Short 'pit-stop' lunches could hit pub sales

Daytime pub food sales could suffer if the trend for shorter lunch breaks continues, according to new figures.

A report by Reuters Business Insight has discovered leisurely lunches are being replaced by a hasty sandwich eaten at the office desk.

Workers in Britain are leading the trend for shorter lunches and the liquid lunch - traditionally taken in pubs - is a thing of the past.

David Lord, who wrote the Future Lunch Solutions report, said: "More hectic lifestyles and longer working hours have compressed the lunch break of many office workers into little more than a half-hour pit-stop."

According to the report, when lunches are taken in pubs, it is the food that attracts customers, not the drink. Very few people in the UK now choose to drink alcohol at lunchtime.

Across Europe lunch breaks are also getting shorter, but in Spain restaurants are still a favourite lunch-stop, while Italian workers tend to head home for a cooked lunch.

Unsurprisingly the UK leads the surge of interest in convenience foods - sandwiches are the most popular lunch choice.

Pubs can make the most of the trend and cash in on the rise in the popularity of speciality sandwiches.

Wraps, bagels and flavoured breads are all on the up - but gender differences shouldn't be ignored when catering for sandwich fans.

According to the report women prefer salad and low-calorie varieties, while men choose chunkier options.

"The market must deliver products that pander to the distinct nutritional requirements of men and women," the report said.

Average lunchtime spend​

• France:​ £3.80
• Germany:​ £2.00
• Italy:​ £3.10
• Netherlands:​ £2.80
• Spain:​ £4.10
• Scandinavia:​ £4.70
• UK:​ £3.20