Europe Online Food Delivery Market

Europe Online Food Delivery Market  Size

The Europe Online Food Delivery Market Size was valued at USD 376.13 billion in 2024. The Europe Online Food Delivery Market size is expected to have 9.11 % CAGR from 2025 to 2033 and be worth USD 824.36 billion by 2033 from USD 410.40 billion in 2025.

The Europe online food delivery market has emerged as a dynamic and rapidly expanding sector, driven by shifting consumer preferences and technological advancements. The United Kingdom, Germany, and France are at the forefront of this transformation. The rise of third-party aggregators like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat Takeaway has redefined the competitive landscape, enabling restaurants to reach broader audiences while catering to the growing preference for contactless services. Furthermore, sustainability concerns are reshaping the market, as stated by the European Environment Agency, with eco-friendly packaging and carbon-neutral delivery options gaining traction.

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Urbanization and Changing Consumer Lifestyles

One of the primary drivers of the Europe online food delivery market is the rapid urbanization and the evolving lifestyle preferences of consumers. According to Eurostat, over 75% of Europe’s population resides in urban areas, where fast-paced lifestyles and time constraints have increased the demand for convenient dining options. This trend has been further amplified by the growing number of dual-income households. These households often prioritize convenience, leading to a surge in online food delivery services. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, accelerating the adoption of digital platforms for food ordering. The integration of advanced technologies such as AI-driven recommendations and real-time tracking has enhanced user experience, further boosting demand.

Expansion of Delivery Platforms and Diverse Offerings

Another significant driver is the aggressive expansion of third-party delivery platforms and their ability to offer diverse cuisines and personalized experiences. Companies like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Glovo have expanded their reach, with operations spanning over 20 European countries. These platforms have capitalized on consumer preferences for variety, offering everything from gourmet meals to healthy, plant-based options. Additionally, partnerships with local restaurants and cloud kitchens have enabled these platforms to cater to niche markets while maintaining affordability. Furthermore, innovations such as subscription models and loyalty programs have incentivized repeat usage. Uber Eats, for instance, launched a subscription service in 2023, resulting in an increase in customer retention. These strategies have not only broadened the appeal of online food delivery but also strengthened its position as a dominant force in Europe’s foodservice industry.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Operational Costs and Thin Profit Margins

One of the significant restraints in the Europe online food delivery market is the high operational costs associated with logistics and platform maintenance, which often result in thin profit margins for both delivery companies and restaurants. Delivery services themselves face rising expenses, particularly in urban areas where labor and fuel costs are higher. Furthermore, customer expectations for faster deliveries have pushed companies to invest heavily in advanced logistics systems, such as AI-driven route optimization and real-time tracking. While these innovations enhance efficiency, they also add to operational expenses.

Regulatory Challenges and Labor Disputes

Another critical restraint is the growing regulatory scrutiny and labor disputes surrounding gig economy models, which are central to the online food delivery ecosystem. This issue has led to widespread protests and legal challenges, with countries like Spain and Italy implementing stricter labor laws to classify gig workers as employees rather than independent contractors. These regulatory changes have significant financial implications for delivery platforms. For example, Just Eat Takeaway estimated that compliance with Spain’s new "Rider Law" could increase its labor costs in the region. Additionally, local governments are increasingly imposing taxes and fees on delivery services to address congestion and environmental concerns.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Integration of AI and Personalization Technologies

One of the most promising opportunities in the Europe online food delivery market lies in leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and personalization technologies to enhance customer experiences and drive loyalty. According to a report by the European Technology Platform for Smart Systems Integration (EPoSS), companies that adopt AI-driven recommendation engines have seen an increase in repeat orders, as these systems analyze user behavior to suggest tailored meal options. For instance, platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo are already using machine learning algorithms to predict customer preferences, with Uber Eats reporting an rise in average order value after implementing personalized suggestions in 2022. Furthermore, AI is being utilized to optimize logistics and reduce delivery times, which remains a key consumer priority. These innovations not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance customer satisfaction. Also, the growing adoption of voice-activated ordering systems and is expected to expand the user base by appealing to tech-savvy consumers.

