China Online Food Delivery Market Insights Forecasts to 2032

• The China Online Food Delivery Market Size was valued at USD 256.41 Billion in 2022.
• The Market is Growing at a CAGR of 13.7% from 2022 to 2032.
• The China Online Food Delivery Market Size is expected to reach USD 925.8 Billion by 2032.

The China Online Food Delivery Market Size is expected to reach USD 925.8 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 13.7% during the Forecast period 2022 to 2032.

Market Overview

Online food delivery is a digital service that allows customers to order food from nearby restaurants and have it delivered to their homes. This forward-thinking method combines the power of the internet with the ease of home or office delivery, making it a popular choice in today's fast-paced environment. The online food delivery market has seen tremendous growth in recent years as internet penetration and smartphone usage have increased. Some platforms provide subscription models, with frequent consumers receiving benefits such as free deliveries or unique discounts. From tech roles in platform firms to delivery employees on the ground, the industry has spawned several job opportunities. Furthermore, China's online meal delivery market is one of the digital ecosystem's most dynamic and fast-increasing sectors. This service has effortlessly merged into the daily lives of millions of Chinese consumers, leveraging the country's enormous internet user base and urbanization tendencies. Meituan-Dianping and Ele.me have become household names, with huge logistics networks covering major cities and extending into smaller communities. The market landscape has been impacted by the government's emphasis on digital economy growth, as well as rules to protect food safety and fair competition.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the market for China Online Food Delivery Market based on various segments and regions and forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the China Online Food Delivery Market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, product launch, and development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segments of the China Online Food Delivery Market.

Driving Factors

China's online meal delivery sector, a worldwide digital powerhouse, exemplifies a dynamic combination of technology, logistics, and customer demand. This sector has firmly embedded itself in the everyday routines of numerous Chinese residents, driven by urban lives and the convenience of app-based services. With China's smartphone penetration, apps have emerged as the key ordering platforms. Integrated payment systems, including Alipay and WeChat Pay, further simplify the process by providing quick and safe transaction ways. Online food delivery businesses cater to the busy lifestyles and changing dining habits of Chinese urbanites. Ordering meals via smartphone applications is not only convenient but also provides a diverse range of dining options, ranging from local street cuisine to gourmet options. These platforms use cutting-edge technology, such as real-time order tracking, AI-driven suggestions, and, in some cases, drone deliveries. Many online meal delivery applications have evolved beyond food delivery and now provide a variety of services such as cinema ticket bookings, hotel reservations, and more, resulting in all-in-one digital ecosystems. Not only does the market enhance digital economic indicators, but it also provides millions of employment, particularly for delivery personnel. The Chinese government is active in this industry, protecting food safety and stimulating competition, resulting in a controlled yet innovative environment.

Market Segment   

• In 2022, the mobile application segment is witnessing a higher growth rate over the forecast period. 

On the basis of platform, the China Online Food Delivery Market is segmented into mobile application and website. Among these, the mobile application segment is witnessing a higher growth rate over the forecast period. Because of the ease and user experience provided by mobile apps, they have become the preferred choice for many consumers in China. They can save user preferences, track order history, offer rewards or loyalty points, and send push notifications about sales or promotions. The portability of mobile devices also allows customers to place orders while on the go, making it extremely handy. Major market players, including Ele.me and Meituan Waimai, have actively invested in their mobile applications, incorporating numerous features to improve user experience and engagement.

• In 2022, the platform-to-consumer delivery segment accounted for the largest revenue share over the forecast period.

Based on the delivery type, the China Online Food Delivery Market is segmented into restaurant-to-consumer delivery and platform-to-consumer delivery. Among these, the platform-to-consumer delivery segment has the largest revenue share over the forecast period. China's growing urbanization, along with the convenience provided by these third-party platforms, has resulted in their superiority. These platforms provide clients with a broader variety of food options in one location, making it easier to browse, order, and pay. The platforms also make significant investments in technology to ensure effective order tracking, payment solutions, and customer care. Furthermore, substantial investments in technology and logistical infrastructure by major players such as Ele.me and Meituan Waimai, as well as integration with other services (such as digital payments), have bolstered their market dominance.

• In 2022, the logistics-based food delivery system segment accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 34.6% over the forecast period.

Based on the business model, the China Online Food Delivery Market is segmented into order focused food delivery system, logistics-based food delivery system, and full-service food delivery system. Among these, the logistics-based food delivery system segment is dominating the market with the largest revenue share of 34.6% over the forecast period. These systems not only make ordering easier but also handle delivery logistics. They collaborate with eateries that may not have their delivery systems. Customers benefit from a consistent and frequently speedier delivery experience. It's a method for eateries to expand their reach without the difficulty and expense of putting up a delivery system. These platforms' convenience, quickness, and variety of options have made them particularly popular among Chinese consumers.

• In 2022, the online segment accounted for the largest revenue share of more than 47.2% over the forecast period.

On the basis of payment method, the China Online Food Delivery Market is segmented into online and COD (Cash-on-Delivery). Among these, the online segment is dominating the market with the largest revenue share of 47.2% over the forecast period. Mobile payments have been rapidly and widely adopted in China, with services such as WeChat Pay and Alipay becoming ubiquitous. The convenience of online payments, combined with the country's tech-savvy population, promotional offers via digital wallets, and the integration of loyalty programs, has driven online payments to the forefront of this sector. Furthermore, China's efforts to transition to a cashless economy have contributed to a decrease in reliance on COD as a means of payment.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the China Online Food Delivery Market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their product offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes product development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Ele.me
• Meituan Dianping
• ENJOY
• Daojia
• Home-cook
• Grab
• Food Panda
• Just Eat
• Grub Hub

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting and Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs)

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2021 to 2032. Spherical Insights has segmented the China Online Food Delivery Market based on the below-mentioned segments:

China Online Food Delivery Market, By Platform

• Mobile Application
• Website  

China Online Food Delivery Market, By Delivery Type

• Restaurant-to-Consumer Delivery
• Platform-to-Consumer Delivery

China Online Food Delivery Market, By Business Model

• Order Focused Food Delivery System
• Logistics Based Food Delivery System
• Full-Service Food Delivery System

China Online Food Delivery Market, By Payment Method

• Online
• COD (Cash-on-Delivery)