Delivery and takeaway sales falls for the 16th month in a row

The volume of delivery orders fell by 13.3%.

Delivery and takeaway sales at Britain’s top-managed restaurant groups fell for the 16th month in a row in February, according to the latest Hospitality at Home Tracker by CGA by NIQ

The 5.9% decline in sales was attributed to some consumers reducing their spending and others opting to eat out rather than order in. The drop in delivery sales was steeper at 9.9% compared to the 7.6% decline in takeaway and click-and-collect sales. The volume of delivery orders also fell by 13.3%.

Despite the extended decline, delivery and takeaway sales are still higher than pre-pandemic levels and accounted for 17 pence in every pound spent with managed restaurant groups contributing to the Hospitality at Home Tracker in February.

Karl Chessell, CGA's business unit director, believes the decline in delivery and takeaway sales is a positive sign that consumers are returning eagerly to restaurants since restrictions eased. 

“But it also reflects the still-tightening squeeze on consumers’ discretionary incomes. Our research consistently shows that people want to prioritise the affordable treats of restaurant meals, and their spending will hopefully increase when household bills and inflation come down. In the meantime, we can expect more softening in the at-home market,” Chessel said.

CGA's research consistently shows that people want to prioritize the affordable treats of restaurant meals, and their spending will hopefully increase when household bills and inflation come down. In the meantime, Chessell expects to see further softening in the at-home market.