Delivery and takeaway sales at the country’s leading managed restaurant groups rose 5% year-on-year in October 2023.
It marks the fifth month of like-for-like growth in a row for the channel, according to CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker.
Year-on-year growth in delivery sales reached 6% in October, while takeaway and click-and-collect revenue was 2% down from October 2022.
The build-back follows a long decline after the end of COVID-19 restrictions, which had led to a surge at-home sales.
The channel now accounts for just under 15p in every pound spent by consumers in restaurants contributing to the tracker.
Growth in October had slowed compared to September, when combined sales were 7% higher than the same month in 2022.
Last month, sales dipped slightly behind the rate of inflation, with increased revenue the result of higher menu prices rather than extra orders.
Karl Chessell, CGA by NIQ’s director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA, said: “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.
”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”, he added.
