Delivery and takeaway sales continue year-on-year decline

July is the ninth month in a row that the tracker has recorded a year-on-year decline.

Despite the decline, delivery and takeaway sales are still running at more than twice the level seen before the pandemic. Groups recorded combined growth of 112% in July, compared to July 2019.

Delivery sales were up by 265% compared to July 2019, while takeaway and click-and-collect sales were up by 46%.

This reflects an ongoing shift in buying habits towards online orders, according to CGA.

Karl Chessell, business unit director - hospitality operators and food, EMEA, said: “July’s hot weather prompted many consumers to head out to pubs and restaurants — especially those with outdoor areas — rather than ordering food in.

“As we move further away from COVID restrictions we can expect year-on-year delivery and takeaway sales to drop further below the peaks of lockdowns. However, demand remains high, and our latest Tracker data is a reminder of the seismic shift towards deliveries in the last three years.

“All restaurant and pub operators now need a multi-faceted approach to ensure they continue to capitalise on opportunities in the at-home channel without cannibalising on-site sales.”