Contract caterers’ Q2 sales rise 18.5% YOY
With inflation and cost challenges affecting much of the sector and putting strain on trading conditions, growth is modest in real terms
Contract caterers’ sales in the second quarter of 2023 were up 18.5% compared with the same period in 2022, according to data from CGA Strategy.
Caterers’ sales in the private sector were also up 20.4% year-on-year reflecting the sector’s recovery from the pandemic and consumers’ return to workplaces and venues served by contract caterers.
The data also shows the number of units served by contract caterers has increased by over 500 since June last year, and over 2,000 compared with the first quarter of 2023.
However, these latest figures represent a drop in growth experienced in the first quarter of 2023, which reached 30%.
With inflation and cost challenges affecting much of the sector and putting strain on trading conditions, growth is modest in real terms.
Karl Chessell, CGA’s director, hospitality operators and food, EMEA, said: “The latest figures show contract caterers continue to steadily recover from the upheaval from COVID-19 restrictions and more recently economic and cost challenges facing the market.
“Demand for the sector remains high and the increasing number of outlets open for catering is positive; we are hopeful the positive trend to continue through the remainder of the year, but trading conditions will continue to remain challenging for some time.”