The UK catering equipment market will be worth more than £980m at present day prices in 2011, analysts have predicted.

Research company Market & Business Development's (MBD) latest study estimates the market will increase steadily from a current value of £907.8m to £981.6m in 2011.

But real-term growth over the next five years is expected to be slow and steady, at about 1-2% a year. Total growth in the market from 2002 to 2006 was 16%.

MBD expects cooking equipment sales to account for 33% of the total catering equipment market, as demand is fuelled by growth in the restaurant market and expansion in the catering sector.

Sales within the bar equipment sector are also expected to climb, up 8% to £181.8m in the five years to 2011.

A full copy of the report is available to buy for £550 at www.mbdltd.co.uk.