Britain's Pizza Market May Be Approaching 'Peak', But Not Because People Are Tired of It - Experts Weigh In.
A recent statement from Domino's CEO Andrew Rennie that suggested the UK pizza market may be reaching "peak" has sent shockwaves through the industry. The claim was made just days after it emerged that the company's top executive had stepped down amid concerns about the market's growing saturation. While some may assume this is a sign that consumers are finally getting tired of pizza, experts argue that the reality is more complex.
According to data from CGA, a leading hospitality industry tracker, pizza sales have continued to rise steadily over the past decade, with the market now worth ยฃ2.3bn in 2024 - up from just ยฃ1.3bn in 2015. This growth trend shows no signs of slowing down, thanks in part to the increasing popularity of delivery and takeaways.
Domino's itself has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this trend, with nearly 500 new outlets added in the past decade alone. The company's recent expansion plans have helped it stay ahead of the competition, driven largely by consumer demand for digital ordering and fast delivery.
So what's behind pizza's enduring popularity? According to industry analysts, it's all about flexibility and value. With the rise of globally-inspired menus and toppings like steak, pizza has become more than just a meal - it's an experience. As leisure analyst Douglas Jack notes, "Pizza is so flexible you can stick a steak on top and still call it pizza." This adaptability has helped keep the market vibrant, even as consumers increasingly opt for convenience.
However, not all is well in the pizza world. The industry faces stiff competition from newer entrants like Asian-inspired chains and supermarkets that have upgraded their chilled and frozen ranges. According to Mintel associate director Trish Caddy, these rivals are winning over consumers with bold flavors and high-protein diets. Chicken shops, for example, have seen a significant surge in popularity among Gen Z, with usage rates more than doubling since 2023.
It's clear that pizza's market share is under pressure - but not because people are getting tired of it. Rather, the industry has reached a point where there are only so many outlets and sales left to be made before it becomes increasingly difficult to grow. As such, larger players like Domino's will likely continue to thrive, while smaller operators struggle to keep up.
For now, pizza remains a cornerstone of British dining, with consumers showing no signs of giving it up anytime soon. Whether it's a night out on the town or a cozy dinner at home, pizza is here to stay - and that's good news for the industry.
A recent statement from Domino's CEO Andrew Rennie that suggested the UK pizza market may be reaching "peak" has sent shockwaves through the industry. The claim was made just days after it emerged that the company's top executive had stepped down amid concerns about the market's growing saturation. While some may assume this is a sign that consumers are finally getting tired of pizza, experts argue that the reality is more complex.
According to data from CGA, a leading hospitality industry tracker, pizza sales have continued to rise steadily over the past decade, with the market now worth ยฃ2.3bn in 2024 - up from just ยฃ1.3bn in 2015. This growth trend shows no signs of slowing down, thanks in part to the increasing popularity of delivery and takeaways.
Domino's itself has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of this trend, with nearly 500 new outlets added in the past decade alone. The company's recent expansion plans have helped it stay ahead of the competition, driven largely by consumer demand for digital ordering and fast delivery.
So what's behind pizza's enduring popularity? According to industry analysts, it's all about flexibility and value. With the rise of globally-inspired menus and toppings like steak, pizza has become more than just a meal - it's an experience. As leisure analyst Douglas Jack notes, "Pizza is so flexible you can stick a steak on top and still call it pizza." This adaptability has helped keep the market vibrant, even as consumers increasingly opt for convenience.
However, not all is well in the pizza world. The industry faces stiff competition from newer entrants like Asian-inspired chains and supermarkets that have upgraded their chilled and frozen ranges. According to Mintel associate director Trish Caddy, these rivals are winning over consumers with bold flavors and high-protein diets. Chicken shops, for example, have seen a significant surge in popularity among Gen Z, with usage rates more than doubling since 2023.
It's clear that pizza's market share is under pressure - but not because people are getting tired of it. Rather, the industry has reached a point where there are only so many outlets and sales left to be made before it becomes increasingly difficult to grow. As such, larger players like Domino's will likely continue to thrive, while smaller operators struggle to keep up.
For now, pizza remains a cornerstone of British dining, with consumers showing no signs of giving it up anytime soon. Whether it's a night out on the town or a cozy dinner at home, pizza is here to stay - and that's good news for the industry.