In January 2025, DoorDash recorded nearly 72 million visitors to its website worldwide, surpassing the web traffic of its competitor UberEats, which recorded around 54.4 million visits to its website that month. Both companies are based in the United States and are leading players in the global online food delivery market.

Over the period presented, the number of downloads of the Uber Eats mobile app in France reached a peak in January 2023, with almost 260,000 downloads. In June 2024, the number of downloads reached its lowest number, at around 180,000.

In March 2021, the age of quick service restaurant (QSR) delivery app users in the United States varied by company. App users over the age of 66 demonstrated a stronger engagement with Uber Eats, while younger users between the ages of 18 to 25 demonstrated stronger engagement with goPuff. That same year, the gender of QSR delivery app users in the U.S. also varied by company. Instacart had the most female users with a figure amounting to 66 percent, although the gender distribution remained fairly even across each company that was surveyed.

How many food delivery app users are there in the U.S.?

Smartphone food delivery apps such as Grubhub and Uber Eats allow users to order food online and have it delivered to their door. Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many restaurants were unable to offer indoor dining in 2020. Subsequently, the number of smartphone food delivery app users in the U.S. was predicted to increase from 36.4 million users in 2019 to 45.6 million users in 2020. This growth was expected to continue, with an estimated 53.9 million users by 2023.

Impact of COVID-19 on U.S. food delivery apps

From February 2020 to January 2021, the degree to which U.S. consumers installed QSR delivery apps remained relatively consistent. That being said, the monthly change in QSR net app installs in the U.S. did experience a sharp increase in March 2020, due to the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. By September, the total number of installs had leveled out.

As of March 2023, the largest share of Uber Eats users in Australia were 25 to 34 years old, with over half of Australian Uber Eats users falling into this category. Those 45 to 54 years old accounted for the smallest share of Uber Eats users across the country.

As per Cognitive Market Research's latest published report, the Global Digital Food Delivery market size will be USD 278.82 Billion by 2029. Digital Food Delivery Industry's Compound Annual Growth Rate will be 11.27% from 2023 to 2030.

The North America Digital Food Delivery market size will be USD 92.71 Billion by 2029.

Factors Impacting on Digital Food Delivery Market

Growing adoption of smartphones coupled with rising internet connectivity

Over the last few years, there is a rapid increase in smart device adoption and internet penetration. Smart devices offer flexibility to customers on a smartphone or tablet. With a mobile device, users are simply able to access several food delivery apps and websites.

According to a study, the number of unique mobile internet users in 2020 was 4.28 billion, and more than 90% of the worldwide internet population has access to the internet via a mobile device. Until March 2021, the internet penetration rate in Asia was at 62 %, 88 % in Europe, and 90 % in North America.

Similarly, according to the study, the current global smartphone user population is 6.648 billion, which indicates that 83.72 percent of the world’s population possesses a smartphone. This statistic has increased significantly from 2016 when there were just 3.668 billion users, accounting for 49.40 percent of the world’s population at the time.

As technology advances, various industries are releasing high-end applications that allow users to book everything from salon services to delightful food. Since the popularity of mobile ordering apps for restaurants is growing, restaurateurs have been working hard to improve their online presence.

With the introduction of mobile ordering applications for restaurants, the landscape of the food sector has been completely altered. Customers can use these applications and websites to order meals online, as well as submit reviews, rate restaurants, make reservations, and find offers.

Customers are also embracing smartphone applications for meal delivery due to their convenience of use. Customers can use these applications to compare various restaurants, their prices, location, and other factors.

As a result, many people around the world use mobile apps for food delivery. According to the study, Uber Eats and the McDonald's app each had 82 Billion global downloads in 2020, while DoorDash had 44 Billion.

The digital food delivery sector benefited from this quick rise. According to the study, food delivery was ordered by 66 Billion Americans in 2015; by 2020, food delivery this number is increased to 111 Billion customers.

