UK foodservice faces sharp price increases in 2025
Chicken chains have increased prices the most.
Menu prices across the UK hospitality sector rose sharply in the first half of 2025, with new data from Meaningful Vision showing widespread increases across all major categories.
Quick-service chicken outlets lead with the steepest increases, climbing 9.0% year-on-year. Followed by burgers at 5.4%, casual dining restaurants at 4.6%, and bakery/sandwich outlets at 4.1%. Meanwhile, coffee chains rose by 3.9%, and even the historically competitive pizza segment saw a 2.6% increase.
This upward trajectory reflects not only higher labour and product costs, but also the intense competitive dynamics of the market.
Operators are grappling with the challenge of balancing affordability for consumers with the need to safeguard margins. Categories such as chicken and burgers, which are heavily reliant on core proteins, have been especially exposed to commodity price spikes.
According to Meaningful Vision CEO Maria Vanifatova, the latest figures point to a fundamental test for operators:
“Rising prices are unavoidable in today’s environment, but the key lies in how brands manage them. Data-driven pricing strategies, supported by insights into promotions, traffic patterns, and consumer behaviour, give operators the tools to make targeted adjustments. The businesses that succeed will be those that protect value perception while optimising profitability," Vanifatova said.
Different categories face unique challenges. Casual dining, despite its higher labour intensity, raised prices less aggressively than fast-food. The burger segment was disproportionately affected by surging beef costs, while pizza operators, facing fierce competition and weaker customer loyalty, applied only more modest increases to their prices in an effort to retain market share.
With inflation still elevated and wage costs rising, operators will need to remain agile. Leveraging granular data on menu assortments, regional traffic, and promotional effectiveness will be essential to navigating the months ahead.
