As we cruise through 2023, the UK food service delivery market is revving up like a well-oiled machine, projected to reach a whopping £14.4 billion. That's a hearty 7.8% growth! But as the market expands, so does the smorgasbord of food delivery apps. So, how does a savvy restaurateur navigate this bustling landscape? Buckle up, we're about to take you on a culinary journey.

The Changing Tides of the Food Delivery Market

The pandemic has supercharged the UK's appetite for food delivery. From Just Eat to Uber Eats and Deliveroo, these apps have become a staple of our everyday lives. But as the cost-of-living crisis tightens its grip, will the love for takeout wane? Not quite. Our research shows that the hunger for a quick, tasty meal remains high, with nearly a third of consumers ordering at least one takeaway a week.

However, the market is maturing, and consumers are becoming more discerning. Value scrutiny is a crucial consideration in 2023, and delivery operators must prioritise value messaging, reward schemes, and subscription models to attract and retain cost-conscious consumers.

The Big Player: Just Eat

Just Eat, for those who've been living under a culinary rock, is a leading online food delivery platform. It's like a digital food court, offering a smorgasbord of restaurants and cuisines right at your fingertips. But as mouth-watering as Just Eat's offerings are, it's not the only player in the game.

Why Look for Alternatives to Just Eat?

Now, you might be wondering, "Why would I want to stray from my beloved Just Eat?" Well, as with any service, there can be limitations. Maybe you're a restaurant owner looking to cut down on commission fees, or you’re fed up with the lack of flexibility of the platform. Whatever your reasons, it's always good to have options.

The Other Big Fish: Uber Eats, and Deliveroo

Uber Eats and Deliveroo are the other big names in the UK food delivery market. They offer a wide range of restaurants and cuisines, and their services are widely available across the country. However, they come with their own set of challenges. High commissions, lack of data ownership, and saturated markets with too many restaurants are common issues with these platforms.

The Rising Star: storekit

Enter storekit, a refreshing alternative to the big players. Storekit is an affordable, fully-branded solution that can handle all ordering channels and creates a direct relationship with your customers. Unlike Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo, storekit allows you to keep your profits and maintain control over your customer data - and most importantly, your business.

The Future of the Food Delivery Market

Despite the challenges, the future of the food delivery market is promising. With consistent growth at a CAGR of +5.3% from 2023 to 2026, the market is forecast to reach a total value of £17.0 billion in 2026.

As the market continues to evolve, it's crucial for restaurateurs to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding your customers, aligning with the right delivery app, and adapting to changing market conditions are key to thriving in this bustling landscape.

So, as we navigate the food delivery app landscape in 2023, remember: it's not just about surviving, it's about thriving. Bon appétit!

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