Provisional statistics of restaurant receipts and purchases for first quarter of 2026
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest provisional figures on restaurant receipts and purchases today (May 6).
The value of total receipts of the restaurants sector in the first quarter of 2026, provisionally estimated at $28.4 billion, increased by 1.1% over a year earlier. Over the same period, the provisional estimate of the value of total purchases by restaurants increased by 3.6% to $9.1 billion.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total restaurant receipts slightly increased by 0.2% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with a year earlier.
Analysed by type of restaurant and comparing the first quarter of 2026 with the first quarter of 2025, total receipts of Chinese restaurants increased by 0.9% in value, but decreased by 0.2% in volume. Total receipts of non-Chinese restaurants increased by 2.8% in value and 2.1% in volume. Total receipts of fast food shops decreased by 0.6% in value and 1.5% in volume. Total receipts of bars decreased by 4.0% in value and 3.9% in volume. As for miscellaneous eating and drinking places, total receipts increased by 0.5% in value, but decreased by 0.6% in volume.
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of total restaurant receipts remained at a similar level in both value and volume in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the preceding quarter.
To facilitate further understanding of the short-term business performance of the restaurants sector, statistics in respect of the restaurant receipts and purchases in individual months of the reference quarter are also compiled.
Analysed by month, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total receipts of the restaurants sector decreased by 3.2%, increased by 5.7% and increased by 1.6% respectively in January, February and March 2026, compared with the corresponding months in 2025.
After discounting the effect of price changes, it was provisionally estimated that the volume of total restaurant receipts decreased by 4.2%, increased by 4.6% and increased by 0.8% respectively in January, February and March 2026, compared with the corresponding months in 2025.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that the business of restaurants continued to improve in the first quarter. The value of total restaurant receipts increased further by 1.1% over a year earlier.
Looking ahead, the generally solid local consumer sentiment and sustained growth in inbound tourism will continue to support restaurant businesses. The Government will continue to monitor the downside risk arising from the evolving geopolitical tensions, for any potential implications for restaurant businesses.
Further information
The revised figures on restaurant receipts and purchases for the first quarter of 2026 (with breakdown by month) will be released through the website of C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode540.html) and relevant publications of the Department from June 18, 2026.
The classification of restaurants follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
More detailed statistics are given in the "Report on Quarterly Survey of Restaurant Receipts and Purchases". Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080002&scode=540).
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of C&SD (Tel: 3903 7401; e-mail: qsr@censtatd.gov.hk).
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), Photo source: reference image
