A new report looking at New Zealand’s online food delivery industry delves into the ever-evolving and often unusual dining habits of Kiwis. The Growing App-etite Report also reveals a rapidly growing industry with customer demand and tech-led lifestyles driving the growth.
- While just over half of Kiwis take leftover takeaways to work the next day, 1 in 10 save it to give to their pet, and 8 percent freeze takeaways to eat later.
- Most people order while sitting in their living room, yet 100,000 Kiwis have ordered from the toilet.
- Three quarters of Kiwis put off going out for dinner to stay in and order takeaways. The most common excuse is saying they feel unwell or sick (28 percent).
The report is the first of its kind analysing New Zealand’s online delivery industry and brings together results from an independent survey conducted by YouGov Galaxy Research and data and insights from Menulog.
Its findings show New Zealand is one of the fastest growing takeaway markets in the world. Global Data research for the foodservice sector shows an annual growth of 6.7 percent for the New Zealand takeaway delivery market by 2021, which is more than double the growth of the dine-in and pick-up takeaway markets.
The Menulog Report found 1.2 million Kiwis - around a quarter of the population - already order takeaway food for delivery. However, it also highlights the future growth and untapped potential of the sector.
Menulog New Zealand manager Paul Dodds said the unprecedented growth in the food delivery industry stems from consumer demand for convenience and choice, and digital advancements driving ordering habits.
“Technology makes it easy and convenient for people to order food online. It means there is now a huge variety of cuisine being delivered to people’s doors. We’re also seeing people’s dining habits change as the range of cuisine continues to grow - and that is great for both consumers and local restaurants.”
Dodds said that while the report highlights how technology is shifting the way New Zealanders eat, family remains at the heart of dinner time and food is an essential ingredient for social occasions.
“There’s nothing like food to bring people together with almost half of Kiwis saying they order food when spending quality time with friends and family.”
The top reason for ordering in was to watch a movie (73 percent), with just over a third watching a streaming service, almost a quarter watching sport, and 14 percent of people say they order food for a romantic night in. Valentine’s Day resulted in a 33 percent increase in orders, the second highest spike of the year apart from the day before ANZAC Day in New Zealand.
Millenials also have some unique takeaway habits compared to Baby Boomers, including being nine times more likely to order from the toilet. Eighty percent of millenials have ditched dinner plans in favour of ordering in.
