Image courtesy of UberEATS
 
One of the top priorities for foodservice establishments in recent years has been to address consumer demand for convenience. A big part of that focus is on delivery, specifically on making delivery and ordering easier through websites or apps.

According to leading global information company NPD Group, delivery accounts for 1.7 billion foodservice visits annually. Delivery has become a primary source of meals and snacks for many consumers.

In fact, one-fourth of all U.S. consumers claim to have ordered a meal via delivery in the past three months, NPD finds. Young adults are the largest segment of foodservice delivery users, representing 56 percent of delivery orders.

Other important findings from NPD Group:

  • 29 percent of Millennials ordered restaurant food/beverages via delivery in the last week.
  • 50 percent of Boomers and older use delivery less than once a month.
  • Young adults are the most satisfied with delivery service, with 93 percent of Gen Z and 87 percent of Millennials very satisfied or satisfied.

The fastest growing method of delivery ordering is through website, app, or text. Digital orders increased from 22 percent or 637 million of all delivery visits in 2011 to 48 percent or 2 billion visits in 2016.

“Delivery epitomizes convenience, which is the value of using foodservice in the first place,” says Warren Solochek, president of NPD’s Foodservice Practice. “If delivery fits a foodservice operator’s business model and it’s operationally feasible, they definitely need to add it on as an option in order to stay competitive.”