Following recent below-inflation growth of 1.5% in July and 1.3% in August, growth across managed venues matched the inflationary rate of 1.7% in September, according to the data.
It means managed operators have achieved like-for-like increases in eight of the nine months of 2024.
While this was a “welcome improvement”, the figures demonstrated the continuous challenges in achieving real terms growth as the sector enters the crucial final quarter of the year, CGA added.
Unremarkable growth
Total sales growth in September meanwhile, including new venues opened during the last 12 months, was healthier at 3.7%.
RSM UK head of leisure and hospitality Saxon Moseley said: “September’s results continue the recent trend of steady but unremarkable growth for the sector, with consumer confidence and spending spooked by the Government’s talk of 'tough' decisions to come in this month’s autumn Budget.
“Another concern for operators is the recent flurry of staff-related legal and tax changes hitting the industry.
“With the new tipping legislation and the Employment Rights Bill already set to increase the cost burden of employing staff, a potential hike in National Insurance contributions alongside National Minimum Wage rate increases could push many businesses to the brink before the all-important festive trading season.”
The tracker, produced by CGA NIQ in partnership with RSM UK, also revealed pubs and bars saw a “solid month” in September, with like-for-like sales rising 1.5% and 3.2% respectively.
Targeted support
Bars extended a sustained period of negative numbers with a drop of 3.8%, while the on-the-go segment achieved 4.3% growth.
As was the case in August, trading in London was slightly softer than the rest of the country, with sales inside the M25 1.3% ahead of September 2023, while venues further afield achieved 1.9% growth.
CGA by NIQ hospitality operators and food EMEA director Karl Chessell added: “Against the comparative of a sunny start to autumn in 2023, September’s dismal weather made real-terms growth for hospitality groups challenging.
“Pubs faced a particularly difficult month, with the rain keeping people out of beer gardens and terraces—though it did at least drive some of them indoors to give restaurants a brighter time.
“While some positive economic indicators raise confidence for a brighter final quarter of 2024, hospitality continues to battle substantial headwinds, and the forthcoming Budget is an opportunity to give the sector the targeted support it deserves.”