In 2023, the fast food chain McDonald's generated over 1.8 billion British pounds in turnover in the United Kingdom. This represented an increase of over nine percent from the previous year. Meanwhile, Domino's Pizza's revenue in the UK and Ireland stood at 624.5 million British pounds in the same year.

A weak spending environment amid economic headwinds casts a shadow over industry performance. Squeezed budgets amid the cost-of-living crisis were a double-edged sword for takeaways and fast-food restaurants over the two years through 2023-24: some consumers cut back on takeaways, while others traded down from full-service restaurants to takeaways and fast food. Inflationary pressures resulted in hikes in labour, energy and sourcing costs, straining profitability. Those with higher disposable incomes have been less impacted, demanding higher quality and healthier options, typically with a higher price tag. Persisting inflation and economic uncertainty weaken consumer confidence and spending in the two years through 2025-26. Revenue is projected to inch upward at a compound annual rate of 0.6% over the five years through 2025-26, including a 0.2% hike in 2025-26. The subdued rate of growth reflects ongoing challenges. The surge of online food ordering has fuelled revenue growth. While online sales peaked during the pandemic, consumers drawn to convenience have become accustomed to ordering takeaways and fast food online. The development of state-of-the-art online platforms and third-party online ordering platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are becoming the bread and butter for takeaway and fast-food outlets, encouraging new players into the industry. Britons' growing health and sustainability consciousness presents an opportunity for takeaway and fast-food businesses to introduce more expensive organic and meat-free menu items to boost revenue and profit. Britons’ tastes for healthy and sustainable takeaway options will continue to climb. Stricter legislation regarding the adverse effects of consuming junk food will promote product development innovation and healthy fast-food alternatives, driving additional revenue streams. As workers return to the office more permanently, demand for takeaway lunch options will swell. Fast food chains will invest heavily in aggressive expansion plans to secure market share and reduce costs. Investment in marketing is likely to increase as operators turn to social media and online advertising to attract younger consumers and secure long-term revenue. Spending on innovation will persist as major players leverage AI and technological advancements to differentiate themselves from competitors and meet growing demand. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 3.1% to £27.5 billion over the years through 2030-31.

The market size of the United Kingdom's fast food and takeaway industry stood at **** billion British pounds in 2025. Meanwhile, employees in the sector numbered over *******. How many fast food and takeaway restaurants are in the UK? The number of businesses in the UK's takeaway and fast food sector totaled close to ****** as of April 2025. At the forefront of the industry are household names such as Greggs, KFC, and McDonald's, all of which regularly rank among the most popular dining brands in the UK. Greggs, in particular, has seen impressive growth in the past two decades, with the bakery chain's turnover more than tripling between 2006 and 2023. What is the most popular takeaway food in Great Britain? A 2023 survey asked consumers in Great Britain to rank their favorite type of takeaway food. ***** ended up being the most popular takeaway cuisine in Great Britain that year, with ** percent of respondents choosing the dish. Other popular takeaway options in the United Kingdom’s restaurant delivery and takeaway industry include Chinese, Italian, and Burgers.

The Fast-Food Franchises industry has been influenced by changing consumer preferences and the convenience of online food ordering. Although demand for cheaper, on-the-go food is boosting sales, fast-food establishments have had to adapt to changing consumer tastes and rising health consciousness by introducing healthier options and vegetarian and vegan offerings to capture mounting demand. The boom of delivery services has also fed revenue growth, as many opt for fast-food for its convenience and digital ordering has made it easier to receive meals. Revenue is expected to rise at a compound annual rate of 3.6% over the five years through 2025-26 to £13.1 billion. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fast-food franchises faced escalating operating costs, with soaring food and energy prices hitting profitability. Lingering supply disruptions continue to pressure food costs, with the price of beef in particular surging. Additionally, hikes in the National Living Wage are worsening these cost rises, due to the industry’s reliance on low-skilled labour. This is prompting franchises to streamline operations by integrating new technology like self-service kiosks to cut down on labour expenses. Intense competition and these heightened operating costs are weighing on profit, although it’s still higher than it was five years ago due to the pandemic. However, financial pressures have also brought opportunities. Cost-of-living pressures are continuing, with inflation reaching 3.8% in the 12 months to August 2025. This is driving more low-income consumers towards cheap fast-food restaurants, though many others are also cutting out discretionary spending on eating out, restricting revenue growth to just 0.1% in 2025-26. Revenue is forecast to climb at a compound annual rate of 3% over the five years through 2030-31 to reach £15.2 billion. The convenience and low prices offered by fast-food outlets will continue to drive demand. Fast-food franchises that provide clear nutritional information, source ingredients responsibly, provide healthier options and continuously innovate their menus with new and exciting flavours will stand out in this competitive market. Additionally, expansion plans by the industry’s biggest names provide a bright outlook for revenue, while AI should help brands optimise production and boost their performance.

