Britain’s Contract Caterers Just Keep on Growing
Double‑digit sales surge in Q2 2024
According to the latest Contract Catering Tracker from CGA by NIQ and Bidfood, the UK’s top contract caterers rocketed their sales by 10 % this second quarter. It’s the 13th straight quarter of growth—an impressive streak that tops the 7 % rise seen in the first quarter.
Year‑on‑Year Momentum
When you line up the last 12 months against the year before, MAT sales climbed 13 %. Even with a 3 % drop in the number of outlets served—down from a full year ago—the sector has stayed on an upward path, a trend that’s been slowly eroding since the COVID‑19 downturn.
What the Tracker Gives You
- Monthly snapshots of leading operator sales.
- Year‑on‑year comparisons that help you benchmark against peers.
- Extra insights for participants who share their data—think of it as a market‑wide crystal ball.
Key Voices in the Scene
Karl Chessell, CGA’s business unit director, calls the double‑digit growth “a testament to the grit of British contract caterers and the confidence of their clients.” He notes that while COVID, the cost‑of‑living crunch, and high inflation had knocked the sector hard, it’s bouncing back strongly. The caveat? Fewer outlets mean fierce competition to hold onto existing clients and snag new ones.
Debra Morrell, Bidfood’s business development controller, praised the “fantastic market growth” in April and May, even as the spring turned wet. She highlights that the hospitality industry keeps shuttering, reminding us that consumer confidence still feels the weight of the cost‑of‑living crisis. Caterers need to be sharp—offering not just value, but also quality and a memorable experience.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, sees contract catering as a robust contributor to the economy. She points out rising costs across wages, food, drink, and energy while noting a positive trend in recruitment: vacancies are falling, yet the sector still faces ~100 k openings. She calls for targeted support to help contract catering attract and retain talent—an essential driver for future growth.
Who’s on the Tracker?
The platform partners with a roster of leading operators, including ABM Catering, Artizian Catering Services, Bartlett Mitchell, BaxterStorey, Blue Apple, CH&CO, Compass UK, Elior UK, The Genuine Dining Co., Harrison Catering Services and Sodexo UK.
