Britain’s contract caterers keep the money coming – a 7% sales boost in Q3 2024
In the latest CGA‑by‑NIQ and Bidfood Contract Catering Tracker, sales from the country’s top contract food providers have risen by 7 % year‑on‑year in the third quarter. That’s the 14th straight quarter of growth – a record run that would make even the most seasoned CFOs do a little happy dance.
Milestones and metrics
- Quarter‑on‑quarter growth – 7 % in Q3, slightly shy of the 10 % gained in Q2.
- MAT (12‑month rolling) growth – a respectable +9 % when you compare this year’s last 12 months to the previous twelve.
- Outlets served – a 1 % YoY jump, breaking a streak of decline that started back in the COVID‑19 boom.
Why this matters
It tells us that the demand for contract catering – whether for schools, hospitals, or big public venues – is still strong, even as the economy sniffs out inflation headaches. The sector has weathered pressure, delivered service, then leapt again. No wonder industry voices are all a bit giddy.
Industry insiders speak out
Karl Chessell, CGA‑by‑NIQ: “Fourteen consecutive quarters of growth is an outstanding achievement by the contract catering sector. It is particularly impressive given the severe inflationary pressures that it has faced in the last few years and demonstrates the strong underlying demand across both the public and private sectors.”
Debra Morrell, Bidfood: “We’re delighted to see another strong quarter of growth. For the first time, there’s a turnaround in outlet numbers. However, the Autumn Budget will likely pinch the sector’s momentum with new cost burdens. We fear potential closures, job losses, and a spike in inflation.”
Kate Nicholls, UKHospitality CEO: “Contract caterers supply a vital service to schools, hospitals, and visitor attractions. The recent changes to employer National Insurance contributions in April could threaten all that positivity. We need urgent action to mitigate these impacts.”
What’s next?
The tracker continues to pull sales data from the leading operators, giving firms a handy benchmarking tool. Those who feed data also get a richer analysis in return – it’s a win‑win: you help the market, you get insights.
As the autumn budget rolls on, the catering community is standing by its shoulders, ready to shout the same concerns into the happens to government. They’re asking for relief, more clarity, and a break on the rising costs that could otherwise dilute the industry’s impressive trajectory.
