What UK restaurants should know about Deliverect’s new study

But in today’s economy, with rising commodity prices and increased cost of living, do UK consumers still order delivery and takeaway as much as before? With a current inflation rate of 10.1% and food prices 14.6% higher than last year, is ordering out on the way out as people try to save money? 

Deliverect’s new study surveyed UK consumers to understand their attitudes toward off-premises dining during the current economic crisis. We identified their preferences, changing habits, and key purchasing considerations. The good news? UK consumers are ordering more delivery and takeaway now than before inflation began to rise.

What does that mean for restaurants facing inflation in the UK?

Read on to discover the study’s crucial insights on consumer preferences and get actionable tips to improve your customer experience, streamline operations, and boost your restaurant’s bottom line!

UK demand for food delivery and takeaway is at an all-time high

Our research found that today, 40% of people in the UK get up to three food deliveries a week. That’s 7% more than pre-inflation.

In other words, UK consumers continue to treat themselves to restaurant-quality meals from the comfort of their homes. And to afford deliveries, they are willing to cut back on other activities, such as buying new clothes or travelling.

So, which dishes do people crave the most? According to the survey, the most popular delivery food in the UK today is pizza, with 21% of respondents saying they’d order it regardless of inflation. Pizza is closely followed by one of the UK’s all-time favourites: fish and chips (20%).

Another remarkable finding about affordability is that menu price inflation doesn’t stop consumers from ordering delivery or takeaway. That means they are still willing to pay a premium for a high-quality meal and exceptional customer experience. 

But what do UK consumers consider a top-notch delivery experience? Let’s find out.

Consumers expect quality ingredients and swift deliveries 

The study also reveals valuable insights into consumer expectations regarding delivery. 

While times may have changed, UK consumers still value mainly the same elements as before the global crisis. Two determining factors are speed of delivery and food quality. 68% of people claimed quality ingredients are even more essential than before, and 69% stated they consider delivery times critical when ordering online food delivery. 

Moreover, fast delivery and quality food make it more likely for customers to order delivery from your restaurant again. So, you must get your delicious dishes out the door as fast as possible if you want customers to keep coming back. 

But speedy delivery times and fresh quality ingredients are just the tip of the iceberg. While people are willing to spend their hard-earned pounds on ordering out, they are now more selective than pre-inflation. In fact, they expect a flawless experience on all fronts. That means food businesses have to prioritise the customer experience and give consumers the best value for money.

Deliverect CEO and Co-founder Zhong Xu: “People continue to prioritise and enjoy takeaway and delivery food orders as a more cost-effective way to enjoy themselves during this time. But with consumers more selective on where they put their money, convenience, ease, and various menu offerings is the secret to restaurant success.” 

Are you dying to find out what else UK consumers expect when they order out and what their biggest frustrations and turn-offs are? Get your copy of Deliverect’s study to unlock all findings. 

Technology helps you go above and beyond consumers’ expectations  

So, how can you ramp up delivery times without compromising the quality of your food? And what else can you do to please consumers today, tomorrow, and every day after that?

That’s where restaurant technology comes into play. The right tech solution can hand your restaurant or dark kitchen all the tools you need to create an exceptional customer experience across all sales channels and online ordering systems – and help you find new ways to connect with customers.

Delivery management platforms, for instance, centralise and aggregate all your online orders into your point of sale, eliminating human error and enabling you to boost prep and delivery times. In addition, they automate your online order flows to give your teams more time to focus on improving the customer experience. 

A platform solution like Deliverect also provides valuable data and insights for your business. As a result, you can make informed decisions, increase revenue, and build a good relationship with your customers.

Additionally, food delivery software helps you create and manage online menus for multiple channels without much effort. This gives you more flexibility to stay agile and engineer your menu to wow consumers’ taste buds – and improve your bottom line!

The time is ripe to enhance your delivery and takeaway operations

Ultimately, this research proves the UK market has more than enough room for exciting delivery restaurants and dark kitchens willing to do whatever it takes to fulfil consumers’ demands. That means offering customers the absolute best value for money, as they will only dip into their pockets for outstanding meals and dining experiences.

Now more than ever, operators must be ready to constantly adapt their menu offerings, rethink the customer experience, and deliver top-quality food to their customer’s doorstep quickly and efficiently. 

Luckily, we live in an age of vast technology. There are comprehensive, innovative tech solutions you can leverage to take online ordering to the next level and shave time off your prep, delivery, and courier waiting times. These technologies optimise your day-to-day operations so you can focus on creating extraordinary food and making your customers fall in love with your restaurant over and over again.

Do you want to get even more priceless insights into the UK delivery marketplace today, discover what consumers love (and hate!) about ordering out, and find out how your restaurant or dark kitchen can capitalise on it? Download our study today and unlock all the valuable customer data you need to enhance your operation.