Pan-European Survey: Adding Value through F&B

 
The situation in the European retail-catering segment varies greatly from country to country. Germany’s two major department-store chains have been more concerned about survival than anything else for many years. In complete contrast, department-store restaurants in The Netherlands and Switzerland rank among the top foodservice outlets that set quality standards for the entire sector in their countries. The second part of our pan- European survey also takes a look towards the east. Trendy branded outlets in Moscow round off their portfolio for a young and affluent clientele with extraordinary F&B offers. In Poland, more and more retail chains are cooperating with traditional or system foodservice brands.
 
The Netherlands
 
The most talked-about in-store restaurant formula in the Netherlands, and perhaps even Europe, is La Place, part of the Dutch retail chain V&D. Developed in the nineteen eighties by Paul Bringmann and his team to inject a much needed boost to the customer experience in the department stores. “We build restaurants without kitchens,” La Place states on its website and that is exactly what they do. The by now often copied selfservice free-flow formula is based on several counters behind which food and drinks are prepared, in front of the customer, using fresh ingredients which also serve as tasty decorations. Accessible and purse-friendly, with a strong emphasis on freshness.
 

 
La Place continues to be a trendsetter. This time with free Wi-Fi in all its establishments; local, organic, sustainable and fair-trade products where possible; and a direct relationship with its suppliers. Then there is the La Place@Home weekend service: place your order on Tuesdays for Fridays, on Wednesdays for Saturdays and simply collect from your local V&D store or La Place establishment. Choose from world salads, antipasti, gourmet & grill, oven-fresh, fish & seafood, beef & veal, lamb, game, pork, side dishes, sauces, pastries and cakes, desserts, wines, coffee and entire menus. The sharing trend has also been picked up on. Customers can order a selection of dishes at La Place served on festive large platters to share with family and friends.
 
Read in the full article more about the following countries:
Part 2: The Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Spain, Russia and Poland
 

 

 
| 23 April 2010 |