Top Statistics on Food Delivery to Know in 2025
If you’re a hotel chain owner or operating an online food delivery store, this blog takes you through some of the top food delivery statistics to know in 2025.
The food delivery market is shifting, growing from a mere convenience to a necessity. According to industry data, the global food delivery industry is booming, with expected revenue growth from $156.75 billion in 2024 to $173.57 billion in 2025 —representing a (CAGR) of 10.7%. The high economic growth in emerging markets, increased internet penetration, and increased availability of mobile devices have driven mainly growth over this period.
And it’s not just numbers—it reflects a fundamental change in how consumers want to approach their dining experiences. A convergence of technological changes, macro shifts in work patterns, and consumer preferences have set the right stage for this explosion.
These stats clearly show that food delivery is not just a luxury; it's a vital part of the global food delivery industry, which is changing restaurant economics and customer behavior.
If you’re a hotel chain owner or operating an online food delivery store, this blog takes you through some of the top food delivery statistics in 2025.
Market Growth and Adoption Rates
The growth of the food delivery market is evident in its adoption across all demographics and geographies. Research shows that 40% of diners prefer to order delivery and takeout through a restaurant’s website and app.
This considerably differs from conventional ordering processes, primarily driven by younger generations. Millennials and Gen Z have shown the most substantial increase in food delivery adoption, with a remarkable growth rate since 2020.
Key Stats:
Currently, Gen Zs lead in using food delivery apps. They order more frequently and spend more per order: 2.3 orders per week vs 1.1 orders for older generations.
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to be the global food delivery market's largest and fastest growth engine. Revenue in the online food delivery segment of Asia will reach US$717.70bn in 2025, with an annual growth rate of (CAGR 2025-2029) 8.34%, resulting in a market volume of US$988.80bn by 2029.
The main factors that drive this growth are:
The rapid urbanization in India and Indonesia
High smartphone penetration rate above 85% in developed Asian countries.
The Japanese food delivery sector is dominated by companies such as Uber Eats, which offers a variety of cuisines to suit various consumer tastes.
Knowing and understanding these regional factors can help restaurant operators develop strategic frameworks that drive greater adoption of food delivery apps.
Consumer Preferences and Behavior
Modern food delivery consumers exhibit clear preferences that shape industry standards and service offerings. In a study to determine the most critical factors for choosing a food delivery platform, 38 percent of UK respondents thought delivery time was the most important factor.
Gen Z, especially, prioritizes convenience, speed, and personalization when ordering food online. In the future, brands that embrace these trends and provide sustainable food delivery solutions through technology are most likely to win the hearts of this highly influential generation.
Key Stats
Data reveals that 73% of consumers will look for speedier delivery in 2019, making it the number one factor when choosing a delivery service (over restaurant selection and even price).
Customers want easy ordering and access to as many food options as possible, not to mention the ability to track their orders in real time.
The ease and convenience of ordering meals online have increased the number of consumers using online food delivery services, with 60% of Americans ordering at least once weekly.
Customization has emerged as another crucial factor in consumer preferences and behavior among the younger generation. According to Dig Insights, Gen-Zs specifically appreciate restaurants with customizable menu options. Seventy-five percent customize orders, and 22 percent indulge in new menu items "very often."
These statistics demonstrate that successful food delivery platforms must balance speed with transparency while offering robust customization options to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Revenue Impact of Food Delivery
The financial impact of food delivery integration has utterly revolutionized restaurant economics. Revenue in the online food delivery market is projected to reach US$1.40tn in 2025 and show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2025-2029) of 7.79%.
The market's largest segment is Restaurant-to-Consumer Delivery, with a projected market value of US$1.89tn by 2029—restaurants that partner with food delivery platforms will grow their revenue, estimated at around average revenue increase within a year(s) of implementation
For the most part, the average order value (AOV) on delivery platforms is always greater than that of restaurant dine-in transactions. This difference can be attributed to several factors, such as:
There is less time pressure when ordering
Recommendation engines powered using artificial intelligence
Bundles explicitly curated for delivery
Lower perceived cost.
Key Revenue Statistics:
Restaurants that work directly with delivery apps see an average incremental revenue increase of 42% in the first year of adoption.
The average order values through a delivery app are 32% higher than regular dine-in transactions.
AI-powered recommendation engines on delivery platforms deliver a 28% upsell success rate on orders. They analyze historical ordering patterns, weather, local events, holidays, etc.
The numbers highlight that food delivery has become a primary revenue channel for restaurants and delivery partners rather than an add-on revenue.
Role of Technology in Food Delivery
Technology is at the heart of any modern food delivery business. AI and automation are transforming how efficient services run and how customers engage with them. In a 2022 survey, 43% of hospitality industry decision-makers reported a positive return on investment (ROI) from implementing AI.
AI systems are perfect for optimizing routes and personalizing customer orders. With robotics and automation, you can make faster and more efficient deliveries.
