Out-of-home eating occasions increased by 15% year-on-year in the 12 weeks ending 3 October, the latest MealTrak figures reveal.
The figures, from wholesale experts TWC Group in partnership with food-to-go and out-of-home tracking programme MealTrak, show there were 813 million eating out of home occasions in the 12-week period.
The data reveal multiples, with their more affordable food-to-go offer, remain the clear winners, up 26% in the latest 12 weeks.
Convenience stores (+4%), discounters (+5%), and forecourts (+9%) are also all outperforming the total market.
The data reveals sandwich shops (-11%), coffee shops/cafes (-6%), fast food & takeaway (-22%), high street (-10%) and transportation (-18%) are all in decline.
In addition, the data shows value sales are up 30% on a 52-week/MAT basis and up 15% on a 12-week ending basis versus 2021.
Tom Fender, Development Director at TWC, said: “The multiples appear to have the right strategy for the current climate, reflected in their continued outperformance of the market, +26% growth in occasions and +48% in value terms for the latest 12-week period. Conversely, the decline in foodservice food-to-go outlets such as sandwich and speciality shops; coffee shops and cafes; and fast food and takeaways continues in both occasions and in real terms also in value, with the small value growth hiding the effect of inflation on these figures.”
Fender added: “As we continue to see an increase in consumer needs for something that’s not too expensive (+27%) and something that’s also quick and easy to eat (+19%), those with agile plans in place to react and provide exceptional value will do well at this moment in time. Meanwhile, treats are in decline, which somewhat goes against the much-cited ‘lipstick effect’ during times of economic hardship.”
