FTG: MealTrak Data

Out-of-home eating increases

MealTrak data from TWC shows that ‘staples’ and ‘treats’ are driving the recovery in food-to-go.

Out-of-home eating occasions increased 12% year-on-year, according to new MealTrak data from TWC. In the latest 12-week period, the number of out-of-home eating occasions was 8% higher than in 2021. There were 786 million out-of-home eating occasions in the 12 weeks ended 13 June 2022.

The research shows sandwich shops (-9%) and coffee shops/cafes (-6%) have gone into decline over the past 12 weeks and they join fast food (-16%) and high street as the channels in decline.

Convenience stores (-1%) also continue to struggle compared to other channels. However, forecourts are rebounding well – with a 32% increase in occasions in the previous 12 weeks compared to 2021. Food-to-go occasions also increased by 2% in the 12-week period.

The sub-sectors driving growth in the past 12 weeks are predominantly ‘eating out’ venues: restaurants (+148%), pubs (+99%), and hotels (+96%).

The research also shows that ‘staples’ and ‘treats’ are driving the recovery in food-to-go. Cakes and pastries, crisps and nuts, sandwiches, savoury pastries, breakfast foods, and hot and cold drinks are all showing growth of 20% year-on-year.

Tom Fender, Development Director at TWC, said: “The latest MealTrak data reflects the continued recovery of the eating out sector, supported by a modest increase in food-to-go, most notably in the multiple grocers over the last 12 weeks. We are seeing fast food and particularly takeaways – which significantly benefitted from the lockdowns – beginning to fall back.

“With increasing pressure on household budgets due to rising bills and food inflation, we anticipate that channel performance could change quickly. Whilst the eating out sector is currently seeing the strongest growth, its performance is based on poorer comparatives from last year. Meanwhile, food-to-go may well see growth in the coming months as an affordable treat.”