The foodcourt market - France

The foodcourt market has seen significant growth and evolution, reflecting consumer trends and preferences that emerged from recent crises. By 2023, France boasted around 60 foodcourts, with a notable spike in openings in 2021, attributing to 18 new establishments, suggesting a demand for diverse and rapid dining options. These venues bring together a mix of cuisines and experiences, aiming to attract a wide customer base including students, office workers, and families, with price ranges ($12 to $40 for lunch) catering to different socioeconomic demographics.

Foodcourts have emerged as strategic components in shopping centers, driving customer traffic and offering unique Food & Beverage and Entertainment experiences. They have adapted to digital platforms, with establishments like La Felicità building a strong social media presence. The market witnesses a competitive landscape, with vendors differentiating through various factors like food quality, affordability, and service speed. New hygiene and waste regulations, alongside the acceptance of meal vouchers and the handling of alcoholic beverage licensing, further define operational standards.

Despite a projected annual growth rate of 2% from 2022 to 2027 in the wider foodservice sector, foodcourts have had to pivot with consumer behavior trends that prioritize unique, memorable experiences over just culinary excellence. As a result of these adaptations and an increasingly experiential approach, the market size reached approximately €380 million in annual sales by 2023. Foodcourts cater to a broad spectrum of tastes and dining preferences, with some establishments collaborating with renowned chefs to offer premium experiences, thereby positioning themselves as innovative and community-based hubs for dining and social engagements.

Catering to Diverse Tastes: The Rising Popularity of Food Courts

As a modern melting pot of culinary delights, food courts have become a gastronomical destination for those looking to satiate their diverse palates. With a clientele that widely ranges from students to professionals, and from single diners to families, these establishments have successfully tapped into the growing consumer demand for quick, affordable, and diverse eating options. Food courts have aptly recognized and responded to the shift in consumer behavior towards frugality amid economic uncertainties.

Despite this, the average bill for dining at these food havens has remained consistent with traditional restaurant standards, averaging around 24 to 25 euros per person in recent times. This demonstrates that while consumers are looking for value, they are not compromising on their dining experience. In terms of capacity, most food courts offer shared seating arrangements among the different restaurants, averaging about 40 seats per establishment. Given the roughly 500 restaurants operating within these food courts, and accounting for the establishments typically being open daily for both lunch and dinner, the annual expenditure by the French on eating out at food courts has been estimated to lie in the vicinity of 350 to 360 million euros. Moreover, with an underlying trend towards creating memorable experiences, food courts have evolved into more than just a place to eat; they have become cultural hubs. Leveraging social media, they have crafted 'instagrammable' spaces and communities around their brands, further driving their popularity and foot traffic.

When dissecting restaurant habits and characteristics, studies have shown that nearly 88% of consumers visited a restaurant within the last six months, with a significant proportion being women and individuals without children. Interestingly, about 40% of these diners fall within the 35 to 54-year age bracket, with a majority residing in urban centers or their peripheries. As far as consumer desires are concerned, food courts have hit the mark by offering a fulfilling experience that aligns with patrons' cravings for novelty, flexible dining options, and overall ambiance. According to a study, more than 60% of diners visit restaurants to indulge, connect, and have a pleasant time, further reinforcing the success of food courts, which provide a plethora of cuisines, transparency in preparation, and a unique dining signature.

Navigating the Competitive Landscape of France's Food Courts: Major Players and Their Distinctive Features

As we explore the vibrant market of food courts in France, we come across several prominent players that have successfully captured the essence of this dining concept and have become key contenders in the industry. Each of these entities has crafted their own unique approach to winning the palates and hearts of the gastronomically curious and socially driven French populace.

Food Society Paris: A recent yet impactful entry to the Parisian food scene, Food Society Paris distinguishes itself as a heavyweight with its massive 5,000 m² space accommodating around 35 restaurants. Known for its variety and scale, it serves as a culinary hub where guests can savor flavors from across the globe and enjoy an ambiance that celebrates food as an integral part of social interaction.

La Felicità: Under the umbrella 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, complimented by an aesthetic design that makes it a "must-visit" among food courts. Its magnetic community engagement through social media has positioned it as a prominent figure in the market.

Eataly Paris: Blending the Italian market-style with Parisian chic, Eataly has ushered in a unique concept that combines retail with dining experience. This establishment allows customers to shop high-quality Italian ingredients as well as enjoy freshly prepared meals, giving them a taste of Italy in the middle of Paris.

Les Halles de Bacalan – Bordeaux: This regional player offers a localized experience with a focus on community and proximity. Situated in Bordeaux, it has become a communal space that not only provides local cuisine but also fosters connections among its visitors through its intimate setup.

Heat – Lyon: Heat exemplifies innovation within the food court sphere by adopting a small yet dynamic format. Located in Lyon, its approximately 600 m² space that comprises about 4 restaurants provides a cozy atmosphere where diners can indulge in an array of cuisines in a more intimate environment.

Galeries Lafayette Gourmet and Le Printemps du Goût: Both establishments leverage their historical brand reputations in retail to offer upscale food court experiences. These Parisian institutions attract guests who seek a fusion of luxury shopping with gourmet dining, all under one opulent roof.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : 30 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 18/04/2023

Summary and extracts

List of charts

• 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