Contract Catering in the UK is on a Roll
According to the latest Contract Catering Tracker from CGA by NIQ, Bidfood and UKHospitality, the top contract caterers in Britain have been smashing sales and opening new sites in Q2 2025.
Sales are Up, Outlets are Up
- Sales rose 8.0% from April–June, keeping the upward trend that started mid‑2021 as the industry bounced back from COVID.
- After a 9.5% jump in the first quarter, the first half of 2025 has been a win‑win for contract catering, outpacing most other hospitality sectors.
- The 12‑month average monthly sales (MAT) growth, which includes new contracts, is now at 7.9%.
- Outlet counts jumped 9.3%, pushing the industry well above pre‑COVID levels.
Why the Buzz?
The Tracker aggregates data from the leading operators, giving quarterly snapshots and year‑on‑year comparisons. It’s a handy benchmarking tool for businesses to gauge performance across different metrics and market groups.
Voices from the Field
- Karl Chessell (CGA by NIQ): “Contract catering has made a striking comeback from the widespread closures of COVID. Doubling-digit growth in sales and outlets shows the sector’s resilience and innovation—especially impressive given the high‑cost trading environment and persistent inflation.”
- Debra Morrell (Bidfood): “In an era of economic uncertainty, these strong results are a welcome boost. The rise in sites and private‑sector activity signals recovery, but we must keep proving value against the high street as inflation stays stubborn.”
- Kate Nicholls (UKHospitality): “The sector’s robust growth confirms demand for premium service. As costs keep climbing, we need government support—particularly in this autumn’s Budget—to keep contract caterers from being tax‑baked.”
Keep the Momentum Going
The numbers underscore that contract catering is not only thriving but also pivotal to the wider hospitality ecosystem. With the cost pressures lurking, it’s heartening to see operators innovating and scaling—an essential lesson for businesses navigating today’s market.
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