Online Food Delivery - Eastern Asia

Eastern Asia

The Eastern Asian Online Food Delivery market is projected to witness a substantial revenue growth, reaching a staggering US$531.80bn in 2024.
This growth is expected to continue at an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 8.22%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$789.50bn by 2029.
The Grocery Delivery market in Eastern Asia is also anticipated to experience a revenue growth of 14.5% in 2025, with a projected market volume of US$313.80bn in 2024.
In comparison to other countries, China is expected to generate the highest revenue in the Online Food Delivery market, with an estimated revenue of US$448.90bn in 2024.
Additionally, the average revenue per user (ARPU) in the Eastern Asian Grocery Delivery market is projected to reach US$407.00 in 2024.
In the Meal Delivery market, the number of users is expected to reach 1.2bn users by 2029.
The user penetration in this market is estimated to be at 64.9% in 2024.
In China, online food delivery platforms like Ele.me and Meituan dominate the market, offering a wide range of cuisines delivered straight to your doorstep.

Market

Region

Region comparison

Currency

Analyst Opinion

The popularity of online food delivery services in Eastern Asia has been steadily increasing in recent years, driven by a combination of customer preferences, local special circumstances, and underlying macroeconomic factors.

Customer preferences: One of the main reasons for the growth of online food delivery services in Eastern Asia is the increasing demand for convenience and time-saving options among consumers. With busy work schedules and long commutes, many people in the region are looking for easy and efficient ways to order food without having to leave their homes or offices. Additionally, the popularity of smartphones and mobile apps has made it easier than ever for consumers to order food online, with many platforms offering user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of menu options.

Trends in the market: While online food delivery services are popular across the region, there are some notable trends in specific countries. In China, for example, the market is dominated by a few major players, such as Meituan Dianping and Ele.me, who offer a range of services beyond food delivery, including hotel bookings and movie ticket sales. In Japan, on the other hand, the market is more fragmented, with a number of smaller players competing for market share. In South Korea, there is a growing trend towards healthy and organic food options, with many online delivery platforms offering a range of fresh and locally-sourced produce.

Local special circumstances: Several local factors have contributed to the growth of online food delivery services in Eastern Asia. In China, for example, the rise of the middle class has led to increased demand for high-quality food options, while the country's vast size and rapid urbanization have made it difficult for traditional restaurants to keep up with demand. In Japan, an aging population and declining birthrate have led to a shortage of skilled restaurant workers, making it difficult for many establishments to keep up with demand. Meanwhile, in South Korea, the popularity of home-cooked meals has led to a rise in meal kit delivery services, which provide customers with pre-packaged ingredients and recipes to cook at home.

Underlying macroeconomic factors: Several macroeconomic factors have also contributed to the growth of online food delivery services in Eastern Asia. For example, the region's high population density and urbanization rates have made it easier for delivery services to reach large numbers of customers quickly and efficiently. Additionally, the rise of e-commerce and online payment platforms has made it easier for consumers to order food online and pay for it securely. Finally, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of online food delivery services in many parts of the region, as consumers have been forced to stay home and avoid crowded public spaces.

Methodology

Data coverage:

The data encompasses B2C enterprises. Figures are based on Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and represent what consumers pay for these products and services. The user metrics show the number of customers who have made at least one online purchase within the past 12 months.

Modeling approach / Market size:

Market sizes are determined through a bottom-up approach, building on predefined factors for each market. As a basis for evaluating markets, we use annual financial reports of the market-leading companies, third-party studies and reports, as well as survey results from our primary research (e.g., the Statista Global Consumer Survey). In addition, we use relevant key market indicators and data from country-specific associations, such as GDP, GDP per capita, and internet connection speed. This data helps us estimate the market size for each country individually.

Forecasts:

In our forecasts, we apply diverse forecasting techniques. The selection of forecasting techniques is based on the behavior of the relevant market. For example, the S-curve function and exponential trend smoothing. The main drivers are internet users, urban population, usage of key players, and attitudes toward online services.

Additional notes:

The market is updated twice a year in case market dynamics change. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war are considered at a country-specific level. GCS data is reweighted for representativeness.