Nearly 27 million people have had restaurant or takeaway food delivered in the UK over the last six months—and a third of them are increasing the frequency with which they do so, according to the latest research from CGA Peach.
The online survey of 1,000 UK consumers found that 35% of consumers indicate that they have increased their usage of delivery in the last six months.
The survey shows that the delivery trend is being driven by young, city-based adults in particular, with nearly two thirds (63%) of those aged under 35 now using a delivery service at least once a week. It also shows how delivery has become a major part of UK eating: virtually identical numbers now order delivery weekly (49%) and dine out weekly (50%).
The research also found that more than a third (38%) of consumers believe the standard of delivered food is worse than that served in restaurants. At the same time, four in five (83%) consumers say a bad delivery experience puts them off returning to a restaurant to eat in.
More than two in five (43%) consumers say they would order an alcoholic drink with their food delivery if the option were available to them.
CGA Peach director Jamie Campbell said: “The delivery phenomenon has huge implications. Those who can deliver high quality food speedily, with efficient service and at a good price point can drive incremental business.
“Delivery is becoming a threat to some restaurant operators—but a better way to look at it is as a massive opportunity. Maintaining the quality and presentation of restaurant food is essential, and there is room to enhance the delivery offer further through things like alcoholic drinks. The industry’s big challenge now is to maintain consumer demand for eating out in restaurants while also meeting their needs when they choose to eat at home instead. It is a fine and difficult balance, and the operators who can work out how to strike it will be best placed in the years ahead.”
