Lumina Intelligence: UK Forecourts 2026: Food to Go, Planned Top Ups and the Shift to Multi Service Hubs

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Our latest Lumina Intelligence Forecourt Report 2026 reveals how the UK forecourt channel is evolving in response to rising pressure on operators, changing shopper missions and the growing need to deliver more than fuel alone.

 Key insights:


  • Food to go is the engine of forecourt growth

Quality hot food, coffee and well known branded concessions are driving incremental footfall and impulse spend. Food to go is reshaping the role of the forecourt, elevating it from a distress stop into a destination for everyday consumption.

  • Planned top ups are delivering bigger, family led baskets

Planned top up missions are rising rapidly, driven by families seeking fresh, chilled and locally sourced products. These missions generate significantly larger basket sizes and highlight the opportunity for operators to convert fuel stops into meaningful shop visits.

  • Forecourts are evolving into multi service, digitally enabled hubs
As fuel margins come under pressure, operators are broadening their offer with services such as delivery, parcel collection, vending and digital engagement. These additions are extending dwell time, unlocking new revenue streams and future proofing the channel.


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