Combined, branded fast food restaurants generated the largest share of fast food market value in 2018. Traditional branded restaurants were worth *** billion British pounds in 2018, while branded restaurants with a focus on delivery generated over *** billion pounds and branded contemporary restaurants a further *** billion. Fast food market in the UKFast food restaurants, also known as quick service restaurants (QSR), are a lucrative segment of the food service industry. According to reported figures on the eating out market, the UK fast food market was worth almost ** billion British pounds in 2018. It competed with pubs and bars, which are now the most popular dining out option for Brits, more so than traditional service-led restaurants. Branded fast food restaurants made up an *** percent share of eating out market value in 2017 compared to ** percent for pubs and bars. Branded vs. independent fast food restaurantsAlthough fast food brands generated the largest share of market value, independent outlets almost matched the value of traditional fast food restaurants. The UK was home to over ** thousand independent fast food restaurants including takeaways in 2018, the most of any other fast food restaurant outlet type, establishing their significance on the market. The UK takeaway market has traditionally been an important segment and has recently received a boost thanks to developments in online food delivery apps.

The United Kingdom fast food market reached approximately USD 29.07 Billion in 2024. The market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of around USD 49.66 Billion by 2034.

This statistic shows the leading fast food (quick service) restaurants in the United Kingdom (UK) in 2015. During the survey, 57 percent of respondents said they went to McDonald's, while 42 percent chose KFC.

Despite the popularity McDonald's enjoy in the United Kingdom, there are far fewer McDonald's restaurants per million people in the United Kingdom, than in similar nations. In 2014, the highest number of restaurants per million people could be found in the United States with 45.1 restaurants per million people. There were less than half of that number in the United Kingdom during 2014, with 19.1 McDonald's restaurants per million people.

In 2014, Europe generated more revenue for McDonald's than any other region, creating 11.08 billion U.S dollars, ahead of the 8.65 billion U.S dollars in revenue coming from the United States.

Residents of the United Kingdom are one of biggest spenders when it comes to food and beverage services. In 2015, the turnover of food and beverage service activities in the United Kingdom was higher than in any other member state of the European Union. Despite having a similar population to France and a smaller population than Germany, turnover in the food and beverage service industry amounted to 87.7 billion euros in the United Kingdom, compared with 63.17 billion euros in France and 53.03 billlion euros in Germany.

According to a survey of restaurant brands in the United Kingdom in the second quarter of 2025, Greggs had the highest rating among the British public, with 75 percent having a positive opinion of the brand. J D Wetherspoon, McDonald's, Burger King, and Domino's were also rated among the top five brands. Number of Greggs shops in the UK Along with ranking as one of the most popular restaurant brands in the UK, Greggs is also one of the most prolific. The company had over 2,500 outlets operating across the country in 2024, a figure which showed an increase of around seven percent compared to the previous year. Since 2006, the number of Greggs shops in the UK nearly doubled. How big is the restaurant industry in the UK? The United Kingdom’s restaurant industry is exceptionally diverse, comprising fast food companies, casual dining brands, and Michelin star restaurants. In 2023, the market size of the restaurant industry in the UK was estimated at 18.7 billion British pounds.

Employment statistics on the Takeaway & Fast-Food Restaurants industry in the UK

The market is estimated to reach USD 207,415.5 million in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 341,089.4 million by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% throughout the assessment period.

