South Africa’s food services sector posts solid revenue growth driven by restaurants and takeaway outlets

OFFICIAL figures, calculated at constant 2019 prices, show that total revenues in South Africa’s food services industry rose by 8.4 percent year on year in October 2025. The strongest contribution came from restaurants and cafes, where turnover increased by 10.1 per cent, accounting for 4.7 percentage points of the overall growth.

Over the three-month period ending in October, cumulative industry revenues expanded by 7.1 percent compared with the same period in 2024, indicating sustained momentum despite monthly fluctuations.

According to the statistical authority, takeaway food outlets and fast-service formats recorded a 10.0 percent increase in revenues, contributing 3.9 percentage points to the national total for the quarter. Restaurants and cafés followed with growth of 6.8 percent, adding a further 3.2 percentage points to the quarterly result.

Seasonally adjusted indicators pointed to a 2.4 percent increase in October compared with September 2025. This followed a month-on-month decline of 1.7 percent in September and a strong rebound of 5.7 percent in August, highlighting short-term volatility linked to seasonal factors and evolving domestic demand.

Experts note that part of the sector’s recent strength can be attributed to a broader range of services and greater flexibility in responding to changing consumer preferences. Rapid-service meals and complementary offerings, grouped under “other services”, have played a particularly important role in supporting growth.

Representatives of business associations and economic authorities have described the results as a sign of recovery and increased resilience. At the same time, they emphasised the need to maintain supportive measures to safeguard employment levels and ensure affordable prices for consumers as the sector continues to stabilise.

(Prensa Latina + TV BRICS)