17% of food businesses increased revenue during pandemic, study finds

A survey of over 300 food businesses including restaurants, cafe and deli owners, has found that those who were quickly able to offer online ordering were able to “protect or in fact grow” revenue during lockdown.

The survey carried out by food technology software provider Nutritics, found that 17% who offered online ordering actually managed to experience an increase in revenue during lockdown.

However, this comes as two-thirds of businesses expect a decrease in revenue over the coming year, with one-third (33%) anticipating a decline of more than 50% as a result of lower customer capacity and social distancing regulations in premises.

It also found that for those who do offer online ordering, click and collect and in-house ordering are proving to be the “most popular” use of food ordering technology.

Damian O’Kelly, CEO and co-founder of Nutritics, said the food industry has shown itself to be “incredibly innovative” over the last three months and whilst “tough challenges” are ahead, there is support and opportunities to keep businesses going.

He said: “This has been an unprecedented time and yet one in six food businesses have been able to grow their revenue through rapid adaptation to an online customer model.

“With ongoing social distancing regulations for the foreseeable future, it won’t be possible to make the same revenue with table or counter food service so an obvious solution is to reach customers online.”