Appealing to children is the secret to operators looking to cash in over Easter and attract the profitable family pound, says cake maker Almondy.
The popular Swedish supplier is encouraging operators to take a second look at their children’s menus in the run-up to Easter and tap into the family dining market which totals 3.18 billion eating out visits a year and valued at a staggering £4 billion.
With 11% of restaurant choices influenced by children, the Easter break provides operators with a key opportunity to widen their customer base and appeal to this profitable market.
Andrew Ely, managing director, Almondy explains: “The traditional two week break means there will be a rise in parents looking for places that kids like to eat – somewhere they can take a break from making those meals at home. Catering for children can be a challenge though; with the need to provide a balance between dishes that they want but also present parents with quality and value for money.”
One way of boosting menu appeal is by updating dessert menus for Easter; with the purchase of cakes in the UK highest among parents and the fact that customers are 22% more likely to eat sweet treats when dining with children, operators can benefit from their desserts menu’s sweet appeal over the Easter holidays and beyond.
Andrew continues: “We all know children have a sweet tooth and pester-power means parents won’t be able to resist treating their children over Easter, or themselves for that matter. A quick refresh of a dessert menu with a few confectionery inspired offerings will really capture their imagination – in fact 68% of consumers would choose a cake that’s topped with a confectionary brand.”
