China Food Service Market Overview, 2028

Foodservice establishments provide on-site or takeaway meals and snacks. The food service category includes various full-service restaurants, fast-food chains, cafeterias, and other establishments that prepare, serve, and sell food to customers. Because Chinese consumers consume the majority of food and beverages, the country is experiencing significant growth in the food sector. In addition, e-menus, online booking, smartphone ordering, and payment apps are just a few of the ways that the Chinese food business is embracing new technology. China is one of the world's largest coffee consumers. This trend in coffee culture is driving up demand for the beverage, and the country's food service business is growing as a result of the expansion of cafes that offer a nice environment. As an instance, Starbucks Corporation has established a household name in China, where as of 2022 it operated over 6,000 outlets across over 230 cities. During the projection period, the China foodservice market has abundant growth potential due to the attention of global industry players on developing their businesses in China. Lunch breaks for Chinese office workers are scarce. Employees who work for companies without canteens must rely on outside food options for their lunches. Chinese consumers like Western-style fast food outlets, particularly those who live in big cities. Popular fast food chains: In 2022, there will be around 5,000 McDonald's restaurants in China. As of April 13, 2023, KFC had 9,650 locations in China. KFC was the first American fast food chain to open in China in 1987. Other fast food chains are Dicos, Pizza Hut, and Burger King.

According to the research report "China Food Service Market Overview, 2028," published by Bonafide Research, the China Food Service market is anticipated to grow at more than 10% CAGR from 2023 to 2028. Street food is an integral part of China's culinary scene. From bustling night markets to small roadside stalls, street food offers a variety of local specialties that cater to both locals and tourists, providing an authentic culinary experience. Online food delivery services are immensely popular in China. Platforms like Meituan and Ele.me offer an extensive range of dining options, from local street vendors to high-end restaurants. The convenience and variety provided by these platforms have reshaped how people access food services. China is a global leader in mobile payments. Apps like WeChat and Alipay are widely used for not only communication but also for ordering food and making payments at restaurants. This has significantly influenced the way food services operate, promoting cashless transactions and convenience for consumers. Festivals are celebrated in China with specific dishes and traditions. For example, during the Chinese New Year, families traditionally prepare and consume special foods believed to bring luck, prosperity, and happiness. Business deals and relationships in China are often fostered over meals. High-end restaurants and private dining spaces cater specifically to business meetings and negotiations, offering a conducive environment for networking and relationship-building. Food festivals and events, such as the Shanghai International Food & Drinks Fair and regional food showcases, attract food lovers, industry professionals, and businesses, promoting local delicacies and fostering culinary exchanges.

Based on sector the market is segmented into Commercial and non- commercial. The commercial segment offers diverse dining experiences, including international cuisines, local Chinese specialties, and a range of dining formats, catering to varied consumer tastes and preferences. The commercial sector includes large-scale chain restaurants and international franchises, which invest in standardized operations, marketing, and technology to attract a broad customer base. Commercial food service establishments utilize technology for online ordering, delivery services, and loyalty programs, enhancing customer engagement and operational efficiency. The commercial segment strategically locates outlets in high-traffic areas, shopping malls, business districts, and tourist spots, ensuring accessibility and convenience for consumers. Commercial establishments comply with stringent food safety and hygiene regulations, ensuring customer confidence and trust in the quality and safety of the dining experience. Furthermore, Institutes cover a broad range of educational institutions such as schools, universities, and colleges. The increasing student population in China's educational system is a significant factor contributing to the growth of this sector. Educational institutes are prioritizing health and nutrition in their food service offerings. There is a growing awareness and emphasis on providing balanced, nutritious meals to students. Educational institutions are required to comply with specific nutritional standards set by the government. These standards necessitate offering well-balanced and healthier meal options to students, which further drives the growth of this segment. International and private schools in China focus on providing high-quality meal services to students. These institutions often have more resources and invest in superior dining experiences.

Ready prepared foodservice systems offer convenience and time-saving solutions for consumers. These systems provide pre-prepared, portioned, and ready-to-serve meals, reducing the time and effort required for meal preparation. Ready prepared foodservice systems are integrating technology for efficient delivery services, online ordering, and mobile apps, offering ease of access and convenience for consumers to order pre-prepared meals. Ready prepared meals are often cost-effective, offering affordable options to consumers. As more people seek budget-friendly dining choices, the affordability of these meals becomes a significant driver for their growth. With the growth of food delivery services and online platforms, ready prepared meals are easily accessible to consumers at their doorstep. This convenience drives the demand for such services. The rise of e-commerce and digital platforms has increased the accessibility of ready prepared meals. Online marketplaces and delivery apps have made it easier for consumers to order these meals with just a few clicks.

Considered in this report:
• Geography: China
• Historic year: 2017
• Base year: 2022
• Estimated year: 2023
• Forecast year: 2028



Aspects covered in this report:
• China Food Service market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Sector
• Commercial
• Non- Commercial

By System
• Conventional Foodservice System
• Centralized Foodservice System
• Ready Prepared Foodservice System
• Assembly-Serve Foodservice System

By Type of Restaurant
• Full service restaurants
• Quick service restaurants
• Institutes
• Other

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, and annual reports of companies, analyzing the government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers into regional aspects, tier aspects, age groups, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience:
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to the Food Service industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.