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Sales at Britain’s leading contract caterers jumped by 12.2 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, according to the new Contract Catering Tracker from CGA by NIQ, Bidfood and UKHospitality.
The latest performance stretches a long run of growth in every quarter since the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2021. It also marks an acceleration of growth in 2025, following increases of 8.0 per cent and 9.5 per cent in the first and second quarters of the year respectively. Groups’ MAT growth, for sales over the 12 months to end-September compared to the previous 12 months, now stands at 9.7 per cent.
While most sales growth has been organic, the Contract Catering Tracker also indicates a 1.4 per cent increase in the number of outlets served by Britain’s leading operators since the third quarter of 2024.
Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ, said:
“Contract caterers have substantially outperformed Britain’s hospitality sector in recent years, and these latest figures extend a stellar 2025. Strong organic sales growth and a steady increase in new contracts show the high demand for their services, despite multiple challenges in a high-cost trading environment. While there is no room for complacency, the catering sector will be entering the crucial Christmas season with high confidence.”
Added Debra Morrell, Bidfood business development controller – Business & Industry:
“It is really heartening to see momentum in the contract catering sector continue to grow, both in terms of sales and an increase in the number of sites. This is testament to the resilience of the sector, and its focus on delivering value which we are seeing is such a critical choice driver for consumers in workplace and wider settings right now.
“As hybrid working patterns continue to settle, caterers are adapting their offers to better meet evolving employee expectations – from flexible service times to more diverse, high-quality and innovative menus. It’s clear that those who can deliver relevance, creative flair and consistency in their proposition, as well as the healthy and sustainable choices that consumers look for, are best placed to thrive.”
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