This number is highly observed in millennials. According to a recent NRA report, 74-75 percent of millennials want to order food online. Restaurant and fast-food chain marketers are paying close attention to this trend and capitalizing on the opportunities that mobile provides by incorporating it into their ad-buying strategy.

As a result, the growing adoption of smart devices coupled with rising internet connectivity is driving the growth of the digital food delivery market.

Customers can access a variety of deals, offers, and discounts in one location and via a single app

Restraints for Digital Food Delivery Market

High cost associated with digital food delivery.(Access Detailed Analysis in the Full Report Version)

Opportunities for Digital Food Delivery Market

Advancement in food delivery system. (Access Detailed Analysis in the Full Report Version)

Definition of Digital Food Delivery

The food business has recently undergone a huge transformation. One of these revolutions is digital food delivery. Digital delivery service is the process of ordering meals or snacks via a smartphone app, the Internet, or text messages.

Food delivery facilitated by digital apps has emerged as one of the e-commerce space's fastest-growing advancements. Customers can now simply buy food online and have it delivered to their homes in the quickest time possible due to digital food delivery.

Customers are now placing their orders via restaurant apps and websites rather than traveling to the restaurant. Customers must log in to the website or app and place an order for the desired cuisine from preferred eateries.

These digital food delivery companies are based on aggregators, new delivery platforms, and end-to-end service bu...

In January 2025, Uber Eats garnered around 4.2 million app downloads worldwide. The U.S.-based online food delivery company's mobile traffic peaked in April 2020, when its mobile application was downloaded approximately 8.2 million times globally.

Since its debut in Mexico in October 2016, the U.S. ordering and delivery app, Uber Eats, has expanded to all 32 Mexican states. By August 2023, the platform registered more than eight million users, 50,000 affiliated restaurants, and 200,000 delivery partners and drivers. In parallel, Rappi made its entrance into the Mexican market in 2015, experiencing robust growth that has spanned over 110 cities across the country. The Colombian on-demand delivery platform has forged partnerships with over 100,000 businesses, 45,000 of which were small and medium-sized enterprises.

As of January 2025, U.S.-based online food delivery company Uber Eats garnered its biggest share of global app downloads in its home market, the United States, at 27 percent. India, Mexico, and Brazil shared the second place, with an app download share of nine percent each.

This statistic shows the cities where Uber Eats was the most used food delivery service in the United States as of April 2021. According to the source, Uber Eats had the highest sales share in Miami, accounting for 55 percent of sales when compared to other meal delivery services. In contrast, the food delivery service company had the lowest share of sales in San Francisco, with 11 percent of sale in the same period.

Food delivery app users in the Netherlands are predominantly under 35 years old, according to geolocalized data from March 2023. Nearly 30 percent of adults between 18 and 24 use food delivery apps, as do more than half of users between 25 and 34. These are apps such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Thuisbezorgd. In 2022, around 43 percent of Dutch shoppers purchased meals online via delivery services.

With a market share of 67 percent, DoorDash dominated the online food delivery market in the United States as of March 2024. Meanwhile, Uber Eats held the second highest share with 23 percent.

In France, Uber Eats' mobile downloads outdid other food delivery operators by a significant margin in 2023. While the Uber Eats app was downloaded almost 2.7 million times, Deliveroo and Leclerc reached about 1.5 and 1.1 million downloads, respectively.

E.Leclerc: omnichannel champion

The online food delivery landscape in France is not only championed by third-party aggregators like Uber Eats and Deliveroo, but more established supermarket and hypermarket chains like E.Leclerc, Carrefour, and Auchan are also venturing in the digital sphere. In 2022, E.Leclerc was the leading drive-thru grocery retailer in France, surpassing competitors with a large margin. In the final quarter of 2023, E.Leclerc recorded nearly 18 million average unique monthly visitors to its website and mobile app.

Online food delivery in France

France boasts one of the highest online food delivery user penetration rates in the world, ranking ahead of major markets like Brazil, Italy, and Spain. In 2023, the online food delivery market in France generated more than 12 billion euros in revenues from both the grocery delivery and meal delivery segments.

