France's Food Service Delivery insights by François Druaux, General Manager at Deliverect France

Food delivery is here to stay. From its explosive growth during the global pandemic to its constant evolution, customers crave convenience, efficiency, and outstanding experiences delivered right to their doorstep. 

In recent years, France's online food delivery market has grown significantly, increasing from 4 billion euros in 2017 to nearly 13 billion euros in 2023 (Statista)

To get a fresher view of how this growing demand for food service delivery is developing in France, we interviewed François Druaux, General Manager at Deliverect France. We delved into his perspective on the challenges, emerging trends, and the vital role of technology in shaping the future of food delivery in the French market.

Q: François, let’s discuss France’s current food service delivery landscape. What’s your perspective on it?

François Druaux: Absolutely. The French restaurant industry is searching for more profitable growth drivers through their channels. Maintaining high sales on delivery platforms has become challenging due to the impact of inflation on raw material prices.

The European Commission's economic forecast for France predicts that headline inflation will reach 5.6% in 2023 before dropping to 2.7% in 2024. This is a slight increase from the Spring Forecast, which predicted inflation rates of 5.5% in 2023 and 2.5% in 2024.

It’s essential to continue offering delivery services through multiple equally effective channels. 

Q: What trends are you observing more frequently in terms of technology, operations, and business strategies?

François Druaux: Several noteworthy trends are emerging in the industry.

1. Restaurants creating their own delivery channels: Many restaurants plan to establish their own delivery channels. This move allows for tighter control over margins and fosters the development of their delivery customer databases, which makes sense given the macroeconomic situation.

2. Pursuing all-in-one solutions: Operators actively seek all-in-one solutions to streamline their operations and avoid unnecessary layers of complexity. Efficiency is vital, especially in a rapidly changing market —This is especially beneficial for businesses struggling to find qualified staff.

3. Cost efficiency and restructuring: There’s a strong focus on spending less and earning more. This includes restructuring business units, reevaluating supplier relationships, and optimizing the value chain.

Q: How do you see the role of technology in shaping the future of food service delivery in France, and what should operators keep an eye on?

François Druaux: Technology plays a pivotal role in driving these trends:

• Dispatch and Deliverect Direct: These technologies empower restaurants to develop own delivery channels while building valuable customer data through social media or existing websites. It’s a strategic move towards greater independence.

• Visibility and Conversion: Technology enables operators to be more visible and increase conversion rates without necessarily overspending on promotions. Social Media Ordering (SMO) is emerging as a critical tool to boost delivery sales through new channels. SMO enables operators to expand their revenue channels and turn followers into customers.

• Error Reduction: Technology can significantly reduce errors and direct losses. Operators can ensure smoother operations and enhanced profitability by implementing the right tech solutions at the store and headquarters levels. When you have a streamlined workflow, chances for mistakes are reduced. Orders are processed accurately, on time, and faster.

As we wrap up our exploration of the evolving scene in France, it’s clear that the industry is at a turning point. Business models are evolving, and technology is crucial in optimizing operations, expanding revenue channels, and helping operators cope with staff shortages. We’re here to guide you through these changing times to enable your business’s growth.

About François Druaux

François Druaux is the General Manager of FBS for Deliverect. Deliverect is a market-leading SaaS solution that simplifies online order management for restaurants globally. He leads a fast-growing team across commercial, technical, and customer support functions, helping thousands of large and small restaurant chains across France, Belgium, and Switzerland. 

In 2023, François joined Deliverect, bringing over 10 years of invaluable sales expertise, primarily gained within the restaurant industry. Notably, he played a crucial role in Uber Eats’ expansion into France, actively contributing to the successful launch and densification of many cities. Today, Uber Eats has achieved remarkable growth, now operating in over 350 cities nationwide. Before embarking on this journey, François commenced his professional career as a buyer at Rungis, followed by serving as a fresh produce retailer catering specifically to Rouen’s vibrant restaurant scene.