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Street Food: An Industry Sensation

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First thing’s first, how popular is Street Food these days?

Despite being almost non-existent before the 2000’s, Street Food’s position in the market has expanded to a point where you’ll find numerous operators in every high street of major cities. A report from MCA Insight showed the street food market was forecast to earn £1.2 billion in revenue for 2018, a 9.1% rise from the year before. In 2019, street food has continued to boom even further thanks to the ever-evolving foodie culture leading the market.

More consumers than ever are on the hunt for new tasting experiences in the form of unique dishes and flavours unique to street food. A poll conducted by Harris Interactive showed that the vast majority of foodies describe Street Food as exciting, authentic and high quality. Street Food has now become so popular, restaurants and retailers are now trying to enter the market themselves to capitalise on the food-loving demographic. Some restaurants that have opened in recent years are solely dedicated towards serving their own take on dine-in street food, whilst supermarkets have introduced new ranges that cater to the market’s taste for new and diverse flavours.

Which street foods are the big sellers right now?

Street food’s meteoric rise has meant a massive broadening of consumer’s palates, giving way a wide array of street food menu’s inspired by varied cultures. Eastern cuisine has generated a huge draw. Chinese and Thai food has fit in brilliantly with the aspects of street food as rice and noodle dishes are filling whilst being great value for money.
Equally, Indian food has enjoyed an explosion onto the street food scene. As well as traditional and new takes on curry dishes, grab and go options are proving to be especially popular. Curry-infused meat wraps, samosas and pavs are some favourites to look out for in Indian street cuisine.

 

The Foodie market’s cravings for spice has made Mexican street food stand out as too. Beyond the standard burritos, we’ve seen a culmination of traditional Mexican dishes mixed with innovative combinations. Gorditas; a corn dough snack stuffed with beans and meats before being topped with salsas and creams, is an absolute explosion of savoury notes and zest. Quesadillas; a flour or corn tortilla doubled over with cheese, meats and vegetable fillings offers customers an undeniable value for money whilst the tortilla base allows convenient on the go eating with minimal mess.

What benefits are there in selling street food?

Reputation is a massive advantage that comes to mind for street food. Over the years as the market has grown, street foods initial comparison to fast food has been replaced with a strong reputation for unique dishes. This is a result of the high-quality preparation processes the cuisine requires, allowing customers to be served superb dishes in minimal time. As soon as you advertise that you’re selling street food, customers will come expecting the high level of quality associated with the name.

If an operator doesn’t have a fixed venue to sell their dishes, the mobility associated with street food proves beneficial. Firstly, you’re left with far less expenditure in terms of overhead, you don’t need to pay rent, utilities cost less as do catering appliances and dining furniture is not required. Food trucks, which are a big hit in cities, are able to move around without any issue. This gives them the freedom to move their premises on wheels to be in reach of large numbers of customers more easily, such as at city centres or large events.
If an operator has an established brand, such as already owning several restaurant locations, diversifying into street food is an excellent way to further advertise the name. Investing in a food truck and going to the customers instead of the other way around can reach target markets an operator may not have thought possible. It’s perfect advertising.

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Street Food: An Industry Sensation
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Street Food: An Industry Sensation
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Despite being almost non-existent before the 2000’s, Street Food’s position in the market has expanded to a point where you’ll find numerous operators in every high street of major cities. A report from MCA Insight showed the street food market was forecast to earn £1.2 billion in revenue for 2018, a 9.1% rise from the year before. In 2019, street food has continued to boom even further thanks to the ever-evolving foodie culture leading the market.
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Alliance Online
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