Expansion into Rural Areas and Niche Markets

Another key opportunity for the Europe online food delivery market is the untapped potential of rural areas and niche markets, which remain underserved compared to urban centers. Expanding into these regions could unlock a substantial market. In addition, catering to niche dietary preferences, such as vegan, gluten-free, and halal meals, presents another avenue for growth. Platforms like Just Eat Takeaway have already partnered with specialty restaurants to offer curated menus, resulting in an increase in orders from this segment. Moreover, collaborations with local farmers and cloud kitchens can enable cost-effective delivery in rural areas while promoting sustainable practices.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Intense Competition and Market Saturation

The Europe online food delivery market faces significant challenges due to intense competition and market saturation, which have led to price wars and eroded profitability for many players. This saturation has forced companies to engage in aggressive discounting and promotional campaigns, with some platforms offering discounts as high as 50% during peak seasons. Such practices have reduced average order margins by 10-15%, making it difficult for smaller players to sustain operations. Moreover, the dominance of global giants like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat Takeaway has created barriers for regional startups attempting to gain market share. The competition is further exacerbated by the rise of direct-to-consumer models, where restaurants develop their own delivery apps to bypass third-party platforms. This fragmentation intensifies the pressure on delivery platforms to innovate while grappling with shrinking profit margins.

Environmental Concerns and Sustainability Pressures

Another pressing challenge is the growing scrutiny over the environmental impact of online food delivery services, particularly regarding packaging waste and carbon emissions. According to the European Environment Agency, single-use plastic packaging from food deliveries contributes significantly to urban plastic waste in major cities like London and Paris. This issue has sparked widespread criticism from consumers and environmental groups, prompting calls for stricter regulations. Also, the carbon footprint of delivery logistics remains a concern, with last-mile deliveries accounting for a major share of total transportation emissions in urban areas. While some companies have introduced electric vehicles and bike couriers to address this, the transition is slow and costly. Furthermore, regulatory pressures are mounting, with cities like Amsterdam imposing levies on non-sustainable delivery practices.

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENT ANALYSIS

By Type Insights

The Platform-to-Consumer segment controlled the Europe online food delivery market in 2024. This segment's prominence is driven by the widespread adoption of third-party platforms like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Just Eat Takeaway, which act as intermediaries between restaurants and consumers. These platforms have capitalized on their ability to offer a diverse range of cuisines from multiple restaurants through a single interface, making them highly convenient for users. A key factor driving this dominance is the extensive reach and technological infrastructure of these platforms. In addition, partnerships with local eateries have enabled these platforms to cater to niche markets, such as vegan or gluten-free options, further enhancing their appeal. Furthermore, aggressive marketing strategies, including discounts and loyalty programs, have solidified their position.

The Restaurant-to-Consumer segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the Europe online food delivery market, with a CAGR of 18.5%. This rapid expansion is fueled by restaurants developing their own direct-ordering apps and websites to reduce dependency on third-party platforms and retain higher profit margins. A major driver of this growth is the rising consumer preference for personalized experiences. Also, advancements in technology have made it easier for restaurants to manage logistics independently; for example, cloud kitchens and automated delivery systems have reduced operational costs. Moreover, regulatory pressures on third-party platforms, such as high commission fees and labor disputes, have encouraged restaurants to adopt direct models.

By Channel Insights

Mobile applications ruled the Europe online food delivery market by capturing a 65.8% of the total market share in 2024 This segment's prowess is driven by the widespread adoption of smartphones and the convenience offered by mobile apps, which provide seamless navigation, real-time tracking, and one-touch ordering. A key factor propelling this dominance is the integration of advanced features such as AI-driven recommendations, personalized offers, and secure payment gateways. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated mobile app adoption, with platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo reporting a key increase in app downloads during lockdowns. Furthermore, partnerships with device manufacturers have enhanced user experience; for instance, Apple Pay and Google Pay integrations have streamlined transactions, reducing cart abandonment rates. These innovations, combined with the growing preference for on-the-go solutions, solidify mobile applications as the largest and most influential channel in the market.

