China Online Food Delivery Market Report by Platform Type (Mobile Applications, Websites), Business Model (Order Focussed Food Delivery System, Logistics Based Food Delivery System, Full Service Food Delivery System), Payment Method (Online, Cash on Delivery), and Region 2024-2032

China Online Food Delivery Market Report by Platform Type (Mobile Applications, Websites), Business Model (Order Focussed Food Delivery System, Logistics Based Food Delivery System, Full Service Food Delivery System), Payment Method (Online, Cash on Delivery), and Region 2024-2032

Report Format: PDF+Excel | Report ID: SR112024A1227
Buy Now

China Online Food Delivery Market Size:

The China online food delivery market size reached US$ 74.2 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 184.1 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% during 2024-2032. The growing internet penetration, rising consumer preference for convenience, a wide variety of cuisine options, aggressive marketing by leading platforms, and the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to enhance user experience are some of the factors impelling the market growth in China.

Report Attribute 
Key Statistics
Base Year
2023
Forecast Years
2024-2032
Historical Years
2018-2023
Market Size in 2023
US$ 74.2 Billion
Market Forecast in 2032
US$ 184.1 Billion
Market Growth Rate 2024-2032 10.3%


China Online Food Delivery Market Analysis:

  • Major Market Drivers: The market is experiencing strong growth owing to the increasing need for convenient and time-saving benefits of online delivery among individuals with hectic lifestyles. Furthermore, advancements in delivery technology, like live tracking and streamlined logistics, combined with competitive promotional tactics from top platforms, are influencing the online food delivery market in China.
  • Key Market Trends: Consumers are becoming more health conscious, leading to a rise in demand for healthy and organic food choices. Additionally, the merging of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics to customize user experiences and enhance delivery routes is bolstering the market growth.
  • Geographical Trends: Guangdong dominates the market attributed to the growing internet penetration, a tech-savvy population, and busy lifestyles.
  • Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the industry include Ele.me, Meituan Dianping, ENJOY, Daojia and Home-cook, among many others.
  • Challenges and Opportunities: Challenges involve stringent regulations, fierce competition, and ensuring food quality remains high during the delivery process. However, opportunities account of advancements in technology, entering new rural markets, and broadening product range to include groceries and meal kits are supporting the market growth.


China Online Food Delivery Market Trends:

Urbanization and Changing Lifestyles

The rate of urbanization for people living in one place all year increased by more than three times since 1982, reaching 66.2% in 2023 as per the China in Numbers (2023) report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). An increasing number of individuals are moving to metropolitan areas, resulting in the need for easy meal options that save time and lessen the hassle of cooking or eating at restaurants. Online food delivery services fulfill this need by providing a diverse selection of restaurant choices conveniently delivered to the homes of individuals, catering specifically to busy city dwellers. The younger generation, in particular, favors digital solutions and appreciates the convenience of ordering food online. Additionally, modern, fast-paced lifestyles increase the reliance on these services.

Advanced Technology Integration

The rapid evolution of technology and its seamless integration into everyday life are supporting the China online food delivery market growth. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies are used to tailor suggestions according to individual likes, purchase history, and online activity, improving user satisfaction and interaction. Big data analytics is utilized for optimizing delivery routes, forecasting demand patterns, and efficiently managing inventory to ensure timely and cost-effective service. Furthermore, the potential use of drones and self-driving vehicles for delivery in specific city locations is being examined to decrease delivery times and operational expenses. In December 2023, Meituan introduced its inaugural drone delivery service in Shanghai's Yangpu District, offering 15-minute deliveries within a 3-kilometer radius to improve service efficiency and decrease delivery times. This was the 22nd drone route of the company in China, aiming at busy locations to ensure the freshness of food and on-time delivery. The technological progress enhances both the effectiveness and dependability of food delivery services, giving a competitive advantage to the platforms that integrate them, drawing in more users, and driving market expansion.

Marketing and Promotional Strategies

Businesses use discounts, loyalty programs, and targeted advertising strategies to draw in and keep users. Aggressive marketing campaigns that utilize social media and influencer partnerships are helping to increase brand visibility and engage people. These promotional strategies not only aid in gaining new users but also promote repeat business, which is essential for long-term growth. Online food delivery platforms can stay ahead of the competition by consistently coming up with new marketing strategies like providing customized offers and generating interesting content. Their ability to adapt helps them succeed in a competitive market, making sure they remain attractive to their individuals. For instance, in August 2023, Ele.me introduced a digital night market in Changsha, working with local authorities to enhance the city's night economy through exclusive deals and virtual market experiences available on its app. The promotion involved a live event at Yangfan Night Market, improving the market atmosphere with joint promotions and interactive events.

China Online Food Delivery Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on platform type, business model, and payment method.

