Global Online Food Delivery Market

The global online food delivery market, valued at USD 290 billion, is growing due to rising smartphone use, e-commerce, and demand for convenient food options.

Region:Global

Author(s):Dev

Product Code:KRAA1523

Pages:93

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Global Online Food Delivery Market Overview

  • The Global Online Food Delivery Market is valued at USD 290 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of smartphones, the rise of e-commerce, and changing consumer preferences towards convenience and variety in food options. The market has seen a significant shift towards online platforms, with consumers increasingly opting for delivery services over traditional dining experiences .
  • Key players in this market include the United States, China, and India, which dominate due to their large populations, urbanization trends, and a growing middle class with disposable income. The presence of major food delivery platforms and a robust logistics infrastructure further enhance their market position, making these countries pivotal in shaping the global online food delivery landscape .
  • In 2023, the European Union implemented regulations aimed at improving transparency in food delivery services. This includes mandates for clear pricing structures and the obligation for platforms to disclose delivery times and fees upfront. Such regulations are designed to enhance consumer trust and ensure fair competition among service providers in the online food delivery market .
Global Online Food Delivery Market Size

Global Online Food Delivery Market Segmentation

By Type:The online food delivery market can be segmented into various types, including Restaurant-to-Consumer Delivery, Platform-to-Consumer Delivery, Grocery Delivery, Meal Kit Delivery, Alcohol Delivery, and Others. Among these, Restaurant-to-Consumer Delivery is the most dominant segment, driven by the increasing number of restaurants partnering with delivery platforms and the growing consumer preference for convenience. The rise of mobile applications has also facilitated easy access to a variety of food options, further boosting this segment's growth .

Global Online Food Delivery Market segmentation by Type.

By End-User:The end-user segmentation includes Individual Consumers, Corporate Clients, and Event Catering. Individual Consumers represent the largest segment, as the majority of online food delivery services cater to everyday consumers seeking convenience and variety. The increasing trend of remote work has also led to a rise in corporate clients utilizing delivery services for meetings and events, although they remain a smaller segment compared to individual consumers .

Global Online Food Delivery Market segmentation by End-User.

Global Online Food Delivery Market Competitive Landscape

The Global Online Food Delivery Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, Deliveroo, Just Eat Takeaway.com, Zomato, Swiggy, Postmates, Foodpanda, Domino's Pizza, Papa John's International, ChowNow, Caviar, Waitr Holdings Inc., Talabat, Meituan, Ele.me, Delivery Hero, Glovo, Menulog contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

Uber Eats

2014

San Francisco, USA

DoorDash

2013

San Francisco, USA

Grubhub

2004

Chicago, USA

Deliveroo

2013

London, UK

Just Eat Takeaway.com

2001

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)

Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)

Average Order Value (AOV)

Delivery Time Efficiency (Average Delivery Time in Minutes)

Customer Retention Rate (%)

Pricing Strategy (Commission Rate, Delivery Fees)

Global Online Food Delivery Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing Consumer Demand for Convenience:The global online food delivery market is experiencing a surge in consumer demand, driven by the need for convenience. In future, it is estimated that 60% of consumers will prefer ordering food online rather than dining out, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior. This trend is supported by the fact that 75% of millennials prioritize convenience in their purchasing decisions, leading to increased sales for delivery platforms and restaurants alike.
  • Expansion of Smartphone Penetration:The proliferation of smartphones is a key growth driver for the online food delivery market. As of future, global smartphone penetration is projected to reach 68%, with over 5.6 billion smartphone users worldwide. This accessibility enables consumers to easily order food through apps, contributing to a projected increase in online food orders by 25% year-over-year. The convenience of mobile ordering is reshaping consumer habits and driving market growth.
  • Rise of Food Delivery Apps and Platforms:The emergence of numerous food delivery apps has transformed the market landscape. In future, it is estimated that there will be over 1,500 food delivery platforms globally, catering to diverse consumer preferences. This growth is fueled by the increasing number of partnerships between tech companies and restaurants, with over 30% of restaurants now offering delivery through third-party apps. This trend enhances market accessibility and drives consumer engagement.

Market Challenges

  • Intense Competition Among Delivery Platforms:The online food delivery market faces significant challenges due to intense competition. In future, the top five delivery platforms are expected to account for only 40% of the market share, indicating a fragmented landscape. This competition leads to price wars and increased marketing expenditures, which can erode profit margins for companies. As a result, maintaining a competitive edge becomes increasingly difficult for new entrants and established players alike.
  • High Operational Costs and Delivery Logistics:Operational costs remain a critical challenge for online food delivery services. In future, the average cost of last-mile delivery is projected to be around $5.50 per order, significantly impacting profitability. Additionally, logistical challenges, such as traffic congestion and delivery time management, can lead to inefficiencies. Companies must invest in technology and infrastructure to optimize their operations, which can strain financial resources and affect overall market performance.

