Britain’s leading contract catering operators recorded robust performance in 2025, with sales growth approaching double digits, which should instil confidence in industry stability, according to the latest NIQ Contract Catering Tracker, powered by CGA and supported by Bidfood and UKHospitality.
Strong fourth-quarter performance
Sales in the final quarter of 2025 were 9.0% higher than the same period in 2024, reflecting strong consumer and corporate demand during the Christmas trading season, which reassures stakeholders about the industry’s ongoing resilience.
The result continues a consistent growth trend, with quarterly year-on-year sales exceeding 8% throughout 2025, though slightly lower than the 12.2% growth recorded in the third quarter.
On a full-year basis, contract caterers achieved 8.4% year-on-year growth, more than double the UK inflation rate over the same period.
Growth was primarily driven by higher spending within existing client sites rather than large-scale expansion of operating locations, highlighting the stability and continued engagement of current clients, which should reassure investors and stakeholders.
The number of outlets served by major operators increased by only 1.3% quarter-on-quarter, suggesting that improved revenue per site and stronger customer demand were the main contributors to sales gains.
Industry analysts interpret this as evidence of increased utilisation of catering services in workplaces, educational institutions, and corporate environments, reflecting broader sector engagement.
Karl Chessell, director – hospitality operators and food, EMEA at NIQ, said: “In a tough trading environment, contract caterers did exceptionally well to touch double-digit growth throughout 2025. Crucially the fourth-quarter performance was driven not just by new clients or raised prices but by high volumes, which will have helped to offset some sharp increases in key costs. The figures reflect the broad appeal and high quality of Britain’s catering sector, and it can look forward to more growth in 2026.”
Debra Morrell, business development controller for B&I at Bidfood, said: “We’re delighted to see that the sector has enjoyed a strong last quarter of 2025, sitting ahead of the wider out of home market and ahead of inflation. Consumer confidence remains fragile, and with the gap between wages and inflation narrowing, the pressure will continue in 2026 to deliver value for money in the face of a strong competition and promotional activity from the high street. Innovation, quality, value and great service have all been at the heart of the sector’s growth over the last few years, and these strengths will lend us the resilience to see us through another year of rising costs, operational challenges and regulatory change.”
Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: “Contract caterers continue to deliver excellent growth, across both sales and outlets served.
“In the face of acute cost challenges, this consistent performance demonstrates the sector’s resilience and its significant contribution to the economy.”
