Delivery and takeaway sales surge in July

Britain’s top restaurant groups experienced strong growth in at-home dining in July.

Total delivery and takeaway sales increased by 13.5% year-on-year, CGA by NIQ’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker reveals. This represents a sharp uplift compared to previous months of flat or marginal growth.

The boost is supported by robust delivery performance, which saw sales climb by 15.8%, alongside a 9.5% increase in combined total order numbers, indicating improved frequency and consumer confidence in the delivery market.

Takeaway and click-and-collect sales also improved, albeit more modestly, with an 8.4% total year-on-year monthly sales growth.

Overall, the at-home market in July reflects a return to form for delivery after a muted summer so far, due to mixed weather and ongoing uncertain consumer confidence.

Delivery-led convenience

Total order volume for delivery exceeded 2.95m, with takeaway orders just shy of 2.32m. This data demonstrates a healthy appetite across both formats, but a noticeable preference for delivery-led convenience, as operators tap into sporting and cultural events and summer’s feel-good factor, bringing the party to consumers who choose to stay at home to celebrate and socialise.

Karl Chessell, director of hospitality operators and food at CGA by NIQ, said: “July’s delivery-led growth is welcome news. The opportunity now is to build on delivery’s strong channel momentum, with value, consistency and experience-led innovation. The right partnership marketing, promotional alignment, digital engagement and fulfilment capabilities are key for optimising this growth potential, even as broader consumer confidence wavers.”

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