More food, beverages sold in May

Positive annual growth rates were recorded for other income (16.7%)‚ food sales (10.5%) and bar sales (4.4%).

The food and beverages survey is a monthly survey covering a sample of public and private enterprises involved in the preparation of meals and drinks for immediate consumption in SA. The purpose of the survey is to monitor trends in the food and beverages industry.

The results of the survey are used to compile estimates of the tourism satellite accounts and the gross domestic product and its components. The figures are also used in the analysis of comparative business and industry performance.

A breakdown of the figures showed that the highest annual growth rate in May was recorded for takeaway and fast-food outlets with 16.5% and contributing 5.8 percentage points; followed by restaurants and coffee shops with a 7.7% increase and contributing 3.6 percentage points; and catering services‚ with a 3.6% increase and a 0.6 of a percentage point contribution.

Total income rose by 7.9% in the three months ended May compared with the same period last year.

The main contributors to this increase were takeaway and fast-food outlets; restaurants and coffee shops; and catering services‚ Stats SA reported.