Ordering takeaway helps SA’s economy – so reach for the phone

Worried ordering more takeaway is bad for you? Maybe, if you eat too much – but it’s having a huge, positive effect for SA’s economy.

• The best isolation takeaway spots, as voted by you

Feeling bad for ordering more takeaway through COVID-19? Don’t, because research has shown out-of-home eaters are helping to rebound the local economy.

Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals the South Australian cafe, restaurant and takeaway sector generates about $200 million in revenue each month, and after a cliff-like fall in March and April due to COVID-19, a recovery is now well underway.

In March, revenue fell to $175.3 million and there was a huge drop in April – going down to $126.9 million.

By May, green shoots of recovery were starting to appear, with spending back up to $163.3 million and by June spending was getting back towards normal at $180.3 million.

Market and cultural research business Square Holes conducted a mind and mood survey at the end of June/start of July of 400 South Australian adults, doing a deep dive into takeaway habits.

The survey showed three-quarters of South Australians have ordered takeaway at least once or twice since May, with this level going as high as 92 per cent for 18-24 year olds and as low as 65 per cent for 65-plus year olds.

Dining in has been at a lower rate, yet is still about 60pc plus across age groups.

Square Holes founder and managing director Jason Dunstone said takeaway buys could be a reaction to what has been a tough year for many, through some comfort eating.

“People are looking for a bit of fun and happiness, and if that comes from a bucket of KFC, so be it,” he said.

Kane Pollard, chef and owner of The Topiary in Tea Tree Gully, which was voted number one in The Messenger’s poll of best isolation takeaway outlets in the north. Picture: Matt Loxton

“During COVID-19 there’s been a lot of conversation about getting out and supporting local businesses and what was interesting to see (through the survey) was that people have been doing that, particularly younger people.”

The survey showed 70 per cent of younger people – aged 18-34 – have been spending locally on take away at least fortnightly.

Mr Dunstone believes the survey data shows promising signs for South Australia, as hungry diners help to recharge the economy.

“I think in SA, we’re recovering quicker than anyone in anticipated in March,” he said.

Mr Dunstone said while there had been a lot of research showing mental health struggles in a lot of young people due to COVID-19, they were the ones out spending the most on takeaways, whereas older generations were tightening their belts.

Younger South Australians are more inclined to have their takeaway delivered by the store or UberEats, although the majority across all age groups usually pick up their takeaway.

The younger demographic are also much buy vegan or vegetarian takeaways, with 13 per cent of the 18-34 age group buying from this sector in the past few months, compared to a mere 1 per cent of 35 to 64-year olds.