Food delivery to homes has not discouraged diners from eating out

10-Sep-2018 - Last updated on 10-Sep-2018 at 14:24 GMT

Online win: three quarters (76%) of diners are more likely to eat in at a restaurant or pub if they had previously enjoyed a delivery from there (image credit: thinkstock.co.uk/milindri)

While food delivery to homes has risen from 31% to 36% over the past six months, this has not had a negative impact on people visiting pubs and restaurants to eat, according to a new study.

The proportion of people dining out each week has remained stable at 60% while take out (dropped 10%) and cooking (down 5%) is in decline, new research for Deliveroo revealed.

Analysis by research and brand consultancy Morar HPI also found that three quarters (76%) of people are likely to dine at a restaurant if they had previously enjoyed an online delivery from there.

The research of 4,000 consumers found more than half (57%) who have visited restaurants less often in the past six months have also ordered fewer takeaways while those who have eaten out more, also have a higher propensity to order food delivery, suggesting disposable income is a key influence in people’s dining habits.

Mobile technology

The research discovered that increased use of mobile technology is driving food delivery. Almost half (46%) of consumers now order food via a website or app (up 8% since July 2017) compared to 18% in person (down 3% since July 2017) and more than one third (36%) on the phone (down 5% since July 2017).

During focus groups undertaken for the research, participants highlighted busier home life, changing work patterns and the pressure of raising a family combined with work as key reasons for them ordering more meals at home. This came as the number of people cooking at home has dropped from 94% to 89%.

Almost three in 10 under-30s order more food for delivery, compared to just 6% of those aged 50 and above.

Increased options

Deliveroo UK managing director Dan Warne said: “People are ordering delivery more and more because of busy lives and the increased options available.

“Getting something delivered is no longer a one-off treat, but an affordable solution full of healthy choices for more occasions, from breakfast to late-night meals.

“Customers still want the restaurant experience to socialise and celebrate, which is why eating out remains broadly stable.

“But when people spend the night at home, whether they are back late from work or are choosing a night in with a boxset, delivery means more opportunities for our restaurant partners. We are proud our growth boosts others.”