China Food Service Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Full Service Restaurants, Quick Service Restaurants, Institutes, and Others), 2023-2030

The China food service market size was USD 454.80 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 504.52 billion in 2023 to USD 1,061.16 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.21% during the forecast period.

Foodservice outlets serve meals and snacks on-premise or take away. Establishments in the foodservice category includes different type full service restaurants, fast-food outlets, some cafeterias, and other places that prepare, serve, and sell food to consumers. China is a rapidly growing country in the food sector due to its consumer base capturing the lion's share in food and beverages consumption. Further, the use of new technology is thriving in the Chinese food industry, with operators using e-menus, online reservations, mobile ordering and payment apps.

Coffee consumption in China is increasing mainly due to the emerging coffee culture trend, and expanding cafes due to a pleasant environment will continue to drive market demand and help in increasing food service market size in the country. For instance, Starbucks Corporation has become a phenomenon in China, the company has over 6,000 stores operating in over 230 cities in 2022. With international industry players focusing on expanding their businesses in China, the market offers prosperous growth opportunities for the  China foodservice market during the forecast period.

LATEST TRENDS

Theme-Based Restaurants to Entice Customer Attraction Offering New Growth Opportunities 

Due to the pandemic, the operations of the food service industry in China were affected. Hence, the operators in China are introducing new and unique innovative themes to their restaurants to attract more customers and increase revenue. Afterwards, restaurants in China started adopting theme-based interiors, architecture, and food that give a unique dining experience to their customers. For example, in China, one of the restaurants adopting this is 'Devil Island Prison' restaurant, which is themed around a prison, and customers are handcuffed to tables and dine in prison cells. Another innovative restaurant is 'Dining in the Dark'. In this restaurant, the interior is pitch black, and waiters wear military night vision goggles to show consumers to their tables. Such innovative theme based restaurants attract more consumer, and service restaurants hold the majority of the China food service market share.

DRIVING FACTORS

Rapidly Increasing Market for Prepared Food Is Driving Food Service Market Growth in China

The demand for prepared or on-the-go food has rapidly increased in China over the last few years since they save time and effort for working professionals with hectic schedules. Ease of use, functionality, quick delivery, and high nutritional value are other significant factors propelling the growth of the foodservice market. Moreover, millennials and those within Gen Z are driving the introduction of premium quality products through their growing interest in innovative prepared foods. Furthermore, the rise in demand for more premium and nutritious ready-to-eat foods has been specifically intended for those who consider themselves foodies. Hence, increased consumption of prepared food drives the market growth.

In 2021, chain restaurants accounted for only 21.9% of total restaurants in China. KFC held a prominent food service market share in China in the brands mentioned above.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Increased Influence of Ethnic Cuisines over International Cuisine Hampers the Market Growth

Restaurants serving China's regional cuisines, such as cuisine light meal fast (for example, Sichuan Hot Pot, Southern Chinese dumplings, etc.) continue to be more popular than restaurants serving international cuisines (e.g., Steak houses, pizza and hamburger restaurants, etc.), especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities of China. Chinese consumers do not accept western cuisine easily due to the texture, flavors and taste. Therefore, the manufacturers try to launch the product based on traditional cuisines in China. Hence, the inclination of consumers towards ethnic cuisine hampers the growth of foreign foodservice operators in this market.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Innovative Marketing Strategies Adopted by Market Players to Attract New Customers

In terms of the competitive landscape, the market depicts the presence of established and emerging food service companies. Some of the major players who hold largest market share and factors contributing to the growth are the use of targeted marketing campaigns launched by market players, such as the Fruit and Vegetables 100+ program launched by Yum! China which was aimed at promoting balanced diets and healthy lifestyles. Furthermore, the brand introduces new food items integrated with the traditional cuisines of a particular region. Its food offerings are targeted mainly towards the local food enthusiast looking forward to enjoying new and flavorful food offerings.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• McDonald's (U.S.)


• Starbucks (U.S.)


• Ajisen Holding Limited (China)


• Restaurant Brands International Inc. (Canada)


• China Quanjude (Group) Co. Ltd. (China)


• Dominos (U.S.)


• KFC Corporation (U.S.)


• Yum! Brands, Inc (U.S.)


• Tim Hortons (Canada)


• Yoshinoya Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS: 

• January 2022– Starbucks has partnered with China's Meituan to allow its Chinese customers to order coffee delivery via the super-app platform. The motive of the company is to expand delivery services in China.


• December 2021 – Restaurant Brands International, Inc. partnered with Ant Group to accelerate the digital transformation of restaurant businesses in the Asia Pacific region.


• November 2020 –McDonald's China invested 2.5 billion in McCafe expansion. McDonald's started the rollout with restaurants in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen before expanding to Nanjing, Hangzhou, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Tianjin, Chengdu, and Suzhou in 2021. This investment helped the company expand and earned more market profit.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as an overview of increasing restaurants and outlets in China and pricing analysis. It also includes an overview of the food service restaurants in China, industry trends, growth impact, industry developments, the impact of COVID-19 on the market, and COVID-19 opportunity company analysis. Besides this, the report also offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry dynamics. In addition to the aforementioned factors, it comprehends several factors that have contributed to the growth of the prominent market over the recent year.

Report Scope & Segmentation