Global Quick Service Restaurants and Fast Food Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Quick Service Restaurants and Fast Food Market Analysis and Size

The growing popularity of fast food is unmistakable worldwide, with consumers showing a preference for international giants such as KFC, Domino's, and Starbucks, as well as regional brands. In Mexico, this trend is particularly pronounced, as evidenced by the National Statistical Directory of Economic Units (INEGI) reporting a significant presence of 67.9 thousand quick-service restaurants in 2021. This data underscores the widespread appeal and prevalence of fast-food establishments in the country, reflecting changing consumer habits and dining preferences.

The global quick service restaurants and fast food market size was valued at USD 481.15 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 703.33 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 4.86% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation       

Market Definition

Quick service restaurants (QSRs) are dining establishments known for their emphasis on fast and convenient food service, featuring a streamlined menu often focused on fast food options. Fast food itself encompasses meals that are swiftly prepared and served, usually prioritizing affordability and efficiency. It resonates well with busy consumers seeking convenient dining solutions for their fast-paced lifestyles.

Quick Service Restaurants and Fast Food Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Rising Popularity of Virtual Kitchens

These virtual kitchens, also known as ghost kitchens or cloud kitchens, operate solely for delivery and takeout, bypassing the need for traditional dine-in spaces. They allow QSRs and fast food chains to expand their reach and cater to the growing demand for convenient online ordering and delivery services. By leveraging virtual kitchens, these establishments can optimize operational efficiency, reduce overhead costs, and adapt to changing consumer preferences, thereby fueling the growth and evolution of the fast food market in response to modern dining habits.

• Increasing Adoption of Advanced Technology

Technologies such as mobile ordering apps, self-service kiosks, and automated kitchen systems streamline operations, reduce wait times, and enhance overall efficiency. In addition, data analytics and AI-driven solutions help optimize menu offerings, personalize customer experiences, and improve decision-making processes. Adopting these technological advancements aligns with the evolving preferences of tech-savvy consumers and empowers QSRs to maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market environment which drives growth and profitability in the fast-food sector.

Opportunities

• Increasing Addition of Healthy Food Options

With growing health consciousness among consumers, these establishments are adapting to meet changing dietary preferences by offering healthier menu items. This shift not only attracts health-conscious customers but also broadens the customer base, appealing to those who previously may have avoided fast food due to health concerns. Quick service restaurants discovers new market segments while retaining their core customer base by diversifying their offerings to include salads, grilled options, and lighter fare that drives the growth in the fast food market and the broader restaurant industry.

• Rising Popularity of American Cuisine

American food, known for its flavorful and indulgent offerings, has captured the taste buds of consumers worldwide. QSRs capitalize on this trend by offering a variety of iconic American dishes such as burgers, fries, and fried chicken, catering to the demand for convenient, familiar, and satisfying meals. This popularity fuels the expansion of fast-food chains as they leverage the appeal of American cuisine to attract customers and expand their market presence both domestically and internationally.

Restraints/Challenges

• High Storage Costs

Given the perishable nature of many food items and the limited shelf life of ingredients, maintaining large inventories can be costly. This constraint impacts profit margins as it requires careful inventory management to minimize waste while ensuring a consistent supply of ingredients. Moreover, it adds pressure to operational efficiency, as QSRs must balance stocking enough inventory to meet demand without overstocking and risking spoilage. Consequently, high storage costs can hinder profitability and competitiveness within the fast-food industry.

• Growing Labor Shortage

With fewer available workers, these establishments face difficulties in adequately staffing their operations, leading to slower service and potentially reduced hours of operation. This constraint can impact the quality of customer experience and overall profitability as QSRs struggle to meet consumer demands efficiently. The labor shortage may compel businesses to offer higher wages or improve working conditions to attract and retain employees, thereby impacting their bottom line and operating costs.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Developments

• In 2023, Jubilant FoodWorks unveiled plans to launch 250 new Domino's outlets and 40-50 Popeye locations in India within 12-18 months, backed by a significant INR 900 crore investment from its accounts. This strategic move aims to bolster the company's market presence and cater to the increasing demand for quick-service dining options in the region
• In 2023, McDonald's forged a strategic alliance with Glovo, a delivery platform, with the goal of enhancing customer experience. The partnership focuses on expanding menu choices for consumers on Glovo, improving the McDelivery ordering process through the platform, and ultimately delivering a more comprehensive and satisfying service to customers
• In 2023, Jollibee Foods Corp. announced an ambitious global expansion initiative, aiming to open 600 new stores worldwide by the end of the year. This bold move underscores the company's commitment to broadening its global footprint and solidifying its position in various markets, reflecting its dedication to sustained growth and market expansion
• In 2021, Starbucks and Nestlé joined forces in a strategic collaboration to introduce Starbucks Ready-to-Drink (RTD) coffee beverages in target markets across Oceania, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. By prioritizing popular products like Starbucks Doubleshot and Frappuccino, the partnership seeks to drive innovation and enhance the availability of these offerings in the specified regions, tapping into growing consumer demand for convenient coffee solutions

Quick Service Restaurants and Fast Food Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of type, cuisine, product type, and service type. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyze meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Type

• Chain
• Independent

 Cuisine

• America
• Chinese
• Italian
• Mexican
• Japanese
• Turkish and Lebanese
• Others

Product Type

• Burger and Sandwiches
• Pizzas and Pastas
• Drinks and Desserts
• Chicken and Seafood
• Others

 Service Type

• Online Service
• Home Delivery
• Offline Service
• Eat-in
• Takeaway
• Drive-Through

Quick Service Restaurants and Fast Food Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by country, type, cuisine, product type and service type as referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, France, U.K., Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Russia, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Rest of Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific (APAC), Saudi Arabia, U.A.E, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa (MEA), Brazil, Argentina and Rest of South America.

North America is expected to dominate the market is underscored due to region's extensive array of fast-food choices and high levels of consumer consumption. The widespread availability of these establishments and the robust appetite for fast food contribute significantly to North America's commanding position in the market. This dominance reflects a strong cultural affinity for fast food and the convenience and accessibility offered by the region's quick service restaurant landscape.

Asia-Pacific is expected to experience the most rapid growth, largely driven by evolving consumer lifestyles. A fundamental change in lifestyle and consumption habits is a key factor propelling the region's swift advancement during this forecasted period. This shift reflects changing preferences and behaviors among consumers, such as increased urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a growing preference for convenience and diverse culinary experiences. These factors collectively contribute to the dynamic growth trajectory anticipated in the Asia-Pacific market over the specified timeframe.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulations in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Quick Service Restaurants and Fast Food Market Share Analysis

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to market.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:

• Jack in the Box (U.S.)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (U.S.)
• Kotipizza Group Oy (Finland)
• Restaurant Brands International Inc. (Canada)
• Del Taco LLC  (U.S.)
• Ark Restaurants Corp. (U.S.)
• McDonald's (U.S.)
• Darden Concepts, Inc. (U.S.)
• Pizza Hut India (U.S.)
• Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., (U.S.)
• Burger King Company LLC. (U.S.)
• Subway IP LLC (U.S.)
• Taco Bell IP Holder, LLC (U.S.)
• Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. (U.S.)
• Quality Is Our Recipe, LLC (U.S.)
• Starbucks Coffee Company. (U.S.)

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