Income from food and beverages up 7.7% in 2015

Measured in nominal terms (current prices), total income generated by the food and beverages industry increased 7.7% in 2015 compared with 2014, Stats SA said on Monday.

In December 2015, total income increased 8.4% year on year. Positive annual growth rates were recorded for bar sales (9.6%) and food sales (8.5%).

In December 2015, the highest annual growth rates were recorded for takeaway and fast-food outlets (10.8% and contributing 4.3 percentage points) and restaurants and coffee shops (8.7% and contributing 4 percentage points).

Total income increased 7.3% in the fourth quarter of 2015 compared with the fourth quarter of 2014. Positive contributors to this increase were:

Restaurants and coffee shops (8.3% and contributing 3.7 percentage points); and takeaway and fast-food outlets (9.5% and contributing 3.6 percentage points).