The delivery sector could close 2021 with a growth of between 16% and 38%. This is suggested by various studies, such as the one carried out by The NPD Group. This figure will boost delivery service, especially in large and medium-sized chains that manage it through their own channel, after the boom experienced during 2020, due to the lockdown imposed by Covid-19.
Consumer lifestyles have changed dramatically in the wake of the pandemic. While a couple of years ago it was not so usual to make use of take-away food, now the situation is quite different. This trend, which is expected to generate revenues of more than 1.8 billion euros in Spain by the end of 2021, is here to stay. Not only do large and medium-sized restaurant chains believe this, but so do 65% of consumers, according to a Deliveroo survey.
Increase in delivery orders
It is estimated that there are already more than 2.2 million consumers who use delivery services. This is an added value to the business of large and medium-sized restaurant chains, which not only generate financial benefits when a customer arrives at one of their premises, but also when they choose to enjoy the service from home.
A study by The NPD Group compares industry data in 2020 and 2021. Last year, 23% more Spaniards took advantage of ordering food at home compared to 2019. Since then, orders have soared by more than 30%. The turnover figure is confirmed by several studies by Statista, which estimate that the growth forecast for the sector in the Spanish market could represent a turnover of close to 1,099 million dollars, where the own channel for delivery management will have a great projected growth.
It is worth noting that the majority of food delivery users placed recurring orders. This means that 45% of them used a food delivery system between once and twice a week, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The pandemic in general, and lockdown in particular, meant that 40% of consumers were able to enjoy their favorite restaurant chain at home.
The main reasons for using the service, according to 49% of those surveyed, was to break the monotony, while 28% used it as an escape route. The study concludes that this trend will continue to grow in 2021. 65% of consumers plan to continue using the service, despite the ending of restrictions.
A rising business value
2021 is serving to consolidate this business model. The latest available studies estimate that food delivery will generate more profits than the previous year. While in 2020 food service contributed around €1.7 billion to the Spanish economy, by the end of 2021 it will have exceeded €1.8 billion.
Currently, most of the restaurant chains that offer this service are already digital. Having a complete platform for food delivery restaurants has made it easier, simpler and a lot easier for them to open up new business avenues like this one. Today, more than half of the delivery business is already digital. Orders are usually placed either through the restaurant’s website or app, or through food delivery aggregators.
We are therefore talking about a business value on the rise. There are already many restaurant chains that have realized the benefit of having their own channel that enhances and gives more visibility to their brand. In addition, it allows them to connect directly with consumers and get to know them much better. And if you add to that the fact that a food delivery platform simplifies daily operations and optimizes operations, it is not surprising that this sector is booming.
