2024 Food Delivery App Trends: Boost Your Business with These Strategies

Quick Summary: How do you ensure your food ordering app always makes a repeat business? Building a robust food delivery app requires staying updated on the latest food industry trends to ensure you always meet the market demands. Check out the top seven food market trends you must follow in 2024.

The food delivery industry has become a highly competitive market. With the rising demand, several food delivery apps are being launched, each with unique features and functionalities. 

On the other hand, some apps don’t perform well, whereas some become a part of everyday life. The reason for this is adapting to the current trends in the food industry. Brands that quickly work as per the demands and follow trends in the food industry easily make a place in customers’ hearts.

One of the most noticeable trends is the growth of digital platforms like websites and custom food delivery apps. These solutions help brands provide a more personalized experience, ensuring their users keep returning for more.

It is why companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Domino’s have millions of active users, as they provide convenient services like contactless delivery, subscriptions, and direct delivery from restaurants.

If you are also in the food delivery industry or about to invest in food delivery app development services, you need to be updated with the latest trends in food industry. This blog will help you explore the top 7 trends in the food industry.

Food Industry Trends Statistics

To better understand the food market trends, let us look at the key statistics of the food delivery industry. The demand for these apps is continuously rising, and the numbers prove it.

Source: BusinessOfApps

• The online food delivery industry is anticipated to reach US$ 1.65 trillion by 2027.
• The number of users in the meal delivery market is projected to reach 2.5 billion users by 2027.
• DoorDash is the top food delivery app in the US market, with over 50% of the US market share.

These numbers prove that the demand for food delivery apps will be even higher in the coming years, and more users will be dependent on its services. But it should also be noted that tech advancement leads to different trends in the food industry, and the brands must adapt to these timely.

Let’s now look at the top online food industry trends that have reshaped this industry.

Top 7 Food Industry Trends that Brands Must Follow

Food delivery apps are no longer limited to ordering food and delivery by drivers. This industry has seen significant changes; with them, several prominent trends have improved food delivery services. Here are the top trends that can take your brand to the next level.

1. Cloud Kitchens

Cloud kitchens, also known as ghost kitchens, are becoming increasingly popular among entrepreneurs who want to enter the food delivery industry. This concept enables business owners to run their food delivery operations without creating an extra space for seating.

According to market research, the cloud or ghost kitchen market is expected to grow to USD 117.89 billion by 2031. If you own a cloud kitchen business and rely on third-party services, it is crucial to build your own food delivery platform. This will help you save money you would otherwise spend on providing services through other platforms.

Source: Maximize Market Research

Moreover, it will enable you to keep track of all the orders you receive. The digital platform should have features like order management systems, menu management, inventory management, kitchen display systems, and CRM management. These features will make the operations of your cloud kitchen business much smoother and more efficient.

Ghost kitchens provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for restaurants and food delivery brands, particularly with the growing demand for delivery services. They also offer more flexibility and innovation in preparing and delivering food. Therefore, cloud kitchens are an excellent option for your brand if you want to focus solely on delivering food.

💡 Check out 10 Tips to Run a Successful Cloud Kitchen Business in 2024.

2. Food Delivery by Drones

Food delivery by drones is one of the most innovative ideas to enhance the growth of this industry. This idea is popular because it does not have to deal with traffic, can deliver faster, and helps the brand hire extra labor for food delivery.

Domino’s made its first pizza delivery with a drone in New Zealand in 2016. Another report reveals that Garuda Aerospace is in talks with popular food delivery apps Zomato and Swiggy for food delivery through drones.

This technology will ensure that all food deliveries are done on time and in an accurate place. Further, it will help brands make more deliveries in less time than with the traditional method. 

You need a solid digital platform to operate if you want to enhance your food delivery business through drone deliveries. At ValueAppz, we can help you build a digital platform for ordering and delivery services. Ensure that all orders are delivered on time and at the set address.

As much as technology is playing a role in enhancing food delivery services, contactless deliveries by humans have also become crucial.

3. Contactless Delivery

Contactless delivery is another industry trend all food delivery brands have adopted since the pandemic. It provides a safer and more convenient experience to both customers and delivery drivers. With the ongoing global health concerns, customers are increasingly valuing the option of contactless delivery to minimize physical interaction and reduce the risk of exposure to viruses.

This trend is driven by the rise of digital payment methods and tech advancement, helping users to order and pay for their food online and have it dropped off at their doorstep without direct contact. 

