CGA by NIQ data shows the strongest at-home delivery growth of the year, even as takeaway orders continue to weaken
Restaurant delivery sales increased 7.6 per cent year-on-year in October as consumers continued shifting towards direct-to-door orders, according to Nielseniq (NIQ) report. The rise marked the strongest like-for-like comparison so far this year and offered some relief to operators after a difficult 2025 for dine-in trading.
The growth rate was also double the UK’s October inflation figure, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index.
Takeaway and click-and-collect orders fell 5.1 per cent from a year earlier, among the weakest readings of the year, extending a steady decline as consumers move away from picking up food themselves.
Combined delivery and takeaway sales by value were 3.7 per cent higher than the same month last year. On a total basis, including newly opened sites and locations offering delivery or takeaway for the first time, sales were 10.9 per cent ahead.
Deliveries accounted for 13.1 pence of every pound spent with restaurants in October, nearly three times the 4.7 pence generated by takeaway and click-and-collect orders.
“The rise of third-party delivery platforms has dramatically changed the game for restaurants’ at-home sales. After a stalling of growth in 2025, October brought a welcome boost for deliveries. But double-digit total growth indicates intense competition, meaning restaurants will have to maintain high standards of food and experience to sustain momentum over Christmas and beyond,” said Karl Chessell, director for hospitality operators and food, EMEA at CGA by NIQ.
