Market size of the fast food and takeaway industry in the UK 2013-2024

The market size of the United Kingdom's fast food and takeaway industry stood at 22 billion British pounds in 2023. The industry's market size has fluctuated over the last decade, growing tentatively until 2020 before falling in 2021. Since then, the growth has been steady and was forecast to increase by a further 400 million British pounds in 2024.

How many fast food and takeaway restaurants are in the UK?

The number of takeaway and fast food restaurants in the United Kingdom increased nearly every year since 2013. In 2023, there were approximately 48 thousand fast food and takeaway restaurants throughout the country, and that figure was forecast to increase in 2024. The only year that saw a decrease in the overall number of such restaurants was 2021, most likely due to economic impacts related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

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. Pizza ended up being the most popular takeaway cuisine in Great Britain that year, with 50 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.