The State of the Food Delivery Industry Worldwide in 2025
Food delivery isn't the same as it used to be, and businesses are changing to keep up. See what's coming.
State of the Food Delivery Industry Worldwide in 2025 Key stats:
In 2024, an estimated 2.1 billion people used meal delivery services worldwide, while 1.5 billion opted for online grocery delivery (Statista).
Global market value: $156.75 billion in 2024 → $173.57 billion in 2025 (10.7% CAGR).
China: Projected revenue of $500.50 billion in 2025 (largest market globally).
United States: $353.3 billion in 2024 → $429.90 billion in 2025 (21.7% growth).
Canada: $18.99 billion in 2024 → $28.64 billion by 2030 (7.7% annual growth).
United Kingdom: $48.21 billion in 2024 (8.49% annual growth through 2028).
South Korea: $44.42 billion in 2024, with 68.2 million active users.
India: $43.78 billion in 2024 → $81.91 billion by 2028 (16.95% annual growth).
52% of U.S. consumers say food delivery is an "essential" part of their lifestyle.
67% of Millennials and 63% of Gen Z rely on food delivery regularly.
54% of consumers in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand prefer third-party apps over direct restaurant orders.
42% of U.S. consumers and 46% of Canadians actively look for discounts and promotions when ordering.
Workplace meal programs increased by 32% year-over-year.
U.S.: DoorDash (67% market share), Uber Eats (23%).
Canada: Uber Eats (54%), DoorDash (49%).
India: Zomato serves 80 million users per month.
Ghost kitchens will account for 50% of drive-thru and takeaway orders worldwide by 2030 (Statista).
27% of Gen Z and Millennials choose brands using eco-friendly packaging.
From the numbers above, it's clear that nearly half the global population is choosing food delivery.
But it goes beyond skipping the kitchen. Restaurants are transforming operations, new technologies are making deliveries faster, and trends are constantly changing. With 2025 underway, food delivery is more ingrained in daily life than ever.
What's behind this growth? Is it convenience, variety of choices, or perhaps advancements in delivery technology? Keep reading to learn what's unfolding in the food delivery industry in 2025.
Market size and growth
The online food delivery market has seen remarkable growth from 2024 to 2025. In 2024, the global market was valued at approximately $156.75 billion. By 2025, it is projected to reach $173.57 billion, reflecting a 10.7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR.)
Regionally, China is leading the charge, with expected revenues of $500.50 billion in 2025 (Statista.)
Several factors contribute to this upward trend:
Tech advancements: The rise of mobile devices and user-friendly apps has made ordering food online more accessible.
Changing consumer preferences: Busy schedules mean more people prefer delivery over cooking or dining out.
COVID-19's lasting impact: The pandemic accelerated the adoption of online food delivery as consumers pursued safe and convenient dining options.
Our articles about the U.S. and Canada have seen similar growth trends. Here's a closer look at the numbers:
United States: The market made $353.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to hit $429.90 billion in 2025—a 21.7% jump in just one year.
Canada: In 2024, online food delivery brought in $18.99 billion. By 2030, that number is expected to reach $28.64 billion, growing at about 7.7% per year from 2025 to 2030.
Emerging Markets with Strong Growth:
United Kingdom: The UK's online food delivery market reached $48.21 billion in 2024, and it's expected to keep climbing, with an 8.49% annual growth rate through 2028.
More than 63% of meal delivery users actively placed orders in 2024, a sign that delivery has become routine. (Source: Statista)
South Korea: The food delivery market hit $44.42 billion in 2024, and demand is still growing in 2025. A few reasons that stand out include:
More smartphone access means ordering food online is easier than ever.
Fast-paced routines make quick meal solutions a necessity.
Reliable internet makes app-based ordering smooth and seamless.
The country also has a vast user base, with over 68.2 million people using food delivery services in 2024.
India: India's online food delivery market grew significantly in 2024, reaching $43.78 billion. By 2028, it could hit $81.91 billion, growing at 16.95% per year.
Reasons behind this increment include:
More smartphones and internet access make online ordering easy for millions.
More people can afford to order in because of higher disposable incomes.
Urban expansion.
Another aspect to consider in 2024 was the move toward digital payments. While cash-on-delivery was once the go-to, more people are switching to online transactions, making the process faster and smoother. (Source: Statista)
This consistent growth shows how much people rely on online food delivery services across the globe.
Changing consumer behavior
As we've already seen, food delivery has become a routine for millions worldwide. Doordash confirms that more people rely on delivery and takeout to fit their schedules, save time, and enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home.
One of the biggest takeaways is that more than half of U.S. consumers (52%) now consider food delivery an "essential" part of their lifestyle—a number that jumps to 67% for Millennials and 63% for Gen Z.
