Food industry faces shifting consumer habits and rising costs

The food and hospitality sectors are facing distinct shifts in consumer behavior and economic pressures. In Italy, the rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists—medications originally for type 2 diabetes but now widely used for obesity—is altering dining habits. These drugs increase satiety, slow digestion, and can reduce the reward response to certain foods, leading customers to order smaller portions or skip courses like appetizers and desserts.

Meanwhile, in Great Britain, traditional culinary staples are under economic strain. The cost of fish and chips has risen by more than 60% over the last five years, with average takeaway portions now costing approximately £11.43. This price surge is threatening the viability of many businesses; according to the National Federation of Fish Friers, 47% of owners are extremely concerned about the future of their trade, and one in five considers leaving the sector within a year.