipment and food packaging for all sorts of food and drink businesses – from restaurants and hotels to schools and universities.
The company’s Bestway and Batleys depots also cater for takeaway and fast food establishments, with all the essential ingredients as well as a vast range of takeaway packaging all available for collection in depot.