The UK away from home market faces cautious consumer spending, ongoing cost pressures and a slower pace of volume recovery that is likely to limit significant growth in demand or expansion through to 2031. 

These challenges are not unique to the UK. Australia and New Zeland face similar economic challenges, meaning operators and suppliers can look abroad for inspiration on how to manage rising costs and win a share of shrinking out of home spending. 

Australia and the UK share economic and cultural similarities   

The Land Down Under shares similar economic challenges to the UK, shaped by an ageing population and high food inflation.  

With over 1.1m (4.4%) UK-born residents, Australia also has strong cultural ties with the UK, making it ideal to monitor for best-in-class practice. 

What suppliers and operators can learn from Australia 

While not every trend will play out in the same way in the UK, we’ve identified three best-in-class examples of how operators in Australia are navigating the challenging economic climate. 

The best away from home operators are responding by: 

• Turning food and drink into a customisable experience. 

• Elevating familiar flavours with trusted high-quality brands. 

• Making premium food to go convenient and affordable. 

Turning food and drink into a customisable experience 

Yo-Chi the late-night yoghurt club 

Yo-Chi has built a strong following by tapping into consumers looking for an indulgent treat that still aligns with healthier lifestyles. Popular with Gen Z, young professionals and families, its self-serve format allows customers to personalise every purchase with a wide choice of frozen yoghurt flavours and an extensive range of toppings, from fresh fruit and granola to confectionery and sauces.  

Many stores trade late into the evening (10 to 11 pm), helping the brand capture after-dinner and social occasions. A strong social media presence, driven by highly shareable creations, influencer partnerships and user-generated content, has further fuelled brand awareness, making Yo-Chi a destination for younger consumers. 

By combining customisation, experiential retail and an accessible price point, Yo-Chi has turned frozen yoghurt into a destination rather than an impulse purchase. 

Frites Atelier: the premium frites experience 

Although frozen yoghurt may be less well suited to the UK’s cooler climate, Frites Atelier in London demonstrates how customisation extends to other concepts.  

UK Suppliers: use these customisable formats to trial new recipe formulas and ingredients. Consumers will vote with what toppings they choose to add, demonstrating what works well and what doesn’t with minimal investment and reduced risk. 

Elevating familiar flavours with trusted high-quality brands 

Subway covers snacks, gifting and party occasions 

Subway Australia has expanded beyond its core made-to-order sandwich proposition by creating products that appeal to a wider range of occasions.  

A limited-edition collaboration between Doritos and Subway in 2025 culminated in the Doritos Nacho snack box becoming a permanent menu item, demonstrating how innovation can evolve into long-term growth.  

Pure and Wildfarmed sustainability credentials 

Mirroring Subway and Doritos Australia, Wildfarmed and Pure are partnering to deliver wraps that are better for you and for the planet. Wildfarmed uses regenerative farming methods that improve rather than destroy the farming ecosystem. 

By partnering with Wildfarmed, Pure strengthens its position as a health-focused, sustainable food to go operator where consumers are willing to pay more consistently. 

UK suppliers: invest in brands that signal quality, consistency and authenticity  
that consumers trust and are willing to pay for despite tightening household budgets.  

Support operators with joint new product development (NPD) and activations that can protect volumes and strengthen your position as a best-in-class supplier. 

St Pierre’s Sushi widens appeal with chicken sushi   

Founded in Auckland in 1984, St Pierre’s is New Zealand’s largest sushi chain. 

This business has grown by helping to make sushi mainstream by introducing convenient grab-and-go formats while adapting Japanese cuisine to local preferences.  

Alongside traditional dishes, St Pierre’s has used products such as teriyaki chicken 
and fried chicken sushi, to broaden its appeal among families and everyday consumers. 

This blend of accessibility, innovation and strong local relevance has helped to make St Pierre’s one of New Zealand’s most popular and successful food to go brands. 

While sushi is becoming more popular in the UK, British consumers are still a step behind their Australian counterparts in sushi consumption. Despite this, UK operators and suppliers can still learn from St Pierre’s.  

Whole Foods – we believe in real food  

As Whole Foods Market in London’s Liverpool Street demonstrates, what does translate from Australia to the UK is the presentation and provenance of high-quality, fresh food to go. 

UK suppliers: use clear recyclable food to go packaging so that operators can create visually stunning displays that mimic a premium deli counter. Consider making smaller deliveries but more often to ensure product quality, consistency and availability.   

Look abroad for inspiration 

With similar economic and cultural markers to the UK, Australia is a useful country to look to for inspiration. While not every trend will translate directly, operators and suppliers can use best-in-class practices to learn to navigate challenges closer to home.  

As household budgets shrink, will value operators that help their money to go further. Australia and New Zealand demonstrate that this can be achieved through value-added customisation, authentic brand collaborations, and democratising premium food to go. 

Book an expert-led away from home safari 

Step inside the world’s most innovative away from home outlets and gain insights into the trends shaping the industry. Our expert-led safaris combine guided site visits, in-depth market analysis, and actionable post-visit planning to help you turn inspiration into strategy. Whether you’re an operator, manufacturer, or supplier, we’ll inspire you with the latest concepts and equip you with the knowledge to stay ahead and strengthen your business plans. For more information about how we can help, contact Nikki Fox.