Image: Young people are continuing to eat out

Generation Y consumers - those aged between 18- and 34-years-old - are continuing to eat and drink out despite challenging economic conditions, according to new research.

The annual Taste of the Nation report from Deloitte and BDRC Continental showed that young people dine out 29 per cent more often compared with the same time last year.

UK consumers go out for food and drink on average 19.8 times per month, which is 13 per cent higher than last year - driven primarily by consumers within the Generation Y group.

There was an 18 per cent increase in the number of times people in the south east currently go out for food or drink, although all other UK regions also showed signs of growth.

Jon Lake, corporate finance director at Deloitte's licensed retail group, said: "The market remains resilient owing to Generation Y's more carefree lifestyle and a touch of austerity fatigue.

"They expect to go out even more over the next six months, which demonstrates just how ingrained going out is in their lives. It is a lifestyle, not a luxury and has become embedded in their culture."

Details: www.deloitte.com

Image: Daniel Korzeniewski/shutterstock.com