Restaurant Online Ordering System Market Outlook

The global restaurant online ordering system market size was valued at approximately USD 12.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 35.7 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.5% during the forecast period. Several factors contribute to this substantial growth, including increasing consumer preference for convenient dining options, technological advancements, and the rising penetration of smartphones and internet services worldwide.

One of the primary growth drivers of the restaurant online ordering system market is the shift in consumer behavior towards convenience and quick service. With busy lifestyles and the demand for time-efficient solutions, consumers are increasingly opting for online ordering systems that allow them to order food from their favorite restaurants with just a few clicks. This shift is particularly evident among younger demographics, such as millennials and Gen Z, who are more tech-savvy and prefer digital solutions over traditional methods. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online ordering systems as consumers sought contactless and safe dining options.

Technological advancements also play a crucial role in the growth of the restaurant online ordering system market. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data analytics into these systems has enhanced their efficiency and user experience. For instance, AI-powered chatbots can handle customer inquiries and take orders, reducing the need for human intervention. Moreover, data analytics provides valuable insights into customer preferences and behavior, allowing restaurants to personalize their offerings and improve customer satisfaction. These technological innovations are expected to continue driving market growth in the coming years.

The rising penetration of smartphones and internet services globally is another significant factor contributing to the market's expansion. With smartphones becoming increasingly affordable and internet services more accessible, a larger number of consumers can now order food online. This trend is particularly prominent in emerging economies, where the adoption of digital technologies is on the rise. Furthermore, the proliferation of food delivery apps and platforms, such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash, has made it easier for restaurants to reach a broader customer base and streamline their online ordering processes.

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to Order Takeaway Online has become a crucial aspect of the dining experience. This trend has been fueled by the increasing demand for convenience and the desire to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home. Online takeaway services offer a seamless and efficient way for consumers to explore a wide variety of cuisines without leaving their homes. This shift towards online ordering is not only beneficial for consumers but also provides restaurants with an opportunity to expand their customer base and increase revenue. By offering takeaway options online, restaurants can cater to a broader audience, including those who prefer dining in the comfort of their own homes. As the popularity of online takeaway continues to rise, it is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of the restaurant industry.

From a regional perspective, North America currently holds the largest market share in the restaurant online ordering system market, driven by the high adoption rate of digital technologies and a well-established food delivery infrastructure. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period. Factors such as increasing urbanization, a growing middle-class population, and rising disposable incomes in countries like China and India are driving the demand for online food ordering services. Additionally, the presence of major market players and the rapid expansion of internet and smartphone usage in the region further bolster market growth.

Component Analysis

The restaurant online ordering system market is segmented by component into software, hardware, and services. Each of these components plays a vital role in the overall functioning and success of an online ordering system. The software segment holds the largest share of t

Third-party apps and websites, such as Uber Eats, have become the most popular food delivery method used among Australian consumers, according to an April 2023 survey, with over 55 percent of respondents ordering through these meal delivery platforms. In comparison, just over 30 percent of those surveyed preferred to order directly through the restaurant’s own website or app. Which platforms dominate Australia’s food delivery market? Since Deliveroo’s exit from the Australian food delivery scene in 2022, three main competitors remain: Uber Eats, Menulog, and DoorDash. Market leader Uber Eats took first place among Australia’s online food delivery brands by booking numbers in 2024, with Menulog and DoorDash recording around 40 percent of respondents using their platforms during the same period, respectively. According to a 2023 survey of restaurant business decision-makers in the country, the key reasons for collaborating with food delivery services were to reach more customers, drive sales, and remain ahead of competitors. Due to their extensive range of cuisines and special offers, third-party apps enjoy high engagement, with around half of users in Australia reporting purchasing through third-party food delivery apps two to four times a month on average. Sustainability in Australia’s food delivery landscape As sustainability moves to the forefront across various industries in Australia, food delivery services are increasingly evaluating their environmental footprints in tandem with mounting consumer calls for a ban on certain plastic products, including takeaway containers and condiment sachets. In cooperation with environmental organization Planet Ark, Uber Eats endeavors to aid its Australian restaurant partners in transitioning towards reusable, recyclable, and compostable food packaging by 2030, supported by around 13 million Australian dollars in funding. Having sustainable takeaway options available to purchase was very or moderately important to over 50 percent of Australian respondents in a 2022 survey; therefore, this transition towards environmentally friendly containers by the food delivery giant is a welcome shift.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global On demand Delivery market size will be USD 16251.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.30% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 6500.48 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 4875.36 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 3737.78 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 812.56 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 325.02 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0% from 2024 to 2031.
The Mobile App category is the fastest growing segment of the On demand Delivery industry

