The Philippines ordered ₱55 billion of food delivery in 2020. 

33% of food consumed in the Philippines in 2020 were ordered from restaurants.

Subscriptions to GrabFood and FoodPanda in the Philippines increased by 61% in 2020.

We are now living in the age of online food delivery. There is no escaping it, there is no denying it. With rapidly changing market conditions, emerging food trends and more people working from home, the world of eating has changed dramatically over the last two decades, with the global market now being worth more than US$150 billion, it’s here to stay.  

A new survey shows that the population of the Philippines love new tech-driven options for ordering food, just over a third of Filipino residents used food delivery services like FoodPanda or GrabFood up to three times a week. This however, on the flipside, is making them more impatient for in-dining experiences.

Why is this? Consumers are seemingly translating online dining experiences with in-dining experiences.

During the pandemic, consumers enjoyed the readiness and increased availability of dining options they had at their fingertips, as the new digital dining experiences were not only innovative but convenient as well. It has had an impact back on in-person dining however, with 47% saying that delivery orders take longer when they (consumers) order in-person and 29% say that the atmosphere of dining-in is hurt by delivery drivers picking up food.

Despite this, people noted that they will eat out several times a week to support their local restaurants or favourite brands, displaying loyalty has not swayed since post-pandemic conditions have come into the fold.

‍

Curb Your En-food-siasm

Curbside pick-up/click-and-collect continues to be the most popular option that not only determines consumers food of choice, but loyalty also, with:

• 58% more likely to choose restaurants offering it
• 43% saying it makes them more loyal to the restaurant
• 54% saying they would increase their basket size because of curbside availability.

Personal Communication is the Word

During the pandemic, many consumers would have received personal messages of thanks from restaurants and delivery kitchens via email or electronic communication as a sign of respect and gratitude for supporting them during the pandemic. A survey found that consumers have grown to not only appreciate this gesture, but expect it now, as they proactively recommend their favourite restaurants.

• 55% enjoyed receiving notifications and personalised offers from restaurants.
• 45% wanted a prompt with a personalised order suggestion.
• 56% preferred visibility and control over which restaurants have access to their personal data.

Sustainability and Health Options

In addition to curbside pick-up and personal communication, the Philippines has seen an acute increase in wider sustainability in food and beverage products, which include packaging, sourcing of food, and healthy alternatives.

• 61% of younger consumers are more influenced to buy from restaurants that promote lower food waste.
• 58% rate healthier options on the menu, with Millennials having the highest response at 71%.

Cash is no longer King

While cash is still used, 47% of restaurants are reporting that there is an increase in adapting new forms of payment to meet changing expectations, with:

• 60% of consumers preferring to pay with card
• 25% preferring contactless payments such as Apple or Google Pay
• 7% embracing alternative payments such as cryptocurrency.

‍

Want help making sense of all this? Contact klikit today and we will get you in the right step with customers! It takes two to tango!

‍