The foodcourt market - France (2023)

The foodcourt market has experienced significant growth and evolution, reflecting the consumer trends and preferences that have emerged from recent crises. By 2023, there will be around 60 foodcourts in France, with a notable spike in openings in 2021, attributing 18 new establishments, suggesting a demand for diverse, fast-casual dining options. These venues bring together a mix of cuisines and experiences, aiming to appeal to a broad clientele including students, office workers and families, with a particular focus on the local market.s and families, with price ranges ($12 to $40 for lunch) catering to different socio-economic demographics.

Foodcourts have become strategic elements of shopping centers, attracting customers and offering unique dining and entertainment experiences. They have adapted to digital platforms, with establishments such as La Felicità having a strong social media presence. The market reflects a competitive landscape, with vendors differentiating themselves on factors such as food quality, price and speed of service. New hygiene and waste regulations, as well as the acceptance of luncheon vouchers and the management of liquor licenses, further define operational standards.

Despite an expected annual growth rate of 2% between 2022 and 2027 in the wider foodservice sector, foodcourts have had to adapt to trends in consumer behavior that favor unique, memorable experiences over culinary excellence. Thanks to these adaptations and an increasingly experiential approach, the market size will reach around 380 million euros in annual sales by 2023. Foodcourts cater to a wide range of tastes and culinary preferences, with some establishments collaborating with renowned chefs to offer high-end experiences, positioning themselves as innovative, community centers for dining and social engagement.

Catering to diverse tastes: The growing popularity of Food Courts

A modern crucible of culinary experiences, food courts have become a gastronomic destination for those seeking to satisfy their diverse palates. With a clientele ranging from students to professionals, from singles to families, these establishments have responded to growing consumer demand for fast, affordable and diverse dining. Food courts have recognized and responded to the shift in consumer behavior towards frugality in a context of economic uncertainty.

Despite this, the average bill for a meal in these eateries has remained in line with traditional restaurant standards, averaging 24 to 25 euros per person in recent times. This shows that while consumers are looking for value for money, they are not compromising on their dining experience. In terms of capacity, most food courts offer shared seating between different restaurants, with an average of around 40 seats per establishment. Given that some 500 restaurants operate in these food courts, and that the establishments are generally open every day for lunch and dinner, the annual expenditure by the French on meals in food courts has been estimated at around 350-360 million euros. What's more, representing an opportunity to create memorable experiences, food courts have become more than just a place to eat, they've become cultural hubs. By leveraging social media, they have created "Instagrammable" spaces and communities around their brands, boosting their popularity and footfall.

Dissecting restaurant habits and characteristics, studies have shown that almost 88% of consumers have visited a restaurant in the last six months, with a significant proportion of women and people without children. Interestingly, around 40% of these consumers are in the 35 to 54 age bracket, and the majority live in or near urban centers. When it comes to consumer desires, food courts have hit the nail on the head, offering an enriching experience that satisfies customers' cravings for novelty, flexibility and general ambience. According to one study, over 60% of consumers visit restaurants to indulge, connect and have a good time, reinforcing the success of food courts, which offer a plethora of cuisines, transparency in preparation and a unique gastronomic signature.

Navigating the competitive landscape of France's food courts: the main players and their specific features

As we explore the dynamic food court market in France, we come across several major players who have managed to capture the essence of this dining concept and have become key competitors in the industry. Each of these entities has developed its own approach to conquering the palates and hearts of the French population, which is both curious about gastronomy and socially committed.

• Food Society Paris: A recent entry on the Parisian gastronomic scene, Food Society Paris stands out as a heavyweight with its massive 5,000 m² space hosting around 35 restaurants. Known for its variety and scale, it serves as a culinary hub where customers can savor flavors from around the world and enjoy an atmosphere that celebrates food as an integral part of social interaction.
• La Felicità: Under the aegis of the Big Mamma group, La Felicità has become an Instagram sensation with over 300,000 followers. This food and cultural haven in the heart of Paris brings together an eclectic mix of cuisines, complemented by an aesthetic design that makes it a "must-visit" among food courts. The magnetic engagement of its community through social media has positioned it as a market leader.
• Eataly Paris: Combining the style of Italian markets with Parisian chic, Eataly has inaugurated a unique concept that combines retail with catering. This establishment allows customers to buy high-quality Italian ingredients and enjoy freshly prepared dishes, giving them a taste of Italy in the heart of Paris.
• Les Halles de Bacalan - Bordeaux: This regional player offers a local experience with an emphasis on community and proximity. Located in Bordeaux, it has become a community space that not only offers local cuisine, but also fosters connections between its visitors thanks to its intimate setting.
• Heat - Lyon: Heat is an example of food court innovation in a small but dynamic format. Located in Lyon, this 600 m² space, which includes 4 restaurants, offers a warm atmosphere where diners can indulge in a range of cuisines in a more intimate environment.
• Galeries Lafayette Gourmet and Le Printemps du Goût: These two establishments draw on their brand's historic reputation in the retail sector to offer upscale dining spaces. These Parisian institutions attract customers looking for a fusion of luxury shopping and gourmet dining, all under one opulent roof.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 18/04/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Number of Food Court openings
• Size of the global food court market
• Forecast growth in food court sales
• Size of the short food market by selected method
• Age of CHD consumers
• Location of CHD consumers
• Frequency of visits to traditional restaurants
• What are your reasons for eating out?
• Preoccupation of the French when having lunch away from home
• Comparison of the total and average surface areas of the two leading short food chains
• Comparison of the total and average number of restaurants of the two main leaders