The data from MealTrak, a continuous tracking programme for the sector, shows that over the 12 weeks to June 13th, the number of out-of-home eating occasions rose 8% over the same period in 2021 to 786m.
Breaking this figure down shows the ‘eating out’ channel (comprising pubs, restaurants and hotels) was in strong growth, up 97% on last year, while sandwich shops, coffee shops and cafes have gone into decline.
Tom Fender, development director at TWC, said: “The latest MealTrak data reflects the continued recovery of the eating out sector (restaurants, hotels and pubs), 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.”