New York, NY (PRWEB) February 13, 2014 -- The Food Trucks industry has only grown in strength over the past five years and is one of the best performing segments in the broader food-services sector. The industry's remarkable rise began in 2008, just as the recession hit, as hundreds of new vendors recognized changing consumer preferences favoring unique, gourmet cuisine. Cities such as Portland, OR; Austin, TX; and Los Angeles sought to differentiate themselves by crafting laws and creating areas specially designed for mobile food trucks. While the recession put the brakes on the broader food-services sector from 2008 to 2009, it was in fact a boon for the Food Trucks industry as consumers sought to maximize their disposable income by indulging in small conveniences such the affordable gourmet food. As a result, industry revenue has increased at an impressive annualized rate of 12.4% over the five years to 2014.
According to IBISWorld Industry Analyst Andy Brennan, “Despite strong industry-wide performance, some operators have been held back by city regulations, increased competition and low profit margins.” Laws governing food trucks differ between cities, with most specifying what hours a food truck can operate and the distance a food truck must be from the nearest brick-and-mortar restaurant. The industry competes directly with the broader food-services sector, and some brick-and-mortar establishments that pay taxes have lobbied against the industry. Also, in many cities, the industry has begun to reach saturation point, resulting in lower profit margins for some operators. As a result, growth has slowed over the past few years. In 2014 the industry is expected to grow at a slower rate than that of the past five years, posting a 4.4% gain to reach $803.8 million.
“The industry will face various challenges over the next five years, most crucially regulatory hurdles, which have restricted the industry's growth over the past five years,” says Brennan. Parking laws and other city ordinances are still evolving in many cities to catch up with the industry's transformation. Industry associations will need to work closely with city governments and other restaurateurs to resolve these issues if food trucks are to play a bigger role in the country's food-services sector. Still, growing household incomes and changing consumer preferences toward healthy and gourmet cuisine will spur growth over the next five years.
The Food Trucks industry exhibits a low level of concentration due to the highly fragmented nature of the industry. New enterprises have entered the industry at a faster rate, causing the industry to become more fragmented. IBISWorld anticipates this trend to persist in the upcoming years as mobile food vending becomes popular in less saturated regions.
For more information, visit IBISWorld’s Food Trucks in the US industry report page.
Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld
Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189
IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics
The Food Trucks industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in preparing and serving meals from a mobile truck. Food is normally prepared, stored and cooked on the truck. The truck may or may not use the same location each day and does not sell alcoholic beverages.
Industry Performance
Executive Summary
Key External Drivers
Current Performance
Industry Outlook
Industry Life Cycle
Products & Markets
Supply Chain
Products & Services
Major Markets
Globalization & Trade
Business Locations
Competitive Landscape
Market Share Concentration
Key Success Factors
Cost Structure Benchmarks
Barriers to Entry
Major Companies
Operating Conditions
Capital Intensity
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Annual Change
Key Ratios
About IBISWorld Inc.
Recognized as the nation’s most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.
Gavin Smith, IBISWorld, +1 (310) 866-5042, [email protected]
Share this article