Restaurant delivery sales remain strong as consumers value convenience
July saw another consecutive month of unbroken sales growth this year, reflecting sustained consumer demand for delivery options, despite a deceleration from the double-digit growth recorded in May and June.
Conversely, takeaway and click-and-collect sales remain static, with a slight decline of -0.2% in July compared to the same month last year. This is a marginal improvement from the -1.1% decline in June, suggesting the rate of decline is slowing.
Overall, combined delivery, takeaway, and click-and-collect sales in July 2024 were 5.3% higher than in July 2023. This represents the 14th consecutive month of year-on-year growth for the sector, further solidifying its resilience despite shifting consumer behaviours and external economic pressures.
The split between food and drink sales in the delivery and takeaway channels has remained stable, with food sales comprising 90.3% of the total and drink sales accounting for 9.7%.
As noted by the Tracker, comparisons with July 2023 sales highlight shifting consumer preferences, with consistent delivery sales growth indicating convenience and in home dining is firmly in favour.
While delivery sales growth has cooled slightly from June's Euros spike, the Tracker says it remains clear consumers 'value the convenience of having meals brought directly to their doorsteps'.
Additionally, consumers are taking advantage of the good weather to enjoy meals on the go, or as a more budget-friendly option during a month when many focused their spending on events like the Euros tournament and Olympic Games.
