Britons now spend more on eating out than they do on food consumed in the home, according to a new report by the Office of National Statistics (ONS).

The ONS survey of changing trends in the UK economy between 1992 and 2004 revealed that the amount spent on food consumed outside the home soared by 102.2% to £87.5b.

Expenditure on food eaten at home grew at half that rate, rising by 53.4% to £85.8b.

It seems that people eat out more regularly and tuck into a wider range of cuisines.

According to the ONS report, total household spending on all food products has risen by 74.6% over the 12 years surveyed.

The hotel, catering and pub sector was the sixth fastest-growing industry between 1992 and 2004.

By Angela Frewin

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week - click here to subscribe and save 25%.