Everything is better with fries!

Without doubt, the number one concern for both consumers and those working in

foodservice (wholesalers and operators) is cost, but when out of home, consumers are still investing in shared experiences.

The number one driver for eating out is to socialise, while functional meals and solo eating are in decline - in the 12 months leading up to June 2025, 31% of all out of home occasions were socially driven1.

The cost of food and drink has risen in the last 12 months for 81% of operators2 so Lamb Weston has identified ways in which all can be winners - profitability by using the right fries for the right moment, because everything is better with fries!

With snacking occasions in the afternoon and evening showing double-digit growth, up 13% and 14% respectively YOY3, and Lamb Weston’s own research showing 51% of consumers want more unique and interesting fry options, such as loaded and seasoned, the opportunity for QSR operators to use fries to up their snack game is considerable.

Operator desire for products that support value, versatility and innovation is on the increase and for 2025/26, Lamb Weston is expecting growth in formats that align with the ‘anytime eating’ trend – think hash browns beyond breakfast, served up as snacks or as an integral part of a meal, not just side of plate.

Loaded fries with bold global flavours continue to be a hit across foodservice, and there are opportunities in using all formats of potato as a carrier for trending concepts.  Lamb Weston products that lend themselves well to loading up include Stealth Fries and Frenzy Fries, for their great hold time and long-lasting crunch.

Operators should make the most of seasonality and sporting events and tap into Lamb Weston’s resources to enforce messaging.  Margin is a key factor in making product selections, which is why the company works collaboratively with its customers supplying quality potato products as well as supporting them with insights, menu inspiration and consumer trend guidance.  For example, co-developing seasonal loaded fry recipes and highlighting global flavour applications can help stand-out in a crowded high street.  By providing solutions that drive efficiency in kitchens and enhance profitability, Lamb Weston can support operators in meeting consumer expectations for both indulgence and price.

“We can provide cost-effective solutions to address current trends, but also drive an increase in average spend, helping with profitability.  There are menu occasions which are ‘better with fries’ such as beverage only purchases, sharing plates, group diners – think World Cup occasions – al fresco dining, and snacking moments that have been upgraded from a bagged snack.  By using shapes from our Stealth range, such as Frenzy Fries, Dippers, Twisters and Crisscuts, on menu, operators can create a higher yield, and therefore better profits.”

Lamb Weston believes that more substantial snacks are in demand with consumers, who are exploring new flavours and trendy formats.  By serving potato shapes as a premium side, a sharable snack, loaded up, or simply seasoned, caterers can gain plate coverage, create a point of difference, standout on menu and command a better price.  Use attention-grabbing POS to upsell your fries and create snacking occasions outside of traditional mealtimes, try promoting happy hours and seasonal favourites, and enhance ‘regular’ dishes to ‘premium’, all by making the most of fries.

1 Circana Foodservice Europe via European Foodservice Summit

2 CGA by Neilson IQ and The Caterer’s Hospitality Business Leaders Survey 2025

3 Circana EU Foodservice Market Data, CREST® Consumer Data Panel Results

For more information, contact: https://lambweston.eu