Websites/desktop-based ordering is becoming as the booming segment in the Europe online food delivery market, with a CAGR of 14.2%. This growth is fueled by the increasing accessibility of high-speed internet and the rising number of consumers who prefer larger screens for browsing menus and customizing orders. A major driver of this expansion is the growing demand for detailed meal customization and transparency. Additionally, advancements in web-based technologies, such as Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), have bridged the gap between mobile and desktop experiences. Moreover, the rise of remote work has contributed to this trend

By Payment Method Insights

Online payment methods led the Europe online food delivery market in 2024. This segment's prowess is driven by the widespread adoption of digital wallets, credit/debit cards, and integrated payment systems like Apple Pay and Google Pay. A key factor propelling this dominance is the convenience and security offered by online payment systems. Also, the integration of AI-driven fraud detection systems has increased trust among consumers. Furthermore, the pandemic accelerated the shift toward digital payments, as many consumers avoided physical cash due to hygiene concerns. These innovations, coupled with government initiatives promoting cashless economies, such as Sweden’s move toward becoming a fully digital payment society, solidify online payment as the largest and most trusted segment in the market.

On the contrary, cash on delivery (COD) is evolving into the rapidly expanding payment method in the Europe online food delivery market, with a CAGR of 16.8%. This progress is fueled by its appeal to specific demographics, particularly older adults and rural populations who remain hesitant about digital payment systems. A major driver of this expansion is the growing emphasis on inclusivity in e-commerce. Also, rural areas with limited internet access and banking infrastructure rely heavily on COD. Platforms like Just Eat Takeaway have responded by expanding COD options in underserved regions, resulting in a increase in orders from these areas. Moreover, regulatory changes mandating flexible payment options have further boosted COD adoption. For example, new EU directives require delivery platforms to offer at least two payment methods, ensuring COD remains available.

COUNTRY LEVEL ANALYSIS

The United Kingdom prevailed in the Europe online food delivery market by commanding 22.9% of the regional share in 2024. This dominance is fueled by a tech-savvy population and a robust digital infrastructure that supports seamless transactions. A key driver of the UK's leadership is the aggressive expansion of global platforms like Deliveroo and Just Eat Takeaway, both headquartered in the country. Additionally, the pandemic accelerated demand, with Statista reporting a major increase in online food delivery usage during 2020-2021. Urban centers like London and Manchester are hotspots for innovation, with cloud kitchens and AI-driven logistics gaining traction. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting gig economy reforms have ensured sustainable growth.

Germany is a hub for innovation and sustainability. The country’s focus on sustainability and technological advancements has positioned it as a leader in eco-friendly delivery solutions. Berlin, in particular, has become a testing ground for innovations such as electric delivery vehicles and reusable packaging. A major factor driving growth is the increasing preference for plant-based meals. In addition, partnerships between local restaurants and platforms like Lieferando have expanded the variety of cuisines available, appealing to diverse consumer preferences. Moreover, regulatory support for green logistics has encouraged companies to adopt carbon-neutral practices.

France is a blend of tradition and modernity. The country’s rich culinary heritage has seamlessly integrated with modern technology, making online food delivery a thriving industry. Paris, Lyon, and Marseille are leading cities where demand is particularly strong. One of the primary drivers is the growing popularity of premium dining experiences delivered to homes. Furthermore, the introduction of eco-friendly packaging mandates has pushed companies to adopt sustainable practices, aligning with consumer values.

Italy is embracing digital transformation. Known for its traditional dining culture, Italy has embraced digital transformation, particularly in urban areas like Milan, Rome, and Turin. The pandemic acted as a catalyst, with online food delivery usage doubling between 2019 and 2021. A key driver of growth is the rising demand for authentic Italian cuisine delivered to homes. Additionally, collaborations with small family-owned restaurants have expanded platform offerings while preserving culinary traditions.

