Consumers’ commitment to convenience-driven services has helped to buoy growth in home delivery and takeaway concepts, both from foodservice operators themselves as well as auxiliary services looking to capitalise on this expansion, such as online ordering portals for independent venues.

Continuing technological development has also helped drive growth in this area, although nearly half (46%) of takeaway/home delivery users still place their orders over the phone. As such, whilst there are a number of tech-savvy developments in the market (eg ‘push’ marketing via smartphones), traditional marketing methods such as direct mail still hold considerable sway in this market with 36% of users saying that leaflets/menus through their door have prompted them to order.

This report focuses on takeaway and home delivery of food and drink prepared by foodservice venues (where drink is being ordered with a meal). Such a service typically involves the placing of an order by telephone, via the internet, via interactive TV (iTV) or in person.

This is an issue-based report which aims to look at key developments in the foodservice takeaway and home delivery in the market in the UK. It is primarily focused on analysing consumer behaviour in this regard. For market size information please see individual report categories such as Mintel’s Ethnic Restaurants and Takeaways – UK, February 2015 and Mintel’s Pizza and Pasta Restaurants – UK, November 2014.

Excluded from the scope of this report are meals to the elderly and infirm eg by the Community Meals Service and retail food delivery such as online grocery shopping. Also excluded is the online grocery market (eg Ocado).