Delivery, takeaway sales up fourfold in April from pre-COVID levels
CGA’s new Hospitality at Home Tracker suggests the market is set for more growth despite restrictions easing.
Restaurants and pub groups recorded a fourfold increase in delivery and takeaway sales in April from pre-COVID-19 levels, according to CGA’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker.
Combined delivery and takeaway sales were 345% higher than in April 2019 and sales grew by 11% from March 2021 despite the reopening of restaurants, pubs and bars for outside service in England.
Figures from the Tracker also suggested that deliveries, takeaways and at-home meal kits, which have soared in popularity during the lockdowns of the last 14 months, are “likely” to remain a major part of consumers’ habits.
“Surging delivery and takeaway sales have been a major side-effect of COVID-19 lockdowns and a lifeline for many operators in the first few months of 2021,” said Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA.
“As restaurants, pubs and bars reopen, the way consumers balance ordering in and eating out will be a major dynamic in sales and marketing strategies and a significant factor in profit margins.”
Meanwhile, CGA data showed that managed venues’ average sales were 24.9% higher during the first day of indoor dining's return compared to the equivalent Monday in May 2019. Food sales jumped 29.6% whilst drinks sales were up by 21.2%.
A separate business confidence survey by the company, done this time with Fourth, also revealed that four in five leaders in the managed restaurant, pub and bar sector feel optimistic about the next 12 months—the highest number for more than six years.
Specifically, 79% are optimistic about prospects for the eating and drinking out market in general. Slightly more leaders (83%) say they feel optimistic about prospects for their own business over the next year.