Breakup by Platform Type:

China Online Food Delivery Market Report

  • Mobile Applications
  • Websites
     

Mobile applications account for the majority of the market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the platform type. This includes mobile applications and websites. According to the report, mobile applications represented the largest segment.

Mobile applications account for the majority of the market share because of the extensive usage of smartphones and the convenience they provide. Mobile apps are transforming the food delivery sector with user-friendly interfaces, real-time order tracking, and personalized suggestions, improving the overall individual experience. The inclusion of different payment choices and loyalty schemes in these apps also increases user interaction and loyalty. Key players in the industry regularly update their mobile apps with innovative features, such as AI-powered recommendations and voice-enabled ordering to meet the changing needs of tech-savvy individuals. As a result, mobile apps not only make ordering fast and easy but also help build a loyal user base, solidifying their position as the main platform in the online food delivery market. In December 2023, McDonald's China joined forces with Huawei to create a custom app for HarmonyOS, allowing users to order meals on various devices, supporting Huawei's goal of increasing HarmonyOS usage in China.

Breakup by Business Model:

  • Order Focussed Food Delivery System
  • Logistics Based Food Delivery System
  • Full Service Food Delivery System
     

Order focussed food delivery system represents the leading market segment

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the business model have also been provided in the report. This includes order focussed food delivery system, logistics based food delivery system, and full service food delivery system. According to the report, order focussed food delivery system accounted for the largest market share.

Order focussed food delivery system represents the largest segment as per the China online food delivery market outlook. This model helps individuals and restaurants to place orders more efficiently by using advanced digital platforms to simplify the ordering process. It offers individuals a diverse selection of restaurants, enabling them to view menus, place orders, and process payments all within one central system. The efficiency and simplicity of this model attract a broad user base, particularly urban consumers seeking quick and convenient meal solutions. By concentrating only on the ordering process and collaborating with many restaurants, these platforms are able to provide competitive prices and regular promotions, making them more attractive. The scalability and ease of integration with various restaurant operations are making the order focussed food delivery system the leading business model in the market.

Breakup by Payment Method:

  • Online
  • Cash on Delivery
     

Online leads the market, accounting for the largest China online food delivery market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the payment method. This includes online and cash on delivery. According to the report, online represented the largest segment.

Online is the most dominant segment in the market, driven by the increasing popularity of digital wallets, mobile banking, and the smooth incorporation of diverse online payment choices in food delivery applications. The market size for digital payments worldwide is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.62% from 2024 to 2032, as per the IMARC Group. The ease and safety of online payments, which decrease the necessity for dealing with physical money, is improving overall user satisfaction. Additionally, online payment options frequently include extra benefits like reduced prices, cashback promotions, and loyalty rewards, which attract more users. The quick processing and delivery of online transactions drive the dominance of this segment in the market. As digital payment infrastructure continues to improve, online payment methods are expected to maintain their leading position, reflecting broader trends towards cashless transactions in China.

Breakup by Region:

  • Guangdong
  • Jiangsu
  • Shandong
  • Zhejiang
  • Henan
  • Others
     

Guangdong holds the largest share of the industry

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Henan, and others. According to the report, Guangdong represents the largest regional market.

Guangdong dominates the market because of its reputation as a highly developed and economically successful region, with cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen acting as key centers for technology and business. In June 2024, Sam’s Club in Shenzhen launched an online shopping and delivery service for Hong Kong residents, aiming to attract people seeking better deals across the border. This move posed a competitive threat to local retailers like ParknShop and Wellcome, prompting them to enhance their services and expand their sourcing networks to retain users. The high digital penetration and crowded population make these cities perfect for the quick uptake of online food delivery services. Furthermore, the varied food culture and fast-paced lifestyle in the area lead to a strong need for accessible food delivery services. The advanced logistics networks and widespread internet connectivity in Guangdong enable food delivery services to operate efficiently due to the excellent infrastructure.

Competitive Landscape:

  • The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Detailed profiles of all major companies have also been provided. Some of the major market players in the industry include Ele.me, Meituan Dianping, ENJOY, Daojia, and Home-cook.

    (Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)
     
  • Major players in online food delivery in China are concentrating on technological advancements, broadening their range of services, and improving user satisfaction in order to stay ahead of competitors. They are making investments in AI and big data analytics in order to offer customized suggestions, enhance delivery routes, and improve operational effectiveness. Collaborations are being formed with a variety of restaurants and food suppliers to provide a range of food choices. On May 9, 2024, The Shilla Duty Free and Meituan Dazhong Dianping signed a business agreement to collaborate on attracting Chinese travelers. This partnership aimed to utilize Meituan Dazhong Dianping's extensive user base for joint marketing initiatives targeting tourists visiting Korea. Moreover, these firms are improving their mobile apps to incorporate functions such as live tracking, touchless delivery, and integrated electronic payment systems. Marketing tactics, including discounts and loyalty programs, are utilized to draw and retain clients in a fiercely competitive market.