Spain is a rising star in southern part  in the online food delivery business in the region. The country’s youthful population and vibrant urban centers like Barcelona and Madrid have made it a hotspot for online food delivery services. A major factor propelling Spain’s growth is the increasing adoption of subscription-based models. Additionally, the demand for healthy and Mediterranean-inspired meals has surged, with Statista reporting a increase in orders for salads and grilled dishes. Furthermore, Spain’s focus on reducing urban congestion has led to incentives for bike couriers and electric vehicles, enhancing delivery efficiency.

Top Players in the Market

The Europe online food delivery market is dominated by three major players: Just Eat Takeaway, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats , each contributing significantly to the global landscape. Just Eat Takeaway, headquartered in the Netherlands, leads with a presence in over 20 European countries. Its acquisition of Grubhub in 2021 expanded its footprint into North America, solidifying its position as a global leader. Deliveroo, based in the UK, has revolutionized urban delivery with its focus on premium restaurants and real-time tracking. Uber Eats, leveraging its parent company’s logistics expertise, operates in more than 45 countries. These companies have collectively driven innovation in AI-driven logistics, eco-friendly packaging, and subscription models, influencing global trends in convenience and sustainability.

Top Strategies Used by Key Market Participants

Key players in the Europe online food delivery market employ strategies such as partnerships, technological investments, and geographic expansion to maintain their competitive edge. For instance, Just Eat Takeaway partnered with PayPal in 2023 to offer seamless payment solutions, enhancing user experience. Deliveroo focuses on exclusive collaborations with high-end restaurants, introducing curated menus that appeal to niche markets. Uber Eats has invested heavily in AI-driven logistics, reducing delivery times by 20% in major cities like Paris and Berlin. Additionally, all three companies have introduced subscription services—such as Uber One and Deliveroo Plus—to boost customer retention. Sustainability initiatives, including carbon-neutral deliveries and reusable packaging, are also central to their strategies, aligning with consumer demands for eco-conscious practices.

KEY MARKET PLAYERS AND COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Companies playing a prominent role in the Europe online food delivery market are Deliveroo PLC,DoorDash Inc.,Delivery Hero Group,Just Eat Limited,Uber Technologies Inc.,Swiggy,Zomato,Delivery.com LLC,Yelp Inc.,Amazon.com Inc.,Rappi Inc.

The Europe online food delivery market is highly competitive, characterized by intense rivalry among global giants and regional players. Just Eat Takeaway, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats dominate the landscape. However, smaller startups and direct-to-consumer models from restaurants are challenging their dominance. The competition is further intensified by price wars, aggressive marketing campaigns, and innovations in delivery logistics. Regulatory pressures, particularly regarding gig worker rights and environmental impact, add another layer of complexity. Despite these challenges, the market remains dynamic, with players leveraging advanced technologies and personalized experiences to differentiate themselves.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

• In April 2024, Just Eat Takeaway launched its "Green Delivery" initiative in partnership with local governments across Europe, introducing electric bikes and reusable packaging to reduce carbon emissions by 30%. 
• In January 2024, Deliveroo acquired a majority stake in Taster, a cloud kitchen startup, to expand its portfolio of virtual brands and enhance operational efficiency in urban areas. 
• In November 2023, Uber Eats introduced its AI-powered "Dynamic Routing System" in major European cities, cutting delivery times by 15% and improving customer satisfaction. 
• In July 2023, Just Eat Takeaway partnered with PayPal to integrate advanced payment options, allowing users to split bills and earn cashback, thereby increasing transaction volumes by 25%. 
• In February 2024, Deliveroo launched its "Deliveroo Plus" subscription service in France and Germany, offering unlimited free deliveries for €9.99/month, resulting in a 40% increase in active users within three months. 

MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report on the europe online food delivery market  has been segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.

By Type 

• Platform-to-Consumer
• Restaurant-to-Consumer

By Channel  

• Mobile Applications
• Websites/Desktop 

By Payment Method 

• online payment methods
• Cash on Delivery

By Country

• UK
• France
• Spain
• Germany
• Italy
• Russia
• Sweden
• Denmark
• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• Turkey
• Czech Republic
• Rest of Europe.