Chinese and Indian lead ethnic market

By Christina Golding

ONE-THIRD of all deliveries and almost half of take-aways come from Chinese or Indian restaurants, but the sector accounts for only one in 10 meals eaten on the premises, according to the latest research.

Chinese restaurants, with annual sales estimated at £1.87b, continue to dominate the ethnic restaurant sector and account for 14% of the total UK eating-out market. Indian restaurants follow with an estimated annual value of £1.3b and an 8% share of the market.

The research, by Taylor Nelson Sofres, shows Thai and Japanese food has yet to make a significant impact, making up less than 1% of the total market.

But while Chinese restaurants have the edge in terms of market share, the quality of Chinese take-aways is perceived to be lower than that of their Indian counterparts. "Chinese take-aways have concentrated on value for money and have not placed the same emphasis on quality," says the report.

Chicken dishes proved the most popular in both sectors, accounting for 68% of meals chosen in the year to May 1998.

l MealTrak reports are available from Taylor Nelson Sofres on 01372 801010.