In a Covid-vaccinated Australia, venues can expect to welcome patrons who continue to be loyal to their local, who want to support their hospitality workers and for the trend towards premiumisation to continue.
These are some of the findings from hospitality mobile ordering and payment platform, me&u which has released a report on the hospitality trends it believes will shape the industry in a Covid vaccinated world.
Stevan Premutico, me&u CEO and Founder, said: “We’ve had our fair share of knocks and blows, especially right now, but the numbers prove that Aussies have come out in droves to support their local venues over the past year and we are optimistic about what the future holds.
“Hope binds the industry more than anything else and we see a future of full venues, appetites and hearts shaped by the incredibly resilient people of hospitality. It’s time to work smarter, not harder.”
QR codes, mobile check-ins and cashless payments are well embedded into our every day practices. me&u has observed a huge uptake in the adoption of technology from with increasing numbers of venues venues turning to the platform as a solution to enable social distancing, COVID safety and to manage staff shortages.
Technology is playing a bigger part than ever in the on-premise space, especially in customising the dining experience for the individual consumer.
Me&u’s report quotes Merivale CEO, Justin Hemmes who says: “me&u is a huge step in the right direction for us to learn about our customer. It is the key that will unlock the future of hospitality and how we look after our customers on an individual basis. We’re seeing a much greater frequency of reordering and a higher spend per head. “
In addition to Merivale, me&u’s clients include the ALH Group, Rockpool Group, Solotel Group, The Portsea Hotel and Howard Smith Wharves. Data from these clients has informed the me&u’s hospitality trends which include:
- Australians are desperate to be social. When Victoria’s last lockdown ended, hospitality spending in Australia soared by 28 per cent and orders via the platform between 10.00-11.00pm trebled when compared to the previous year.
- When New South Wales restrictions eased back in June 2020, Saturdays became the busiest trading days. Sunday trade also increased, reflective of customers socialising closer to home.
- There is a renewed love for the local pub. Australia’s favourite watering holes have seen a 14% growth in sales since April 2020.
- Spirit orders via me&u quadrupled from March 2020 to March 2021, led by Vodka, Rum and Whiskey. Demand for Vodka and Gin doubled this past year.
- The trend to premiumisation continues as patrons become particular with their brands, turning away from the house spirit. 70 per cent of vodka orders made through me&u request a premium brand like Grey Goose or Belvedere.
