JDW ‘leading’ high street drink-led operator
The CGA EI | Stone & River Brand Momentum Report included data from CGA to produce rankings of operators in five parts of the industry and includes insight from hospitality and retail consultancy Stone & River.
The report found that JDW was the leading operator in the high street drinks-led sector, followed by All Bar One.
CGA data found that JDW had very wide appeal across demographics, and has sustained momentum through the convenience and value of its offer.
Mitchells & Butlers (M&B)’s Stonehouse Pizza and Carvery tops the report’s list of leading pub restaurant names, ahead of Greene King’s Farmhouse Inns.
Stonehouse has rolled out rapidly since launching and has successfully tapped into two of the most popular areas of eating out – pizzas and carveries.
Second number one
M&B scored a second top spot in the restaurants category with its steakhouse brand Miller & Carter, leading narrowly from fast-growing brasserie concept Côte.
Miller & Carter has replaced other M&B concepts in many locations recently and has built loyalty among older diners in particular.
The report concluded that a straightforward offer, convenience and value are all vital elements of success and emphasised the importance of constant evolution and flexibility in business propositions.
CGA business unit director for retail and food Karl Chessell said: “Our fascinating snapshot of out-of-home eating and drinking brands reveals the names that are increasing awareness and generating loyalty and word of mouth – as well as the ones that that are slipping behind in public opinion.
“It shows the simplicity of some of the elements of successful branding, but also demonstrates how challenging it can be to achieve them on the frontline.
“Staying on top of consumer habits and opinions is going to be crucial if brands are to generate momentum in this ultra-competitive market.”
Top tips
Stone and River engagement manager Alex Doman said: “Our momentum index is reflective of an industry in flux, with some sectors experiencing something of a paradigm shift.
“In points to some key learnings about what it takes to build momentum, having an easy-to-understand and simple-to-deliver brand proposition, a focus on creating long-term value for the customer and targeting the older generation can all often be beneficial.
“The index asks a fundamental question – with the industry experiencing mass change, are you set up to compete and win?
“To answer this, there are five key questions this index throws up: do you understand why your business exists and why the customer should choose you?
“Are you set up to understand what the customer needs and to create value long term for those needs?
“Is your business model fit for purpose given all the change? Do you understand your brand’s maturity? And do you think of innovation in a new age, agile way, or an old-school waterfall way?”
