Food and Beverage Fan Spending Trends In 2024

As we move through 2024, understanding fan spending on food and beverages at events is crucial for organizers looking to maximize revenue and enhance the attendee experience. Each event type—whether it’s a sporting event, festival, rodeo, food and wine event, or concert—presents unique spending patterns, top-selling items, and average prices that reflect the preferences of today’s event-goers. In this blog post, we’ll explore these trends, highlight the key differences in spending, and show how atVenu’s insights can help you optimize your food and beverage sales strategy.

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What does the average fan spend on food and drinks at events in 2024?

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How does that range by event?

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---have it be a slider bar with a low and high number and the average in the middle and breaking down the different types of events

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1. Sporting Events: High Energy, High Spending

At sporting events, fans are all about convenience and indulgence. The excitement of the game often leads to impulsive purchases, with a focus on classic comfort foods and beverages that are easy to consume in a crowded, fast-paced environment.

• Top-Selling Items: Hot dogs, beer, nachos, and soft drinks dominate the list.
• Average Spending: Fans at sporting events typically spend generously, with the average food and beverage spending per person reaching [insert average spending here].
• Average Prices: Expect to see beer and hot dogs priced around [insert average prices here].
• Spending Insights: Convenience is key. Items that are easy to carry and consume quickly are the most popular, with fans often opting for combo deals that include food and a drink.

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2. Festivals: A Culinary Adventure

Festivals offer a wide variety of food and drink options, reflecting the diverse tastes of attendees. Whether it’s a music festival or a cultural celebration, fans are willing to explore unique and gourmet offerings.

• Top-Selling Items: Gourmet burgers, craft beers, ethnic foods, and artisanal cocktails.
• Average Spending: Festival-goers are known for their willingness to spend on unique food experiences, with average spending per person at [insert average spending here].
• Average Prices: Gourmet options like craft cocktails and artisanal foods can be priced higher, often around [insert average prices here].
• Spending Insights: Attendees are drawn to unique, Instagram-worthy food and beverage options. Offering a diverse range of high-quality items can significantly boost sales.

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3. Rodeos: Comfort and Tradition

Rodeos bring a sense of nostalgia and tradition, which is often reflected in the food and drink choices. Fans prefer hearty, comfort foods that align with the event’s rustic vibe.

• Top-Selling Items: Barbecue, beer, corn dogs, and lemonade.
• Average Spending: Rodeo attendees tend to spend moderately, with average spending per person at [insert average spending here].
• Average Prices: Expect to see barbecue platters and beer priced at [insert average prices here].
• Spending Insights: Traditional, hearty meals are a big hit. Providing large portions and family-style options can encourage group spending.

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4. Food & Wine Events: Quality Over Quantity

At food and wine events, the focus is on quality, with attendees seeking out premium offerings. These events attract a more discerning crowd, willing to pay for high-end culinary experiences.

• Top-Selling Items: Wine flights, cheese platters, charcuterie boards, and gourmet desserts.
• Average Spending: With a focus on quality, average spending per person is higher, typically around [insert average spending here].
• Average Prices: Premium offerings like wine flights and gourmet platters can be priced at [insert average prices here].
• Spending Insights: Attendees are willing to spend more for a premium experience. Offering exclusive or limited-edition items can drive up sales and create a memorable experience.

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5. Concerts: Quick Bites and Drinks

Concerts are all about quick, easy-to-consume items that don’t distract from the main event. Fans are there for the music, so they prioritize speed and convenience when it comes to food and beverage purchases.

• Top-Selling Items: Beer, pretzels, popcorn, and soft drinks.
• Average Spending: Concert-goers tend to spend moderately, with average spending per person at [insert average spending here].
• Average Prices: Popular items like beer and pretzels are typically priced at [insert average prices here].
• Spending Insights: Speed and accessibility are crucial. Items that can be quickly prepared and served will see the highest sales, especially during intermissions.

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Conclusion: Tailoring Your Strategy to Event Types

Understanding how spending varies by event type allows organizers to tailor their food and beverage offerings to maximize profits. Whether it’s offering unique gourmet options at festivals or focusing on quick, convenient items at concerts, the key is to align your strategy with the preferences of your audience.

atVenu’s advanced analytics and POS solutions can help you track these spending trends in real-time, ensuring you have the insights needed to optimize your food and beverage sales at any event. By leveraging data, you can make informed decisions that enhance the attendee experience and drive higher revenue.

As we look ahead in 2024, the ability to adapt and respond to these spending patterns will be crucial for event organizers aiming to stay competitive and profitable.

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