Liverpool's food and drink sector 'vibrant' as £76m spent in 2024

Liverpool’s food and drink sector saw £76m spent in the first three months of 2024.

Data from Liverpool BID Company shows the sector is currently the largest in the city centre representing 37% of the city centre economy; retail is 8.4%, and fashion is 18.2%. Health and beauty is 4.9% while tourism is 3.8%

Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, says the data suggests that the growth of the food and drink sector amongst hospitality illustrates why it is such a vital industry to support.

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He said: "Hospitality is a growing and vital industry for Liverpool city centre’s economy. We talk a lot about Liverpool’s mixed use economy, and the low vacancy rate we have in the city centre (4.8% in the city centre compared with 11% nationally) shows that units on our high streets do not stay empty long. The vibrancy of our food and drink sector, in particular independents, is heartening to see, but it also illustrates why it is such a crucial sector to support.

"It represents a sizable number of jobs within the city centre and a vital element of our city’s visitor economy. The challenges this sector faces are acute, from hiring to energy and product costs, so it is important they get the support they need. This is why we support national campaigns like the lower VAT rate for hospitality. Initiatives like Liverpool Restaurant Week help to cast the spotlight on the sector and encourage people to visit new venues and to enjoy what is on offer”.

The city centre data shows UK visitors, so does not include international spend. Spend increased by 0.8% in the city centre in February. March has seen a