food service and eating out an economic survey surveys statistics economics division january 2007 one page summary the sector comprises all outlets involved in provision of meals home igd 2005 including restaurants pubs office canteens with some 1 5 million employees it is largest employer chain making a substantial contribution to activity 21 bn 2004 only slightly less than drink manufacturing more retailing accounts for broadly third consumer expenditure on non alcoholic drinks its share nation s consumption estimated at roughly 6 consumed around 15 significant meeting nutritional requirements lower still features diversity outlet types business models formats operators such helps insulate from rapid shifts preferences but complexity has implications policy when addressing cross cutting issues as environmental performance performed strongly over recent years real growth sales rising employment supported by favourable trends future expected be
