UK Food Delivery Market Statistics

The food delivery market in the UK is undergoing massive growth, fuelled by changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a continued demand for convenience.

This report dives deep into the market's current state, emerging trends, and projected growth, providing detailed insights into user behaviours, platform dynamics, and the impact of technology.

(2024)

Contents

→ Market Overview
→ Popular Platforms
→ Consumer Behaviour & Spending Trends
→ Key Market Trends
→ Future Projections & Growth
→ Key Takeaways
→ Sources

Market Overview

Market Size and Growth

The UK food delivery market is set to reach £3.8 billion by 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% forecasted over the next five years. This growth is propelled by an increased reliance on food delivery services for both daily meals and special occasions. By 2029, the overall market volume is expected to reach £63.75 billion [1].

Within the food delivery market, the meal delivery segment is a significant driver, projected to generate £48.21 billion in revenue by 2024 [2]. This segment includes traditional takeaway orders as well as new innovations like dark kitchens (delivery-only restaurants) and virtual brands.

User Demographics and Spending

The user base for food delivery in the UK is expanding rapidly. It is expected that 63.7% of the meal delivery market will consist of active users by 2024, reflecting a growing trend in consumer behavior towards on-demand food services [3].

On average, UK households spend approximately £6.40 per week on takeaways, translating to around £820 annually per person [4]. This high level of spending indicates how embedded food delivery has become in everyday life, particularly among younger generations.

Gen Z and Millennials Driving Growth

  • 69% of Gen Z consumers (those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s) use food delivery apps regularly [5].
  • Gen Z orders food via delivery 4.5 times per month, outpacing other age groups [5].
  • 63% of individuals aged 18-29 have used a food delivery app in the past 90 days [6].
Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping the food delivery market with their tech-savvy nature and preference for convenience. They are driving demand for app-based ordering, faster deliveries, and more diverse food options.

Millennials, while not as frequent users as Gen Z, tend to spend more per order, averaging £60+ per transaction. However, both groups are united in their desire for healthier, eco-friendly options, contributing to a broader shift in the market [7].

Popular Platforms

The UK food delivery market is dominated by three major players: Just Eat, Deliveroo and Uber Eats.

These platforms are known for their innovative use of technology, strategic partnerships with restaurants, and aggressive marketing campaigns. Each has carved out its niche:

  • 45%

    of the market

    Just Eat is the most established and trusted brand, focusing on traditional takeaway and expanding its reach across urban and rural areas.

  • 27%

    of the market

    Deliveroo leads with its premium services, including partnerships with high-end restaurants and its dark kitchen model (Deliveroo Editions), where meals are prepared specifically for delivery.

  • 27%

    of the market

    Uber Eats is celebrated for its user-friendly interface and fast delivery times, with an extensive selection of both local and international restaurants.

Consumer Behaviour & Spending Trends

Spending Patterns

On average, consumers spend 35% more per order when they order directly from a restaurant, compared to using third-party platforms [9]. This trend can be attributed to the perceived value of higher-quality meals and direct engagement with restaurants.

Consumers are also more likely to order food delivery during peak times, with Friday at 6 PM being the most popular time for deliveries [10]. Special occasions, such as Mother’s Day, New Year’s Eve, and Halloween, see the highest surge in food orders [11].

Top Food Choices

The most popular food categories ordered via delivery in the UK include:
  1. Pizza
  2. Chinese cuisine
  3. Indian cuisine [12]
These traditional favorites have consistently remained top choices among consumers, though recent trends show increased interest in plant-based and healthier meal options.

Key Market Trends

Technological Advancements

Smartphone penetration and improvements in mobile app technology have played a central role in the growth of the food delivery market. More than 80% of food delivery orders are now placed through mobile apps, reflecting the digital-first approach of today’s consumers [13]. The ease of using apps has made ordering food quicker, more convenient, and more personalized.

Platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize delivery routes, predict demand, and offer personalized recommendations based on past orders. This use of AI is significantly improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction [14].

Drone deliveries are also on the horizon. Platforms are experimenting with drone technology to reduce delivery times in urban areas. Uber Eats is leading the charge in this space, with trials underway to integrate drones into their delivery fleet [15].

Impact of Remote Working

The rise of remote working during and post-pandemic has had a notable impact on food delivery. As more people work from home, the demand for food delivery during lunch hours has surged. Platforms are seeing a significant increase in weekday orders, particularly during work hours. The trend of remote working is expected to continue fueling growth in the food delivery market [16].

Sustainability and Healthier Choices

Consumers are increasingly seeking healthier and more sustainable options. Gen Z and Millennials are leading this charge, with a growing preference for plant-based, organic, and eco-friendly meals. Food delivery platforms are responding by offering more health-conscious options and introducing eco-friendly packaging solutions [17].

This trend towards sustainability is also influencing the rise of direct-to-consumer models, where consumers order directly from restaurants rather than through third-party platforms. These direct orders not only support local businesses but also allow consumers to make environmentally conscious decisions by reducing the carbon footprint associated with delivery logistics [18].

Future Projections and Growth

Looking forward, the UK food delivery market is expected to maintain robust growth. The market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 8.49% from 2024 to 2028, with the total market volume reaching £63.75 billion by 2029 [19]. Analysts predict that over 63.7% of the meal delivery market will consist of active users by 2024, reflecting widespread consumer adoption [20].
Emerging technologies, such as autonomous vehicles and smart home integration, are expected to further revolutionize the food delivery market. With companies experimenting with delivery robots and AI-powered systems, the next decade is set to bring even greater innovation in how food is ordered and delivered [21].

Key Takeaways

  • The UK food delivery market will reach £3.8 billion by 2024 and £63.75 billion by 2029.
  • 63.7% of the meal delivery market will be active users by 2024.
  • Gen Z drives food delivery usage, with an average of 4.5 orders per month.
  • Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats dominate the market, with 45%, 27%, and 27% market shares, respectively.
  • 35% more is spent on direct orders from restaurants than through third-party platforms.
  • Key growth trends include advancements in AI, drone deliveries, sustainability, and healthier meal options.

Sources

1. Statista - UK Food Delivery Market
2. Business of Apps - Food Delivery App Revenue
3. IBISWorld - Food Delivery App Market
4. MenuTiger - UK Food Delivery Spending
5. AHDB - Gen Z Food Delivery Usage
6. Ecommerce News UK - Millennial Spending on Food Delivery
7. Statista - UK Food Delivery Platforms
8. KPMG - UK Food Delivery Trends
9. McKinsey - Direct Restaurant Orders
10. Zion & Zion - Popular Food Ordering Times
11. Business of Apps - Holiday Food Delivery Trends
12. Statista - Most Popular Food Categories
13. Tutor2u - Smartphone Penetration in Food Delivery
14. Eastern Peak - AI in Food Delivery
15. National Couriers Direct - Drone Delivery in the UK
16. Lumina Intelligence - Remote Working and Food Delivery
17. Mintel - Sustainable Food Delivery Options
18. Food.gov - Direct Ordering Trends
19. IBISWorld - UK Food Delivery Projections
20. Statista - Meal Delivery User Projections
21. Owner.com - Smart Home Integration in Food Delivery

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