Global Online Food Delivery Market Future Outlook

The future of the online food delivery market appears promising, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. As urbanization continues, with 56% of the global population expected to live in cities in future, demand for food delivery services will likely increase. Additionally, the integration of AI and machine learning will enhance operational efficiency and customer experience, allowing platforms to better predict consumer behavior and streamline logistics, ultimately fostering growth in the sector.

Market Opportunities

  • Expansion into Emerging Markets:Emerging markets present significant growth opportunities for online food delivery services. In future, countries like India and Brazil are expected to see a 30% increase in online food orders, driven by rising disposable incomes and urbanization. Companies that strategically enter these markets can capitalize on the growing demand and establish a strong foothold in regions with less competition.
  • Partnerships with Local Restaurants:Forming partnerships with local restaurants can enhance service offerings and expand market reach. In future, it is projected that 40% of food delivery orders will come from local eateries, highlighting the importance of collaboration. By integrating local cuisine into their platforms, delivery services can attract a broader customer base and improve customer satisfaction, ultimately driving revenue growth.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Restaurant-to-Consumer Delivery

Platform-to-Consumer Delivery

Grocery Delivery

Meal Kit Delivery

Alcohol Delivery

Others

By End-User

Individual Consumers

Corporate Clients

Event Catering

By Sales Channel

Mobile Applications

Websites

Third-Party Platforms

By Delivery Mode

On-Demand Delivery

Scheduled Delivery

By Cuisine Type

Fast Food

Asian Cuisine

Italian Cuisine

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Others

By Payment Method

Credit/Debit Cards

Digital Wallets

Cash on Delivery

Buy Now, Pay Later

By Subscription Model

Monthly Subscriptions

Pay-Per-Order

Loyalty Programs

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East & Africa

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Food and Drug Administration, Department of Agriculture)

Logistics and Delivery Service Providers

Restaurant Chains and Franchise Owners

Food Technology Startups

Payment Processing Companies

Marketing and Advertising Agencies

Consumer Advocacy Groups

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Uber Eats

DoorDash

Grubhub

Deliveroo

Just Eat Takeaway.com

Zomato

Swiggy

Postmates

Foodpanda

Domino's Pizza

Papa John's International

ChowNow

Caviar

Waitr Holdings Inc.

Talabat

Meituan

Ele.me

Delivery Hero

Glovo

Menulog

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Global Online Food Delivery Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Global Online Food Delivery Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Global Online Food Delivery Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing consumer demand for convenience
3.1.2 Expansion of smartphone penetration
3.1.3 Rise of food delivery apps and platforms
3.1.4 Growth in urbanization and busy lifestyles

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Intense competition among delivery platforms
3.2.2 Regulatory hurdles and compliance issues
3.2.3 High operational costs and delivery logistics
3.2.4 Customer retention and loyalty issues

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Expansion into emerging markets
3.3.2 Partnerships with local restaurants
3.3.3 Introduction of subscription models
3.3.4 Leveraging technology for enhanced user experience

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Growth of ghost kitchens
3.4.2 Increased focus on sustainability
3.4.3 Integration of AI and machine learning
3.4.4 Rise of contactless delivery options

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Food safety regulations
3.5.2 Labor laws affecting delivery personnel
3.5.3 Taxation policies on food delivery services
3.5.4 Data protection and privacy regulations

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Global Online Food Delivery Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Global Online Food Delivery Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Restaurant-to-Consumer Delivery
8.1.2 Platform-to-Consumer Delivery
8.1.3 Grocery Delivery
8.1.4 Meal Kit Delivery
8.1.5 Alcohol Delivery
8.1.6 Others

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Individual Consumers
8.2.2 Corporate Clients
8.2.3 Event Catering

