Deliveries and takeaways worth 15p per pound of restaurant spend

Restaurant at-home sales have continued to grow, but consumers prefer delivery over takeaway, according to CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker.

Deliveries and takeaways now account for just under 15p in every pound spent in restaurants, as the sector continues to build back up after Covid-19.

CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker reported a fifth month of like-for-like growth in deliveries and takeaways, however October’s year-on-year growth of 5% marks a slowdown from September, when combined sales were 7% higher than the same month in 2022. CGA by NIQ pointed out that the growth had dipped slightly behind the rate of inflation, with the increased revenue being the result of higher menu prices rather than extra orders.

“Managed groups’ delivery and takeaway sales took a sustained hit after the end of Covid lockdowns, but growth is now on a par with in-restaurant sales,” said Karl Chessell, director of hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ.

“The convenience of ordering platforms and lower prices suit some consumers’ habits at the moment, and the new balance of eating-out and at-home sales that is emerging will satisfy many operators. Organic growth in both channels while avoiding cannibalisation of sales will be a top priority for all restaurants in 2024.”

The tracker also highlighted the preference for deliveries over takeaways, with year-on-year growth in delivery sales reaching 6% in October, while takeaway and click-and-collect revenue was down 2% from October 2022.

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