F&B sales up 36.9% YoY to $949m in October

Food caterers' sales rose by 141.5% during the period.

Total food and beverage (F&B) sales rose 36.9% year-on-year (YoY) in October to reach $949m, sustaining the increase reported in September, with all industries recording increases during the month, led by food caterers.

In a statement, the Department of Statistics Singapore said the surge in sales was due to the low base in the same period last year when stricter dining-in restrictions were still imposed.

Online F&B sales accounted for 24.1% of the total sales, slightly dipping from 24.3% in September. On a seasonally adjusted basis month-on-month, the sales increased by 1%.

Per sector, food caterers posted the highest growth in sales, skyrocketing by 141.5% due to the higher demand for event and in-flight catering as restrictions eased.

Restaurants saw a 61.1% increase in sales, whilst cafes, food courts & other eating places grew by 18.1%, and fast food outlets by 14.7%.