Leisure & Entertainment

Savouring the experience: how food is shaping the future of leisure for every generation

Consumers are hungry for experiences that allow them to enjoy the many good things in life. Music concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, cinema, or shopping trips – the list of ways to relax and enjoy quality time with family and friends is getting longer. This growing appetite for shared experiences is driving strong growth in the industry. The global leisure & entertainment market is expected to increase at an annual rate of 20.8% through 2029.

The food and drinks offer, once focused on convenience and affordability, has evolved into an essential component of the global leisure experience. For Millennials and Gen Z, both foodie generations, expectations are high. Their influence has transformed leisure dining, with festivals now collaborate with local gourmet caterers, while sports venues offer pre-ordering to enhance the fan experience.

Baby Boomers, often driven by nostalgia, seek tailored experiences with specialized snack menus or upscale dining. As an influential group with considerable spending power, Baby Boomers seek high-quality food that resonates with familiar tastes, yet still feels modern and health-conscious.

Meanwhile, for kids and families, amusement parks and cinemas have increasingly integrated healthy and fun food options to meet parental expectations for better nutrition while maintaining an element of excitement. Interactive, child-friendly meals and snacks, along with themed dining experiences, are becoming more common. This shift reflects a desire to create memorable moments, where food is as much a part of the adventure as the rides or the movie.

Meeting the challenge: how operators are adapting to evolving preferences

Operators in the leisure & entertainment sector face the challenge of satisfying a diverse, multi-generational audience. Consumers now demand more than just convenience and value; they expect variety, quality, and food that aligns with evolving preferences for global cuisines, healthier choices, and sustainability.

To succeed, operators must streamline operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and staff management, particularly during peak times. While new technologies can enhance efficiency, rising ingredient and labour costs make maintaining profit margins challenging. Sustainability is also crucial; adopting eco-friendly practices – such as using green energy, reducing food waste, and sourcing sustainable ingredients – can help meet consumer expectations and reduce costs.

Careful ingredient selection is vital for achieving both cost efficiencies and nutritional goals. Cheese and fruit play a significant role in crafting appealing menus for all ages. Cheese, known for its flavour and versatility, can elevate a variety of popular menu items like sandwiches, wraps, salads and snacks, while plant-based cheese options cater to the growing demand for vegan dishes without sacrificing taste.

Fruit offers a nutritious and refreshing choice. For children, fruit pouches provide convenient, healthy options for on-the-go snacking.

Fuelling fun: tasty and nutritious snacks for every leisure adventure

A day at the amusement park, music festival, or zoo is filled with excitement, and there’s always time to refuel with a satisfying snack. That’s where brands like Babybel®, Kiri®, The Laughing Cow® and GoGo squeeZ® come in – offering delicious, convenient options perfect for any day out.

For families at a sporting event or a museum visit, a quick snack can make all the difference when energy starts to dip. Babybel®, Kiri®, and The Laughing Cow® are the go-to choices. Their individually wrapped cheese portions are easy to grab, packed with flavour, and loved by both kids and adults. They provide the protein and calcium needed to keep everyone fuelled for the next adventure. For those seeking plant-based options, Nurishh® is the perfect solution.

And for a lighter, fruity snack, GoGo squeeZ® is an easy favourite. Made with real fruit and no added sugar, these portable pouches are a refreshing pick-me-up for all ages. Dairy-free, nut-free, and gluten-free, they cater to various dietary needs, making them a versatile option for everyone.

No matter how visitors spend their day, our iconic brands ensure there’s always a tasty, nutritious option that fits the moment. From protein-packed snacks to plant-based treats and refreshing fruit pouches, the food choices are just as memorable as the experience itself.

Our range of cooking solutions offers versatile options for your kitchen. For those seeking plant-based options, Nurishh® is the perfect solution. Boursin® Professional brings its unique taste and premium texture to all culinary recipes, sauces and toppings, adding a gourmet touch while saving time as an easy-to-use ingredient, while Kiri® Professional is perfect for sweet treats like cheesecake and ice cream, as well as adding smooth creaminess to sandwiches and soups. The Laughing Cow® Professional provides versatility for hot and cold dishes, enhancing recipes like mashed potatoes and vegetable sides. These solutions combine taste, texture, and convenience to meet a variety of culinary needs.