Despite considerable disruption from the COVID-19 pandemic, the index in August remained relatively stable. The government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ promotion was in place, and while order levels continued to remain low when compared to pre-COVID-19, the scheme did see demand for food and beverages increase.

The full implications of both the effects of COVID-19 on global supply and the gradual reopening of foodservice businesses have yet to be seen but we expect the index to begin to adjust over the months ahead.