European restaurant market: Italy and Spain hold steady, digital orders surge

The European restaurant market is undergoing a phase of profound transformation, driven by the growth of digital ordering and new consumption models. This is highlighted by the analysis presented by Circana during the talk “The European Restaurant Market – Opportunities and Perspectives” at SIGEP World, currently taking place at Rimini Expo Centre until Tuesday, 20 January, and organised by Italian Exhibition Group.

European foodservice: two-speed growth

Over the past eight years, spending on online foodservice orders across the five major European markets has more than tripled, rising from €11.5 billion to €39.6 billion. This figure outlines a “two-speed” Europe: while Northern countries are showing clearer signs of slowdown, Southern Europe is proving more resilient.

In particular, Italy, France and Spain are recording only marginal declines, confirming the greater resilience of the restaurant sector compared to other European markets. This performance is supported by well-established consumption habits and a strong culture of eating out.

The digital revolution between delivery and takeaway

The real driver of change in the sector, however, is the digitalisation of orders. Both delivery and takeaway from foodservice outlets are increasingly managed through online platforms, which streamline operations, reduce waiting times and make payments faster and easier.

Digital orders are no longer merely a short-term response, but a structural component of modern foodservice, capable of improving operational efficiency and meeting evolving consumer needs.

Out-of-home consumption: between the return to offices and the search for gratification

Optimism about the future of the sector is also supported by social and economic factors. The consolidation of the return to offices has restored steady footfall to urban venues, while consumers, even as they cut back on other types of spending, continue to see eating out as an essential source of enjoyment.

A positive signal that strengthens operator confidence and opens up new development opportunities across the entire foodservice supply chain.