UK food and beverage industry trends for 2025 and beyond

Driven by evolving consumer preferences and technological developments, the food and beverage (F&B) sector in the United Kingdom is experiencing a rapid transformation. To maintain a competitive edge, firms are embracing novel techniques, such as sustainability efforts and health-conscious offers. The incorporation of payment processing technology, which improves user experiences and simplifies operations, is fundamental to this evolution.

We delve deep into the new developments in the food and beverage industry, as well as the significant impact of online payment systems on these latest trends in this blog.

What is driving the F&B industry at present?

The post-COVID era has transformed the dynamics of several industries—the food and beverage sector is no exception. Here are some of the critical changes that promise to have a far-reaching impact on the sector and consumer lifestyle.

Culinary convergence: hybrid food and drink offerings

It’s interesting how food and drinks are starting to mix together more and more. You’ve probably noticed that things like yoghurt drinks with probiotics and meal replacement smoothies are becoming popular lately. These items are perfect for busy folks looking for easy and healthy choices.

Retail POS systems and mobile POS devices help businesses market and sell these hybrid products really well, whether they're in-store or at pop-up kiosks during events.

Opposites attract: contrasting flavours and textures

Mixing things up with sweet-and-salty or spicy-and-citrus combos is totally catching on. Combinations like black lime and Celtic salt are really shaking things up in the kitchen, giving us some cool new flavours to try out.

Restaurants jumping on these trends can totally use QR code payments to make ordering those exclusive or experimental menu items a breeze, helping them serve customers faster when things get hectic.

Healthy vibes: nutritious and functional diet

F&B businesses are really honing in on health these days, putting a spotlight on functional foods. You’ll see more gut-friendly drinks like Kombucha, protein-packed snacks such as Grenade Protein Bars, and even low-calorie desserts like Oppo Brothers popping up everywhere.

Payment links make it super easy for businesses to sell their products straight to consumers online, tapping into e-commerce to reach those health-conscious shoppers.

Sustainability is not just a fad; it’s a driving force

Sustainability has transitioned from being a choice to becoming a fundamental expectation in the F&B industry. Brands are placing greater emphasis on ethical practices and eco-friendly initiatives to align with consumer values.

Upcycled ingredients

The process of converting food waste into premium ingredients is gaining popularity, with both environmental and cost-saving benefits. For example, waste grain from brewers is being recycled as flour for baked items.

Cloud-based retail POS systems can assist businesses in tracking the popularity and profitability of these eco-friendly products, providing valuable insights for future menu design.

Circular packaging

It is becoming increasingly common to find circular packaging options, which include edible packaging and containers that can be reused. The client experience is improved while waste is reduced as a result of these improvements.

Mobile point-of-sale (POS) devices in cafes and restaurants can support deposit-return systems for reusable containers, making the process more streamlined for customers.

What’s hot in the beverage industry?

The rise of non-alcoholic beverages

As the "sober curious" movement picks up steam, alcohol-free drinks are starting to become a regular thing. Brands such as Seedlip, which offers non-alcoholic spirits, and Big Drop Brewing Co., known for their low-alcohol beers, are stepping up to meet this demand.

Bars and restaurants that are adding more alcohol-free options to their menus can really take advantage of instant payments. This helps speed up the checkout process for customers who want to try out different drink choices, especially when things get busy.

Regioncentricity promoting hyperlocal beverages

More and more people are indulging in locally sourced drinks as they want something real and genuine. Thus, hyperlocal offerings like Scottish gins with local botanicals or region-specific craft beers are in demand.

Retailers of hyperlocal beverages can leverage retail POS systems to keep track of inventory and sales easily at various spots, making sure customers have a consistent experience no matter where they are.

Premium canned cocktails are the new craze

Ready-to-drink (RTD) drinks in a can are popular because of their high quality and ease of use. For a more refined experience, these drinks frequently include high-quality ingredients and creative flavours.

Outdoor events, such as music festivals and food fairs, are great places to offer luxury ready-to-drink cocktails, and mobile point-of-sale systems let businesses handle payments efficiently.

How is technology redefining F&B marketing?

The way F&B companies interact with their clientele is being completely transformed by technology, and marketing tactics are moving towards digital-first initiatives.

Digital Immersion Experiences

Customers can now enjoy immersive experiences like virtual wine tastings or ingredient sourcing tours thanks to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Businesses can increase their income streams by using integrated retail point-of-sale systems to collect payments for memberships and virtual events.

Social Media-Powered Patterns

Instagram and TikTok continue to play a significant role in influencing trends in food and drink. Niche items can gain attention through community-driven campaigns, influencer endorsements, and viral recipes.

Instant purchases are made possible by payment links included in social media posts, which helps companies profit from popular goods.

Which are the top-tier payment processing companies for F&B?

Modern food and beverage operations are founded upon effective payment processing systems. The UK market is served by the following prominent players:

Wonderful

Wonderful is an ideal payment processor for smaller cafes and restaurants. Their mobile POS app for in-person transactions is powered by Open banking technology. It is the optimal choice for small businesses that prioritise efficiency and speed, as it offers instant payments and settlement options via payment links and QR codes.

Worldpay

Worldpay is recognised for its dependable infrastructure, which enables it to offer omnichannel payment solutions that are well-suited for large-scale food and beverage enterprises. Its analytics tools are highly effective in optimising operations during peak hours.

Zettle by PayPal

Zettle's payment systems are streamlined and cost-effective, catering to small enterprises that require user-friendly solutions. Its user-friendly dashboard simplifies inventory management and sales tracking.

Conclusion

Propelled by evolving consumer demands and technological progress, the UK’s food and beverage industry is embarking on a transformative journey marked by innovation and sustainability. Payment processing systems play a crucial role in this modernisation, allowing businesses to deliver seamless, efficient, and customer-focused experiences. By keeping up with trends and utilising the appropriate tools, F&B businesses can maintain their competitiveness in a rapidly changing market.