Trends

Keeping the foodservice equipment marketplace up to date with the latest menu and concept trends.

Advertisement

Foodservice Delivery Growth Outpaces Drive-Thru

NPD Group reveals foodservice delivery sees extensive growth; drive-thru traffic plummets

The number of delivery orders has increased by 69 million over the past 4 years, according to data released by The NPD Group. In contrast, for the same period between May 2012 and May 2016, drive-thru traffic declined by 128 million visits.

Pizza continues to own the majority share of delivery traffic, accounting for 60 percent of all orders, but the greater variety of foodservice options continues to drive growth in delivery-related orders. Segments seeing increased consumer interest for delivery include including quick-service Asian and burger, full service, and fast casual.

NPD Group’s report, Delivery: A Growth Opportunity on the Horizon, notes that Gen Z and Millennials are expected to keep foodservice delivery orders on the rise as they seek the food they want, when they want it.

“If delivery fits a restaurant operator’s business model and is operationally feasible, now is the time to consider adding it as an option for customers,” says Bonnie Riggs, NPD Group’s restaurant industry analyst. “It’s one way to stay competitive in a low growth foodservice environment.”