April Delivery and Takeaway Sales Take a Breather
Britain’s top restaurant groups saw a 0.6% dip in delivery and takeaway sales during April, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker. It’s the second time this year the tracker has recorded negative growth—and the fifth straight month of sales falling short of inflation.
What’s Behind the Dip?
- Nice weather & Easter—farmers might say they were out past the door, but many diners simply headed for a pint at the local pub instead of ordering in.
- BBQs & outdoor fun—the fresh air gave people other ways to spend their coins, cutting into the cash that normally flows to restaurants.
Delivery vs. Takeaway: A Tale of Two Flows
Delivery revenue held steady year‑on‑year in April. Takeaway and click‑and‑collect orders, however, slipped 1.9% on a like‑for‑like basis. Even with these small shivers, the combined sales rose 10% from April 2024, thanks to a surge in restaurants offering both delivery and takeaway over the past 12 months.
Pubs Still Rolling in the Money
While managed restaurants struggled a bit, pubs were thriving, posting 9.1% growth in April—a bright spot for the hospitality sector.
Industry Insight: Karl Chessell on the Current Climate
“Good weather tends to be a plus for pubs, and it turns out that most people were headed out for a drink in April,” says Karl Chessell, CGA by NIQ’s director for hospitality operators and food in EMEA. “Disposable incomes are tight for many, and with so many other options out there, a softening in delivery and takeaway sales isn’t a shocker. We’ve seen a big boost in the channel before, so we’re hoping momentum will pick up over the summer as habits settle and demand comes back up.”
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