Metric	Value
Industry Size (2025E)	USD 207,415.5 million
Industry Value (2035F)	USD 341,089.4 million
CAGR (2025 to 2035)	5.1%

Country wise Outlook

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
USA	5.0%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
UK	5.2%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
European Union	5.3%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
Japan	5.1%

Country	CAGR (2025 to 2035)
South Korea	5.4%

Competitive Outlook

Company Name	Estimated Market Share (%)
McDonald's	18-22%
Yum! Brands	15-19%
Darden Concepts, Inc.	10-14%
Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC	8-12%
Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.	6-10%
Other Companies (combined)	30-40%

Snapshot img

Fast Food Market Size 2025-2029

The fast food market size is forecast to increase by USD 119.6 billion, at a CAGR of 3% between 2024 and 2029.

Major Market Trends & Insights

APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 35% growth during the forecast period.
By the Product - Non-vegetarian fast food segment was valued at USD 424.90 billion in 2023
By the Service Type - Eat-in segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023

Market Size & Forecast

Market Opportunities: USD 28.51 billion
Market Future Opportunities: USD 119.60 billion 
CAGR : 3%
APAC: Largest market in 2023

Market Summary

The global fast food market was valued at USD 712 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 895 billion by 2029, driven by rising urbanization, convenience trends, and changing dietary preferences. The U.S. accounts for over 28% of global fast food sales, with more than 194,000 fast-food establishments operating nationwide. Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) dominate, representing over 60% of market revenue, while online food delivery platforms contribute to over 30% of total orders globally. Increasing demand for plant-based menu options, gluten-free offerings, and low-calorie meals reflects growing health-conscious consumer behavior. Additionally, AI-driven personalization and self-service kiosks are transforming customer experience in the industry. Internal linking opportunities include Functional Food Ingredients Market, Plant-Based Food Market, and Online Food Delivery Market, which align with evolving fast-food trends and consumer expectations.

What will be the Size of the Fast Food Market during the forecast period?

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The fast food market continues to expand, driven by innovations in restaurant technology and the integration of food service equipment designed to improve speed and efficiency. Brands are adopting POS terminal integration and online ordering integration to streamline transactions and meet growing consumer demand for convenience. Enhancing kitchen workflow efficiency and implementing structured employee training programs are critical to reducing errors and ensuring consistency in service.

Modern operators rely heavily on customer feedback systems and data driven decision making to refine operations. Advanced supply chain traceability, stringent food quality control, and robust sanitation protocols support compliance and safety, while strategies for operational efficiency and cost reduction strategies remain essential for maintaining margins. Growth initiatives include revenue generation, customer acquisition, and customer retention, supported by menu optimization and targeted campaigns informed by marketing analytics and brand positioning.

Strategic decisions like location analysis and franchise development influence expansion, while effective store operations, staff management, and inventory control are key for sustaining performance. Tools for food cost control, quality assurance, and sales forecasting help operators maintain profitability. Additionally, profitability analysis, risk management, and a strong focus on customer experience are shaping the competitive landscape. With digitalization and analytics driving innovation, the sector is evolving toward faster, smarter, and more customer-centric models.

How is this Fast Food Industry segmented?

The fast food industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Non-vegetarian fast food
  Vegetarian fast food


Service Type

  Eat-in
  Take away
  Home delivery
  Others


End-User

  Quick Service Restaurants
  Fast Casual Restaurants
  Others


Target Audience

  Youth
  Families
  Professionals


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada
    Mexico


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    Spain
    UK


  Middle East and Africa

    UAE


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America

    Brazil


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Product Insights

The non-vegetarian fast food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the dynamic the market, various strategies are employed by outlets to attract consumers and drive growth. Menu engineering principles introduce innovative non-vegetarian dishes, primarily focusing on fish, seafood, chicken, beef, and other options. Consumers' preference for low-calorie and high-protein food products, such as meat-based offerings, further propels market expansion. Chicken, in particular, is a highly demanded non-vegetarian fast food category. Resta

The United Kingdom Quick Service Restaurant Market is segmented by Cuisine (Bakeries, Burger, Ice Cream, Meat-based Cuisines, Pizza), by Outlet (Chained Outlets, Independent Outlets) and by Location (Leisure, Lodging, Retail, Standalone, Travel). Market Value in USD is presented. Key data points observed include the number of outlets for each foodservice channel; and, average order value in USD by foodservice channel.

USD 40.21 Billion in 2024; projected USD 58.42 Billion by 2033; CAGR 4.24%.

