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Say Ello: How Dining Rewards Drive Loyalty & Engagement

Last week, we hosted Say Ello: Building Loyalty and Engagement Through Dining Rewards, bringing together some of the best minds in customer loyalty. A huge thank you to Neil Miller (itsu), Jo Ashdown (Mando Connect), Izzy Finlayson (Vodafone), and Helen Packer (Vitality) for sharing their expertise!

Kristina Singleton

20-03-2025

Consumer Spending Insights: Where Are Customers Spending?

Open banking insights reveal the top spending categories for consumers, highlighting both essential and discretionary spending. Interestingly, our products align with three of the top eight spending categories, reinforcing the demand for savings in these areas.

Top Consumer Spending Categories

  1. Groceries – A necessity, but rising costs mean consumers are seeking savings. 
  2. Eating Out – Dining remains a key category, but value-driven offers are crucial. 
  3. Mobile – An essential category, with consumers looking for competitive deals. 
  4. Petrol – A continued cost pressure, leading to a demand for savings. 
  5. Subscriptions – From entertainment to lifestyle services, spending remains steady. 
  6. Coffee – A frequent indulgence, making small savings highly appealing. 
  7. Holidays – Consumers still want experiences but seek cost-effective options. 
  8. Gyms – Health and wellness remain priorities, with value-driven memberships in demand. 
  9. Dining, coffee, and entertainment stand out as key areas where discretionary spending is high - highlighting the opportunity for brands to offer relevant rewards that provide real value. 

Key Takeaways from the Panel

If you missed the event, here are some of the top insights: 

  • Dining rewards have mass appeal – A simple, valuable offer (with no fuss) resonates best. 
  • Personalisation is key – Aligning rewards with audience preferences (e.g., Itsu for professionals, Pizza Hut for families) boosts engagement.
  • Gamification is growing – Making rewards fun and interactive increases loyalty and repeat engagement. 
  • Avoid breakage-based partnerships! – Overly complex redemption processes frustrate customers. A smooth, simple journey builds trust and drives real engagement. 

What’s Next?

With 4 million tastecard members and 10,000+ partner brands, we’re seeing firsthand how the right rewards influence consumer behaviour and drive long-term loyalty. 

Stay tuned for more events, insights, and opportunities to connect as we continue shaping the future of loyalty and rewards! 

Want to learn more about how rewards can boost engagement for your brand? Get in touch—we’d love to chat. 

 

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