Britain’s Contract Caterers Post 12% Q4 Surge, But Growth Is Slowing
According to the latest CGA by NIQ and Bidfood Contract Catering Tracker, the country’s top contract catering players saw a 12% jump in the final quarter of 2023.
2023 – A Year of Double‑Digit Growth
Last year, the sector proudly logged four consecutive quarters of growth above 10%. Still, the rate has been easing, falling from a whopping 30% in Q1 to 18% in Q2 and 15% in Q3.
Key Takeaways
- Overall 2023 sales were 18% higher than in 2022.
- Despite a 3 % decline in outlets served, the market remains noticeably below pre‑COVID levels.
- The Tracker aggregates sales from leading operators, giving managers a handy benchmark to gauge their performance.
Industry Voices
Karl Chessell of CGA by NIQ remarked that 2023 was “a year of recover – we’ve steadily rebuilt our client base after the lockdown upheaval.” He added, “The return of staff to workplaces is a welcome sign, but cost pressures still bite, and a supportive budget is overdue.”
Debra Morrell from Bidfood noted that the sector’s recovery is tempered by a slight drop in outlets and by rising inflation. “Operators will need to be more inventive to survive and thrive, and we could see a dip in 2024 growth,” she cautioned.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, praised the steady quarterly gains as evidence of resilience. She urged the Chancellor to ease the cost‑of‑doing‑business burden, citing lower VAT and reduced employer National Insurance Contributions as potential relief.
Tracker Partners
The list of participants includes ABM Catering, Artizian, Bartlett Mitchell, BaxterStorey, Blue Apple, CH&CO, Compass UK, Elior UK, The Genuine Dining Co., Graysons, Harrison Catering, and Sodexo UK.
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