The figures, taken from the latest edition of CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker, reflect a slight softening on the 6% growth recorded in September.
However, it remains comfortably above the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), reflecting a trend seen through every month of 2024 so far.
Total delivery and takeaway sales — including from sites opened in the last 12 months — rose by 14.2%.
“October’s figures continue a strong 2024 for restaurants’ at-home trading,” says Karl Chessell, CGA by NIQ’s director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA.
The latest edition of the Tracker also highlights a modest revival in the value of takeaway and click-and-collect sales, which have been on a downward trend for several years as more consumers opt for delivery to their doors.
They rose 1.4% in October — a third consecutive month of like-for-like growth.
Nevertheless, deliveries continue to outpace pick-up sales with a 6.5% increase last month.
While at-home revenue growth is partly being driven by increased prices, the Tracker shows an uptick in the volume of orders.
Restaurants’ total delivery orders last month were 9.2% higher than in October 2023, while takeaway and click and collect orders climbed 11.8%.
“Momentum for pick-up orders is particularly encouraging,” continues Chessell.
“Growth has been running well above the rate of on-site sales throughout the year, which suggests some consumers are seeking to save money by ordering in rather than going out.
“Their confidence is likely to remain under pressure for some time, and the recent Budget has delivered a major blow to optimism in hospitality — but restaurants will be keeping everything crossed that festive celebrations unlock much-needed extra spending in both channels in the crucial final weeks of the year.”