Market Dynamics of On demand Delivery Market

Key Drivers for On demand Delivery Market

Increasing consumer preference for quick and convenient services to Boost Market Growth

Increasing consumer preference for quick and convenient services is a primary driver of the On-Demand Delivery Market. As lifestyles become busier, consumers seek efficient solutions that save time and effort. On-demand delivery services allow individuals to receive products and meals at their doorstep, eliminating the need for physical trips to stores or restaurants. This shift in consumer behavior is further accelerated by technological advancements, such as mobile apps that provide easy ordering and real-time tracking. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened this demand, as people prioritized safety and convenience in their shopping habits. As a result, businesses are compelled to adopt on-demand delivery models to meet these evolving consumer expectations, ultimately fostering significant growth in the market. For instance, in April 2024, Uber Eats has teamed up with Waymo to offer autonomous ride services in Phoenix, incorporating deliveries through Waymo’s self-driving vehicles. Furthermore, Uber and Waymo are collaborating with chosen local merchants, including popular spots like Princess Pita, Filiberto’s, and Bosa Donuts, to enhance their service offerings.

Rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms to Drive Market Growth

The rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms is a significant driver of the On-Demand Delivery Market. As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, consumers are seeking fast and reliable delivery options to enhance their shopping experience. E-commerce giants and niche retailers are investing heavily in logistics to meet the rising demand for quick delivery services, often offering same-day or next-day delivery. This competitive landscape encourages more businesses to adopt on-demand delivery models to satisfy consumer expectations for speed and convenience. Additionally, the growth of mobile commerce, facilitated by smartphones and apps, has made it easier for consumers to order products instantly. As more people turn to online shopping, the need for efficient delivery solutions continues to grow, propelling the market forward.

Restraint Factor for the On demand Delivery Market

Increasing Logistical Challenges is Challenging the On demand Delivery Market

Increasing logistical challenges significantly restrain the On-Demand Delivery Market. Factors such as traffic congestion, unpredictable weather conditions, and varying geographic landscapes complicate the timely delivery of goods. Urban environments often experience high traffic volumes, leading to delays that can frustrate customers and diminish service reliability. Moreover, the complexity of coordinating multiple delivery routes and schedules can strain resources, especially during peak demand periods. As businesses strive to meet consumer expectations for quick deliveries, these logistical hurdles can escalate operational costs and impact profitability. Additionally, inefficiencies in supply chain management can result in inventory shortages or overstocking, further complicating the del...

In 2024, Uber Inc. generated approximately 13.75 billion U.S. dollars in revenues in its 'Delivery' segment, which includes Uber Eats and Uber Direct. This figure constitutes an increase compared to the previous year's revenue of 12.2 billion dollars. The success story When the ride-hailing company, Uber Inc., launched its food delivery spinoff ‘UberEats’ in the United States in 2014, few would have imagined it would go on to dominate the online food delivery market, overtaking then-market leader Grubhub. As of March 2024, UberEats controlled 23 percent of the online food delivery market in the United States, while Grubhub held an eight percent market share. A global market leader? Although UberEats only launched outside the United States in 2016, the company is today the leading food delivery operator globally, generating more revenues than industry heavyweights Delivery Hero, DoorDash, and Just Eat Takeaway. With more than 42 million app downloads, UberEats also ranked as the second most downloaded food delivery app worldwide in 2024 after Zepto.