In 2019/20, when asked how often they eat out at fast food restaurants, ** percent of ***** year old respondents said at least once a week, compared to just **** percent of ** and overs. There was a general correlation between age and eating fast food, with younger respondents eating at fast food restaurants more often than older respondents.

Snapshot img

UK Foodservice Market Size 2025-2029

The UK foodservice market size is forecast to increase by USD 57 billion at a CAGR of 6.7% between 2024 and 2029.

Foodservice market is experiencing significant shifts, driven by the increasing popularity of food delivery apps and online ordering platforms. This digital transformation is revolutionizing the way consumers interact with foodservice providers, leading to increased convenience and flexibility. However, regulatory hurdles impact adoption, as stringent food safety regulations and complex licensing requirements pose challenges for new entrants. Additionally, labor shortages in the foodservice sector are tempering growth potential, as operators struggle to find and retain skilled workers. Virtual restaurants and ghost kitchens are gaining traction as potential solutions to labor challenges, enabling businesses to operate with reduced overheads and increased efficiency. The foodservice market encompasses a diverse range of establishments, including cafes, bars, cloud kitchens, full service restaurants, quick service restaurants, chained outlets, independent outlets, and various mobile food services such as food trucks and fast-food chains.
These trends present both opportunities and challenges for market participants. Companies that can effectively navigate regulatory requirements and adapt to changing consumer preferences will be well-positioned to capitalize on the market's growth potential. Meanwhile, addressing labor shortages through innovative operational models and investing in technology will be crucial for long-term success.

What will be the size of the UK Foodservice Market during the forecast period?

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The foodservice industry continues to evolve, with a focus on data-driven insights from foodservice analytics shaping business decisions. Industry standards prioritize sustainable practices, as reflected in the latest foodservice trends report. Innovation in foodservice is evident in the adoption of kitchen automation and smart kitchen technology. Foodservice consulting firms help businesses optimize operations through food safety certifications and efficient foodservice business models. Restaurant management technology adoption is transforming the industry, from customer loyalty programs to restaurant design trends. Foodservice distribution and equipment leasing companies are integrating technology to streamline supply chain management. Foodservice equipment maintenance is also becoming more efficient with the integration of IoT sensors and predictive analytics. Moreover, the cloud kitchen concept is emerging as a significant trend, enabling foodservice providers to operate without a physical storefront, reducing overhead costs and increasing operational efficiency.

How is this market segmented?

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments. {{segments_for_ai.nslist}

By Type Insights

The fast foodservice segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The foodservice market in the US is characterized by various trends and dynamics shaping the industry. Off-premise catering continues to gain traction as customers seek convenience and flexibility. Customer feedback is increasingly important for foodservice operators, influencing menu offerings and improving customer experience. Ingredient sourcing, with a focus on local and organic options, is a growing concern for both casual dining establishments and fine dining restaurants. Cloud kitchens and ghost kitchens are emerging business models, optimizing workflow and reducing overhead costs. Food trends, such as healthy eating and dietary restrictions, are driving innovation in meal kits and menu offerings. The increasing number of full-service restaurants and the popularity of online catering services are additional growth factors.

Catering equipment and commercial kitchen equipment are essential investments for foodservice operators, while staff training and food cost control remain critical areas of focus. Cloud-based solutions, including employee scheduling and inventory management software, are streamlining operations and enhancing operational efficiency. Customer satisfaction is a top priority, with digital menu boards and table management systems contributing to an enhanced dining experience. Foodservice design, from kitchen layout to restaurant technology, is evolving to accommodate these trends. Food allergies and food waste reduction are key concerns, with table management systems and delivery services addressing these issues. Sustainability initiatives and brand loyalty programs are becoming increasingly important in the hospitality industry. Community outreach programs and e-commerce channels further enha

This dataset ranks the top 10 food to go (FTG) brands in the UK by their turnover market share in 2024. It provides insight into the competitive landscape of the FTG market, showcasing the leading operators by revenue share within the year.

The number of takeaway and fast food restaurants in the United Kingdom has increased over the past decade. In 2023, the UK had nearly ****** takeaway and fast food restaurants. This figure was forecast to increase to approximately ****** in 2024.

Market Size statistics on the Fast-Food Franchises industry in the UK

Comprehensive dataset containing 546 verified Hong Kong style fast food restaurant businesses in United Kingdom with complete contact information, ratings, reviews, and location data.