Restaurants, too, are adapting this trend fast as it helps them provide a better customer experience. They are actively investing in efficient logistics and innovative delivery solutions. Examples of it include GPS tracking and real-time updates.

4. Direct Food Delivery from Restaurants

Another trend that can be seen taking shape is direct food delivery from restaurants. Many food chains are now not depending upon third-party services like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Building a restaurant app helps save them from commissions they would otherwise have to pay for third-party services. This concept best suits those who have chains of restaurants or those who want to engage directly with their customers. 

Some of the best examples of restaurant apps are Domino’s and Pizza Hut.

💡 Want to build a restaurant app and connect with your customers directly? Connect with ValueAppz for a quick solution.

5. Food Trucks

Who doesn’t love that fresh food served on the streets? Due to their ability to bring diverse and unique culinary experiences directly to consumers, the number of food trucks has risen. 

The accessible nature of food trucks allows for a wider range of people to enjoy high-quality meals at affordable prices, often in areas where traditional restaurants may not be readily available. This trend has seen significant growth in the USA market.

Source: Zippia

Several food trucks also have their own app that lets users check the menu, place their orders, and even book catering services. Brands like Truckster make it easy for app users to lactate nearby trucks to satisfy their taste buds.

For a successful food truck business, you need to adapt to the latest trends and tech to provide an excellent customer experience. 

If you are running a food truck business, you need a digital solution that helps you handle everything from one platform. From tracking inventory to taking orders, receiving payments, and displaying menus, a digital platform like an app will make the entire process easier and faster.

6. Delivery Subscription

In the food delivery business, delivery subscriptions have become a big thing. They give consumers the convenience of discounted and scheduled deliveries. These subscriptions usually offer advantages like priority service, free or discounted delivery, and special discounts, building a loyal consumer base and encouraging repeat business for food delivery services and eateries. 

This trend also encourages client retention and increases order frequency by meeting the growing need for affordable, hassle-free meal delivery. Further, it also ensures that the brands get a fixed income monthly/yearly.

A number of food delivery brands provide subscription services to their users. For instance, Uber- a giant name in the industry, provides subscriptions for both rides and delivery at $9.99/mo or $99.99/yr. 

Another popular food delivery brand, DoorDash, provides a DashPass subscription with a $0 delivery fee on orders over $12.

These subscriptions help brands ensure that customers enjoy their services better and keep coming back to avail of engaging offers and discounts.

Do you have a similar idea to attract your target audience? Building an on demand food delivery app will help you provide subscription services and ensure that you receive a recurring payment every month/year.

7. Food Ordering With a Smartwatch

Ordering meals with a smartwatch has gained popularity in the food delivery business as a simple, hands-free method for customers to place and monitor their orders. Using smartwatch features like voice commands and real-time notifications, users can easily browse menus, make orders, and get delivery information right from their wrists. 

This pattern responds to consumers’ growing desire for ordering processes that are simple and convenient, which raises customer satisfaction and encourages them to use meal delivery services.

Source: Eater

Domino’s was the first food delivery brand to launch its smartwatch app. It lets users easily place their orders and track their progress. Hence, it makes the food delivery process even more convenient and engaging.

Build a Scalable Food Delivery App

When you create your food delivery app, you must ensure the platform can quickly adapt to the changes and trends. 

With ValueAppz, you can develop a scalable food delivery app to help you quickly add the latest features and functionalities. Our cost-effective solutions and timely delivery are the two USPs that have helped us connect with global clients.

To discuss your app idea, connect with our team today.

Key Takeaways

• Success in the food industry depends on quick adaptation to current trends and users’ demands.
• Top food industry trends include food trucks, integration with smart devices, cloud kitchens, contactless delivery, restaurant-owned apps, and delivery subscriptions.
• The number of app users in the online food ordering and delivery industry is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2027.
• Ensure that your food delivery app is scalable to integrate the latest features and functionalities into the app easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is the food delivery industry growing?

The online food delivery industry is experiencing considerable growth, driven by increasing demand for convenient dining options and the widespread adoption of online ordering and delivery services. 

Q2. What is the trend in food delivery?

The latest trends in the food industry include contactless delivery, integration with smart devices, delivery subscriptions, food trucks, etc.

Q3. What is the target market for food delivery services?

The target market for food delivery services includes busy professionals, families, and individuals who want convenient and time-saving solutions.

Q4. What is the trend of ordering food online?

Online food ordering market trends include online payments, real-time order tracking, integration with smart devices, and order customizations.

Q5. What is the future of the food delivery market?

The global online food delivery industry size is projected to reach USD 315183.2 million by 2028.