The total volume of food delivery orders across China reached 17.12 billion in 2020. The scale of the national food delivery market reached 835.2 billion RMB, an increase of 14.8% year-on-year. The market expanded to 500 million users and an additional 670,000 takeaway-related companies joined the industry in 2020, representing an annual growth of 1487%.
The post-80s and post-90s (those born after 1980 and 1990 respectively) make up the highest proportion of takeaway users. Food delivery services are especially popular among those in urban areas and the consumer penetration of food delivery in Tier 1, 2 and 3 cities has reached 96.31%.
Online catering accounted for approximately 20% of the entire catering industry in 2020 and is expected to develop into a trillion-scale market in the next 1-3 years. In February 2020, “online delivery personnel” became a formally recognised profession and was included in the national occupational classification catalogue. The range of products available has grown in scope with afternoon tea and late-night snacks becoming popular takeaway choices among consumers.
Read more about food delivery in China:
- Eleme reacts to WeChat article about hardships for delivery drivers
- Beijing Daxing Airport and Eleme offer food delivery to boarding gate
- Food waste campaign builds support during National Day holiday