Key Stats
Research shows that 95% of restaurants use AI-assisted inventory management, menu optimization, reservations, and/or other forms of AI. These systems reduce delivery times through AI-powered route optimization and improve delivery accuracy predictions.
While still emerging, drone delivery technology is gaining significant traction. Projections indicate that autonomous aerial deliveries will handle 8% of total food delivery orders by the end of 2025, with coverage in urban areas and penetration in suburban regions.
Customer preferences strongly favor technologically advanced platforms. 89% of users choose services that offer sophisticated tracking features. These platforms typically provide live Chat with AI support and real-time GPS tracking.
Technology has fundamentally transformed the food delivery industry's operational efficiency and established new standards for service reliability. Integrating innovations such as AI and drone technology into food delivery further boost customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite the boom, the food delivery business has many underlying operational and economic issues. High commission fees and operating costs are key challenges impacting service quality and business viability for restaurants and food delivery platforms.
Restaurants struggle to maintain profitability while meeting delivery demand. Many establishments report that managing delivery operations alongside traditional dining services creates operational complexities and increases labor costs.
Key Stats
72% of restaurants say high commission fees are their most significant challenge with delivery platforms—fees that can reach 15% to 35% per order.
Customer satisfaction metrics reveal that 38% of customers express frustration over late arrivals, with peak-hour tardiness being the most prevalent issue.
Environmental consciousness is spearheading transformation. 64% of consumers actively search for restaurants that use eco-friendly packaging and sustainable delivery methods.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, restaurant operators must find new, profitable ideas. For example, they can explore alternative delivery systems, such as contracting with local firms, to relieve the pressure on third-party arrangements that charge high commission fees.
Also, exploring new technologies such as route optimization and predictive analytics can smooth out deliveries and reduce delays, resulting in a win-win for both customers and the restaurant.
Regional Trends and Global Comparisons
The food delivery market varies region-wise in adoption, preference, and growth path. All the key markets have specific trends in infrastructure, digital awareness, and consumption behavior in a region.
The development and adoption of delivery platforms differ vastly between regions, with mobile technology powering development in key areas.
Key Facts
The North American food delivery market has a 31% market share and continues to expand. Its forecasted value is $120 billion in 2029.
The European food delivery market will grow at a 7.18% annual rate (CAGR 2025-2029) and worth $207,700m in 2029. User penetration will be 30.8% in 2025.
Asia-Pacific is a leader in mobile app usage (92% comfort level with app-based ordering), specifically in countries like South Korea and China
Regional differences extend to service preferences and delivery models:
North America emphasizes convenience and speed.
European markets focus on quality and sustainability.
Asia-Pacific leads in technological innovation and mobile payment integration.
These regional variations highlight the importance of localized strategies in the global food delivery ecosystem. Each market requires unique approaches to service delivery and customer engagement.
Future Projections for Food Delivery in 2025
The food delivery industry is changing. It's adopting new technologies and adapting to consumer preferences. Some advancements include self-autonomous delivery systems, subscription services, and a greater focus on sustainability.
Companies have begun testing robots to help reduce operational costs, alleviate ground traffic, and promote sustainability. Autonomous delivery is also viewed as a way to open up new possibilities for retailers to reach customers faster and more efficiently.
It also offers businesses an attractive opportunity to expand into new markets and increase customer satisfaction in locations where conventional last-mile delivery is challenging.
In addition to autonomous delivery, subscription-based business models are growing increasingly popular as consumers demand convenient access to products and value-added services.
These meal plans provide scheduled deliveries of meals right to the consumer's doorstep, often with options for customization based on the consumer's dietary preference.
Stats
The Global Delivery Drone Market is expected to hit USD 10,715.9 million by 2030, growing at a 41.54 CAGR from 2023 to 2030.
Subscription-based food delivery services are expected to rise in 2025 and in the future due to the demand for personalized meal options. Revenue in the meal kit delivery industry, a subscription-based food service model, will grow to USD 19 billion by 2028.
Environmental concerns will be a key factor driving consumer preferences in 2025. In 2023, 60% of online consumers from Europe and North America already demanded carbon-neutral delivery. This trend is expected in 2025 and beyond, pushing businesses to go for sustainable delivery practices, like biodegradable packaging, and optimizing delivery routes to reduce their carbon footprints.
These projections highlight a specific direction for an industry towards automation, sustainability, and subscription, redefining consumption experiences for restaurants and food delivery platforms.
The Takeaway
The 2025 food delivery landscape shows an industry where technology, consumer preferences, and operational effectiveness have converged in a mature marketplace. These statistics expose a variety of trends that have the potential to shape the future of the industry:
Innovation is the key; with AI, automation is expected to be central to future food deliveries.
Consumer behavior shift towards digital ordering and real-time tracking is becoming more prominent.
Regional differences are still there but with a tendency for digital to become the norm.
Concerns about the planet are impacting what we do and buy
Restaurants that proactively invest in emerging trends will be best placed not just to excel at delivering food to their loyal customers but also to play a key role in shaping the industry's future—one defined by adaptability and operational excellence