"Takeout" has been replaced with "Order in" as food delivery services are booming in Australia, according to a new study.
Strategic intelligence consultancy Nature interviewed a national population and found that the use of food delivery apps is increasing, with young Australians using a variety of apps to satisfy their hunger pangs.
According to research:
- 52% of people say they used a meal delivery app in 2021 (up from 40% in 2019).
- 33% of people use a meal delivery app at least once a month (up from 24% in 2019)
- 71% of people who use food delivery apps are under 40 years of age.
"Although the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns in Australia played a huge role in accelerating the uptake of food delivery services, we could not predict how deeply anchored it would be in our lives and culture," said Chris Crook, Managing Partner of Nature.
“Our research has uncovered the widespread popularity of food delivery apps, with more than half of Australians having tried at least one, and the growing popularity of these apps with younger Aussies – which they like for their convenience and the ability to try new restaurants. love price. "
Drivers and concerns
Consumer attitudes towards food delivery apps have been positive, with the most important factors being the opportunity to try new kitchens and amenities.
66% of people say they like to try new kitchens with food delivery apps that they normally wouldn't buy, and 60% of people order from food delivery apps as a "last minute decision" when they run out of time.
The price of groceries is a concern for app users, with 53% of people who do not use apps for food delivery citing “too expensive” as the biggest obstacle.
However, of regular users, only 45% of people say the groceries purchased through meal delivery apps are too expensive, up from 58% in 2019.
When it comes to the wellbeing of drivers, 74% of app users say the app would make them feel better if wages and worker protection for drivers were increased. However, only 8% of respondents say concerns about the treatment of delivery drivers are an obstacle to signing up for a food delivery service.
Changing market
Uber Eats (65%) and Menulog (58%) are the most popular apps on the market, with most users (72%) having more than one app installed to take advantage of exclusive offers and specials.
The testing rates of other “edge” convenience services have also increased, opening up new opportunities for brands and retailers to connect with consumers. For example, 41% of people have ordered food from a restaurant that they cook or reheat at home (e.g. Providoor).
“There are more food delivery apps out there today than just restaurants. Grocery and liquor services are growing, as are “edge” convenience services like Providour, ”said Chris Mason, Associate Director of Nature.
“Currently the channel for the food delivery of FMCG brands is largely unused. There is a clear opportunity for both consumer brands and retailers to use these apps as an additional channel by building on the reach of in-store touchpoints and online grocery shopping. "