The rising consumer demand for online food delivery has significantly increased the consumption of disposable cutlery, leading to much greater plastic pollution worldwide. This study investigates the impact of green nudges on single-use cutlery consumption in China. Collaborating with Alibaba’s food delivery platform Eleme (similar to Uber Eats and DoorDash), we analyzed detailed customer-level data and found that the green nudges — changing the default to “No Cutlery” and rewarding consumers with “green points” — increased the share of “No Cutlery” orders by 648%. The aggregate environmental benefits are significant: if the green nudges were applied to all of China, more than 21.75 billion sets of single-use cutlery could be saved every year, equivalent to a 20.4% of plastic waste reduction in the food delivery industry or a 6.12% reduction in China’s total municipal plastic waste. Methods The custom-by-year-month level data used for this research are obtained from Eleme, Alibaba’s food ordering and delivery platform which is similar to DoorDash and Uber Eats. The data included 197,062 randomly selected users’ monthly food ordering history, their green points history, their tree planting records, and their personal characteristics from 1st Jan 2019 to 31st Dec 2021 in ten major Chinese cities. All of the consumers in the sample placed at least one food delivery order during the research period. Among the ten cities, there were three “treated” cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. Seven cities were the “control” cities, including Qingdao, Xi’an, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Chengdu. According to China’s provincial statistical yearbook, these cities had a total population of 157.36 million as of 2020. Eleme provided monthly data on each customer’s food ordering history, including the number of orders, number of “No Cutlery” orders, and total expenditures. Based on this information, we calculated the share of “No Cutlery” orders (SNCO) in percentage terms, i.e., divide the number of “No Cutlery” orders by the total number of orders times 100. Data on green points included total rewarded green points, total rewarded green points from no-cutlery orders, and total harvested/accumulated green points. More details about the green points were discussed in Supplementary Note 1. Data on tree planting records included each customer’s cumulative and the current-month tree plant activities. Customer personal characteristics included gender, age group, and approximate value of his/her cellphone, which was computed by Eleme’s algorithm.

With 94 percent brand awareness, Walmart is the most well-known grocery delivery brand among U.S. internet users. DoorDash is recognized by 91 percent of respondents, followed by Uber Eats. Specialist Instacart ranks fifth, with 83 percent of onliners in the United States knowing them. For this study, brand awareness was surveyed employing the concept of aided brand recognition, showing respondents both the brand's logo and the written brand name. Interested in more detailed results covering all brands of this ranking and many more? Explore GCS Brand Profiles. These statistics show results of the Brand KPI survey.

In 2024, the market size of food delivery services in Japan was estimated to amount to approximately 796.7 billion Japanese yen. The market size grew considerably since 2020, as the demand for food delivery increased prompted by the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the relaxation of pandemic countermeasures, the use of food delivery and consequently the market size thereof remained at a high level. Online food delivery market: overview The online food delivery market in Japan encompasses both groceries and meal delivery services. The market revenue has surged into the trillions of Japanese yen, primarily fueled by grocery delivery, which constitutes a significant portion of the sector. In 2023, Demae Can was the most broadly used food delivery company in Japan, while Uber Eats was the leading food delivery app in Japan in terms of the total number of downloads. Nevertheless, the majority of consumers in Japan purchase food items from traditional supermarkets, with about a quarter of respondents using online stores for grocery shopping. Usage patterns Food delivery is particularly popular among individuals in their twenties in Japan. The majority of respondents reported using food delivery services sporadically, less than once a month. The leading reason for ordering food online was to purchase heavy goods, followed by the convenience of shopping at any time and place, as well as seeking more economical options. Notably, younger respondents expressed a higher inclination to utilize food delivery services in the future.