Catering for change

Would you predict the workplace catering and hospitality sector could see a surge in demand as high street chains etc look less competitive?

Prentice: “The reality is that there will be fewer of them. In the short-term, we know that people feel safer in the workplace than in the high street. In the longer term, I think it will even itself out and there will be a question of choice as we had before the pandemic. There will be a place for everybody but, at the moment, it is limited on the high street.”

Mahoney: “I think our sector has a real window of opportunity to provide a fantastic experience for consumers whereby they are more likely to remain in their workplace during the day rather than venturing to the high street.

In the short-term, people are likely to feel safer in their workplaces so it offers a good opportunity for caterers. In major cities, the high street will take longer to return but we will have to remain competitive and demonstrate value for money.”

Hurst: “The high street was already going through a transition period pre-COVID and the pandemic has already caused many operators to close marginal and unprofitable high street locations.

Whilst some brands may disappear from our high streets altogether and others may shrink further, there are always new operators and concepts waiting in the wings and ready to take advantage of lower rents and greater availability on the high street.

My personal opinion is that we’ll see yet more innovation and exciting new brands spring up and as ever, the contract catering world will continue to take inspiration from these trends, and offer them some insight of our own.”

Has the demand for healthy food choices and barista style coffees etc diminished due to the pandemic?

Prentice: “There will always be that mix of people who will always want healthy food, and those who want to eat more indulgent options. One thing is for sure – people are fed up of eating at home and feeding themselves relatively boring lunches; they’ll want a professional to make them lunch again.

The pandemic will undoubtedly have made people more foodie and coffee aware so the demand for quality will be as great as it ever was.”

Mahoney: “To the contrary, I believe customers will be focused more on their health due to the pandemic. We have seen the devastating effect of COVID especially on those with underlying health conditions. This fact will not be lost on our consumers as they return to the workplace.

There will, of course, be a demand for ‘treats’ too as people will not have been able to enjoy these whilst at home, but I don’t believe we’ll see a major shift in attitudes.

As for Barista coffee, I believe it will be more popular than ever for those who haven’t had the barista experience for some time.”

Hurst: “Not in the slightest. I think most of us have put on a few pounds whilst working from home so healthy food is very much still on people’s minds as they return to the office.

Similarly, great barista style coffee is much harder to achieve at home for most of us so demand for quality coffee remains as strong as ever as people are coming back into the workplace.”