The trend isn't just in the U.S.—over half of consumers in Canada (54%), New Zealand (52%), and Australia (54%) prefer ordering through third-party apps instead of restaurant websites or direct phone calls.
But cost matters, too. 42% of U.S. consumers and 46% of Canadians actively look for discounts or promotions when deciding where to order from.
Our 2025 and Beyond report shows another change: As more employees return to offices post-pandemic, demand for convenient meal solutions during work hours has surged. The 2024 Feeding the Workplace report by the National Restaurant Show found a 32% year-over-year increase in daily and weekly employee meal programs.
Consumers also care about how their food is sourced and packaged. Sustainability is a growing priority, with many actively choosing restaurants that use eco-friendly packaging and responsibly sourced ingredients.
At the same time, customization and personalization are becoming must-haves. People expect delivery platforms to remember their favorite orders, suggest tailored recommendations, and offer flexible meal options that fit their dietary preferences.
Gen Z's ease with technology has changed how they order food, making speed, convenience, and personalization top priorities. Unlike previous generations, they've grown up with smartphones, instant access to apps, and a world where nearly anything can be delivered with a few taps.
The dominance of major platforms
Behind every order, there's a significant platform that makes it happen.
According to MenuTiger, third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Meituan dominate the market, influencing how people order, restaurants operate, and businesses compete.
Food delivery apps are the most popular way to order. In the U.S., four in ten consumers use third-party apps at least five times per month, compared to just two who order that often by phone.
Similar trends appear in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, where more than half of consumers choose apps over direct restaurant orders (source.)
These platforms offer local favorites and international chains seamless tracking and personalized recommendations.
Leading Online Ordering Platforms by Region:
United States: DoorDash holds the top spot with 67% of the market share, while Uber Eats with 23%.
Canada: Uber Eats is the go-to choice here, with 54% of people using it last year, while DoorDash isn't far behind at 49%.
China: Meituan (美团) and Ele.me (饿了么) dominate, offering aggressive pricing, fast deliveries, and a massive range of services beyond just food.
Europe: Just Eat Takeaway leads in many markets, expanding its grocery and retail options while growing its transaction volume across Northern Europe and the UK.
South Korea: Leading platforms like Baedal Minjok (Baemin) and Coupang Eats are keeping up by expanding their services and making deliveries even faster.
India: Zomato serves 80 million monthly users across 1 million restaurants.
Latin America: Rappi is the popular option, offering a unique mix of services beyond food delivery, including groceries and pharmacy orders(Statista).
At Deliverect, we partner with DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Just Eat to help your restaurant stay on top of online orders. With automated order flow, fewer errors, and real-time menu updates, you'll spend less time on manual tasks and more time serving great food.
Emerging trends and expansion
Economic pressures, new habits, and technology have all influenced how people order and where they spend their money.
One noteworthy trend is that more people are choosing quick-service restaurants (QSRs) over full-service dining. But lower prices don't mean lower expectations. People still want quality meals, fast service, and a smooth ordering experience, pushing QSRs to keep up without slowing down.
Similarly, value isn't just about price anymore. People aren't only looking for the cheapest meal—they want quality, sustainability, and flexibility at a fair price. Restaurants that offer affordable, high-quality meals with options for customization are seeing the most success.
Technology is also indispensable:
Artificial intelligence is simplifying the experience. Think of personalized recommendations and real-time order tracking to make food delivery more convenient.
Omnichannel ordering is now expected. Whether through an app, a kiosk, or a website, customers want the same smooth experience across every platform.
Sustainability matters. More diners, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are choosing brands that take action on eco-friendly practices. Restaurants using biodegradable or recyclable packaging have an edge.
The impact on restaurants
With more people turning to QSRs, prioritizing value, and expecting better digital experiences, restaurants have had to rethink their operations. The biggest challenge is balancing affordability with quality.
As Peter Porling, Head of Digital Guest Experience at MAX Burgers, put it:
"Guests will expect more, even though wallets are tight. They'll still demand good experiences, high quality, and timely delivery."
For restaurants, this means:
Updating menus to offer affordable options without sacrificing quality.
Investing in technology to speed up orders, improve personalization, and create a seamless experience from start to finish.
Optimizing delivery and pickup to meet the demand for faster, more convenient service.
Additionally, many brands are using artificial intelligence to:
Anticipate what customers will order and offer personalized promotions.
Reduce food waste and track ingredients more efficiently, making operations more sustainable.
Manage costs by automating inventory and improving supply chain management.
Bottom line
Food delivery keeps growing, but so does the competition. Diners expect quality, convenience, and fair pricing, whether they’re ordering from a quick-service restaurant or a ghost kitchen. In other words, factors like sustainability, customization, and digital ordering shape their choices.
This means improving efficiency, reducing waste, and meeting customer expectations. Businesses that run more efficiently, use technology wisely, and offer a smooth ordering experience will lead the market in 2025.
