The internet meal ordering and delivery industry is expanding, with it being worth $95 billion globally, and it is predicted to increase at a 9.8% annual rate until 2026. Thanks to high-speed internet and smartphone use, multiple online meal ordering and delivery businesses have evolved. Today, it is a marketplace where clients can search for nearby restaurants and place orders using a simple user interface (UI).
The promising future of online food ordering and delivery has enticed a slew of startups and small enterprises to compete for market dominance. However, as the stakes rise, the market becomes more open. Thus, it is critical to have a solid understanding of the industry.
Read on to discover the business trends for online food delivery for 2022 and beyond.
The New Distribution Channels
In the United States, 55% of adults choose a quick internet ordering method. The fundamental goal of food ordering and delivery systems is to increase client orders.
- Order Through Smartwatches
The market for smartwatches is expanding, and some manufacturers have formed alliances with huge meal delivery. Several businesses have now embraced the technology, allowing customers to place orders and track deliveries using their wearable gadgets.
- Order Through Smart Televisions
With the advent of new and upgraded televisions, customers can now order food directly from their living room. Customers may use Apple TV to see a restaurant’s full menu, explore their favourites, view their order history, and checkout, just like they can with the mobile app. Customers can save even more money when they order through Apple TV.
In addition, the Samsung Smart TV has TV takeaways software, which allows users to order food from neighbouring eateries.
The New Delivery Options Available
Specialist delivery personnel has been key to the success of online meal ordering and delivery from its start. Many brands, on the other hand, see it as an ‘untrustworthy reliance.’
- AI and Robots
Because of AI and machine learning, we now have self-driving cars and are building robots capable of reaching their full potential in the future. Moving pavement droids have been developed by JustEat and Starship Technologies to deliver meals to customers within a 10-mile radius.
Other ways of delivery, such as parachute drops and drones are being explored.
The Potential Niched Markets
To maximize profit, all eateries are typically connected to an online meal ordering and delivery network. This method effectively removes all entry barriers and differentiates delivery startups from the competition. Owners of food delivery and ordering companies should be familiar with the following specialist platforms:
- Food Wastage Apps
Food waste numbers are dismal. Every year, one-third of the world’s food supply is wasted. Food waste apps can now help feed the hungry and avoid food waste.
One example is universal food access. It provides subscribers with a 50% discount on unsold food from eateries. A consumer puts an order, which gets picked up at a predetermined time.
Food Rescue US is a volunteer-run group that collects excess food from restaurants and distributes it to the country’s over 50 million poor.
- Pet Food Apps
With 68% of American families owning a pet, the pet food market was worth $72.13 billion in 2018. It only makes sense to distribute pet food through food ordering and delivery services.
These apps provide a wide range of products, a straightforward checkout experience, and on-time delivery. Because of the rising need for pet food delivery, this service has found a profitable niche.
- Virtual Kitchen Apps
This type of restaurant only accepts phone orders or meal orders sent over the internet. The virtual kitchen concept from UberEats illustrates the meal ordering and delivery marketplace’s forethought. Restaurants that do not have a physical location can offer meals from virtual or dark kitchens.
Both independent eateries and meal delivery services can benefit from the virtual kitchen concept. While a neighbourhood restaurant can save money by selling foods not on the menu, UberEats can build customer loyalty by providing food that is hard to get nearby.
The Ordering and Purchasing of Food Using Cryptocurrency
Blockchain technology has risen in popularity in the online food ordering and delivery industry. As a result, some establishments now provide Crypto meal ordering, which allows you to place restaurant orders or buy takeaway using bitcoin.
Conclusion
The competition is tremendous to provide clients with the tastiest, freshest, and least expensive meals on time. All of these enhancements add to higher client expectations. As a result, current food ordering and delivery systems must adapt to market trends, increase customer happiness, and develop a successful business strategy.
Do you want to explore food delivery software for your small business? KitchenFuel is here to innovate with you and guide you towards your expansion. Book your FREE demo today!