The fast food market - United States

The global fast food market, valued at USD 973 billion in 2021, experienced a decline due to the health crisis with a nearly 15% drop in revenue from 2019 to 2020, before beginning to recover in 2021 and further in 2022. The market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.05%, reaching USD 1467 billion by 2028. Dominated by American chains such as Starbucks and McDonald's, each valued at over USD 30 billion in 2021, the industry has seen a push towards healthier alternatives, with a significant portion of the U.S. population engaging in food delivery and take-out; by early 2021, 70% had food delivered and a growing user base of food delivery applications continued to rise, achieving a 16% growth in 2020. Additionally, the U.S. market itself was led in sales by McDonald's at over USD 40 billion in 2020, even as the fast food workforce remained substantial with over 3 million fast food or counter workers predominantly in the restaurant segment. Regulations by OSHA and FDA focused on food safety, proper handling, and disclosure of nutritional information have shaped the market's operational terrain..Title: Evolving U.S. Fast Food Market Trends and Consumption Patterns In recent years, the U.S. fast food market has demonstrated a series of nuanced trends and shifts in consumer behavior, reflective of broader societal changes. Fast food, once synonymous with quick, greasy meals, is undergoing transformations in response to health and lifestyle trends. Nevertheless, the market continues to thrive, with demand for convenient, ready-to-eat food maintaining its appeal among a significant portion of the population. One of the most notable trends is the burgeoning popularity of food delivery and take-out services. The health crisis propelled this consumer behavior, with approximately 70% of the population having food delivered to their doorstep by the early months of 2021. This shift towards delivery and take-out indicates that the U.S. public is increasingly consuming more packaged food than fresh, with over a quarter indulging in some type of fast food daily. Delivery apps have also seen a surge, especially with the U.S. claiming the position as the second-largest market globally for such services. The momentum for app-based food delivery began gathering pace in 2015, with vigorous annual revenue growth between 20% and 30%. This adoption of delivery apps underscores a transition towards more digitally integrated and convenience-oriented dining habits. Demographics play an important role in this market, with younger adults exhibiting a higher propensity for fast food consumption. Individuals aged between 20 to 30 years old represent between 40% to 50% of the consumer base, while those over 60 years old constitute slightly less, with around 20% to 30% regularly turning to fast food. Income also influences consumption patterns, with a higher percentage of the population with more substantial incomes being more likely to consume fast food. When dissecting the types of meals preferred by Americans, lunch and dinner dominate fast food consumption, while breakfast and snacks attract a smaller segment of consumers. These insights into meal preferences hint at the potential for market players to further tap into the less saturated breakfast and snack segments. The American market has shown resilience despite a notable dip caused by the health crisis, seeing a brief contraction in 2020. Recovery has been swift, with an increase in market growth confirmed in 2021 and 2022. The major players have fluctuated in their market presence, with McDonald's leading in terms of sales revenue, despite Subway boasting the most extensive network of establishments. Overall, the U.S. fast food market's current trajectory is influenced by a blend of technological advancements, which are redefining access and.### Key Titans of the Fast Food Industry The landscape of the fast food industry is dominated by a mix of seasoned veterans and innovative newcomers, each carving out their own space in the belly of the American consumer. Leading the charge in the burger segment is the venerable McDonald's, which, with its iconic golden arches, has become synonymous with fast food itself. Alongside it, Burger King holds its ground with the crown, renowned for its flame-grilled offerings that include the famous Whopper. When it's time for a caffeine fix or a frappuccino delight, Starbucks Coffee stands as the uncontested monarch of the coffee domain. Its green mermaid emblem beckons the masses yearning for both classic and inventive coffee beverages. Poultry perfection is personified by Chick-fil-A, whose friendly service is as much a hallmark as its succulent chicken sandwiches. KFC, with Colonel Sanders at its helm, brings forth a legacy of finger-licking good chicken, famous for its secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. For those with an appetite for zestier flavors, Taco Bell spices up the mix with its assortment of Mexican-inspired fare, whereas Chipotle Mexican Grill has carved a unique niche with its "Food with Integrity" ethos, offering fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients. Subway takes a healthy slice of the sandwich sector, encouraging customers to "eat fresh" with their customizable submarine sandwiches. Venturing into the realm of pizzas, Domino's Pizza and Pizza Hut engage in a mouth-watering rivalry, each presenting a smorgasbord of pies that cater to an endless variety of tastes and preferences. Together, these culinary juggernauts form a veritable gastronomic pantheon, serving up convenience and flavor in the bustling world of fast food. Whether it's a quick bite on the go or a casual meal with friends, these industry behemoths stand ready to satisfy the nation's appetite, one order at a time.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 05/07/2022

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Summary and extracts

List of charts

• Most popular types of take-out kitchens in the United States
• Food delivery app activity in the U.S
• American fast food market
• The 10 largest fast food chains in the United States
• Global Fast Food Market
• Top 10 Fast Food brands in the world
• Percentage of adults consuming Fast Food by age
• Fast food consumption by meal type
• Fast food consumption by income level
• Evolution of the Fast Food chains' frequentation by segment
• Most popular fast food chains in the United States
• Share of franchised restaurants of the 10 most present Fast Food chains in the United States
• Average price of a Fast Food item

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