8.3 By Sales Channel

8.3.1 Mobile Applications
8.3.2 Websites
8.3.3 Third-Party Platforms

8.4 By Delivery Mode

8.4.1 On-Demand Delivery
8.4.2 Scheduled Delivery

8.5 By Cuisine Type

8.5.1 Fast Food
8.5.2 Asian Cuisine
8.5.3 Italian Cuisine
8.5.4 Vegetarian and Vegan Options
8.5.5 Others

8.6 By Payment Method

8.6.1 Credit/Debit Cards
8.6.2 Digital Wallets
8.6.3 Cash on Delivery
8.6.4 Buy Now, Pay Later

8.7 By Subscription Model

8.7.1 Monthly Subscriptions
8.7.2 Pay-Per-Order
8.7.3 Loyalty Programs

8.8 By Region

8.8.1 North America
8.8.2 Europe
8.8.3 Asia Pacific
8.8.4 Latin America
8.8.5 Middle East & Africa

9. Global Online Food Delivery Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 KPIs for Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
9.2.4 Average Order Value (AOV)
9.2.5 Delivery Time Efficiency (Average Delivery Time in Minutes)
9.2.6 Customer Retention Rate (%)
9.2.7 Pricing Strategy (Commission Rate, Delivery Fees)
9.2.8 Market Penetration Rate (%)
9.2.9 Monthly Active Users (MAU)
9.2.10 Revenue Growth Rate (%)
9.2.11 Order Frequency per User
9.2.12 Gross Merchandise Value (GMV)
9.2.13 Net Promoter Score (NPS)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Uber Eats
9.5.2 DoorDash
9.5.3 Grubhub
9.5.4 Deliveroo
9.5.5 Just Eat Takeaway.com
9.5.6 Zomato
9.5.7 Swiggy
9.5.8 Postmates
9.5.9 Foodpanda
9.5.10 Domino's Pizza
9.5.11 Papa John's International
9.5.12 ChowNow
9.5.13 Caviar
9.5.14 Waitr Holdings Inc.
9.5.15 Talabat
9.5.16 Meituan
9.5.17 Ele.me
9.5.18 Delivery Hero
9.5.19 Glovo
9.5.20 Menulog

10. Global Online Food Delivery Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Government contracts for food delivery
10.1.2 Budget allocation for public events
10.1.3 Compliance with food safety standards

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in delivery infrastructure
10.2.2 Budget for employee meal programs

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Delivery delays
10.3.2 Quality of food upon delivery
10.3.3 Limited menu options

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Familiarity with online ordering
10.4.2 Access to technology

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Increased customer satisfaction
10.5.2 Expansion of service offerings

11. Global Online Food Delivery Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market gaps and opportunities

1.2 Business model components


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding strategies

2.2 Product USPs


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban retail vs rural NGO tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved routes

4.2 Pricing bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category gaps

5.2 Consumer segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty programs

6.2 After-sales service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability

7.2 Integrated supply chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory compliance

8.2 Branding

8.3 Distribution setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product mix
9.1.2 Pricing band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target countries
9.2.2 Compliance roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 JV

10.2 Greenfield

10.3 M&A

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven analysis

13.2 Long-term sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 JVs

14.3 Acquisition targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Activity timelines
15.2.2 Milestone tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of industry reports from food delivery market research firms
  • Review of government publications on food safety regulations and e-commerce
  • Examination of consumer behavior studies related to online food ordering

Primary Research

  • Interviews with executives from leading online food delivery platforms
  • Surveys targeting restaurant owners and operations managers utilizing delivery services
  • Focus groups with consumers to understand preferences and pain points

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of data from multiple sources including market reports and expert opinions
  • Triangulation of consumer insights with operational data from delivery services
  • Sanity checks through expert panel reviews comprising industry veterans

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of market size based on national food service industry revenue
  • Segmentation by geographical regions and consumer demographics
  • Incorporation of growth trends in mobile app usage for food delivery

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Volume estimates based on transaction data from major food delivery apps
  • Cost analysis of delivery operations including logistics and marketing expenses
  • Calculation of average order value and frequency of orders per consumer

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable regression analysis incorporating economic indicators and consumer trends
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and market disruptions
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Urban Food Delivery Users150Frequent Users, Occasional Users
Restaurant Partners100Restaurant Owners, Operations Managers
Delivery Personnel80Delivery Drivers, Logistics Coordinators
Food Delivery App Developers50Product Managers, Software Engineers
Industry Experts and Analysts40Market Analysts, Consultants

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Global Online Food Delivery Market?

The Global Online Food Delivery Market is valued at approximately USD 290 billion, reflecting significant growth driven by smartphone adoption, e-commerce expansion, and changing consumer preferences for convenience and variety in food options.

Which countries dominate the Global Online Food Delivery Market?

What are the key segments of the Global Online Food Delivery Market?

How has consumer behavior shifted in the online food delivery market?

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