China Online Food Delivery Market News:

  • April 2024: Ele.me and fitness app Keep collaborated on a reverse marketing campaign, showcasing ads at Shanghai's Xujiahui Metro Station. The humorous campaign pointed out the struggle between aspiring to fitness goals and giving in to the temptation of food delivery, while also advertising discounts on healthy meals on Ele.me.


China Online Food Delivery Market Report Scope:

Report Features Details
Base Year of the Analysis 2023
Historical Period 2018-2023
Forecast Period 2024-2032
Units US$ Billion
Scope of the Report Exploration of Historical Trends and Market Outlook, Industry Catalysts and Challenges, Segment-Wise Historical and Future Market Assessment:
  • Platform Type
  • Business Model
  • Payment Method
  • Region
Platform types Covered Mobile Applications, Websites
Business Models Covered Order Focussed Food Delivery System, Logistics Based Food Delivery System, Full Service Food Delivery System
Payment Methods Covered Online, Cash on Delivery
Regions Covered Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Henan, Others
Companies Covered Ele.me, Meituan Dianping, ENJOY, Daojia, Home-cook, etc.
Customization Scope 10% Free Customization
Report Price and Purchase Option Single User License: US$ 3699
Five User License: US$ 4699
Corporate License: US$ 5699
Post-Sale Analyst Support 10-12 Weeks
Delivery Format PDF and Excel through Email (We can also provide the editable version of the report in PPT/Word format on special request)


Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

  • IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the market from 2018-2032.
  • The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the China market.
  • Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the industry and its attractiveness.
  • The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.

Key Questions Answered in This Report

The China online food delivery market was valued at US$ 74.2 Billion in 2023.

We expect the China online food delivery market to exhibit a CAGR of 10.3% during 2024-2032.

The rising integration of food delivering services with AI and advanced data analysis to improve management efficiency, streamline related processes, and offer user-friendly interfaces is primarily driving the China online food delivery market.

The sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the increasing demand for online food delivery services to mitigate the risk of coronavirus transmission, owing to the temporary closure of dine-in facilities across the nation.

Based on the platform type, the China online food delivery market can be segmented into mobile applications and websites. Currently, mobile applications hold the majority of the total market share.

Based on the business model, the China online food delivery market has been divided into order focused food delivery system, logistics based food delivery system, and full service food delivery system. Among these, order focused food delivery systems currently exhibit a clear dominance in the market.

Based on the payment method, the China online food delivery market can be categorized into online and cash on delivery. Currently, online accounts for the largest market share.

On a regional level, the market has been classified into Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Henan, and others, where Guangdong currently dominates the China online food delivery market.

Some of the major players in the China online food delivery market include Ele.me, Meituan Dianping, ENJOY, Daojia, Home-cook, etc.

Need more help?

  • Speak to our experienced analysts for insights on the current market scenarios.
  • Include additional segments and countries to customize the report as per your requirement.
  • Gain an unparalleled competitive advantage in your domain by understanding how to utilize the report and positively impacting your operations and revenue.
  • For further assistance, please connect with our analysts.
China Online Food Delivery Market Report by Platform Type (Mobile Applications, Websites), Business Model (Order Focussed Food Delivery System, Logistics Based Food Delivery System, Full Service Food Delivery System), Payment Method (Online, Cash on Delivery), and Region 2024-2032
Purchase options




Benefits of Customization

Personalize this research

Triangulate with your data

Get data as per your format and definition

Gain a deeper dive into a specific application, geography, customer, or competitor

Any level of personalization

Get in Touch With Us
UNITED STATES

Phone: +1-631-791-1145

INDIA

Phone: +91-120-433-0800

UNITED KINGDOM

Phone: +44-753-714-6104

Email: sales@imarcgroup.com

Client Testimonials

Aktive Services

IMARC made the whole process easy. Everyone I spoke with via email was polite, easy to deal with, kept their promises regarding delivery timelines and were solutions focused. From my first contact, I was grateful for the professionalism shown by the whole IMARC team. I recommend IMARC to all that need timely, affordable information and advice. My experience with IMARC was excellent and I can not fault it.

Read More
Greenfish S.A.

The IMARC team was very reactive and flexible with regard to our requests. A very good overall experience. We are happy with the work that IMARC has provided, very complete and detailed. It has contributed to our business needs and provided the market visibility that we required

Read More
Colruyt Group

We were very happy with the collaboration between IMARC and Colruyt. Not only were your prices competitive, IMARC was also pretty fast in understanding the scope and our needs for this project. Even though it was not an easy task, performing a market research during the COVID-19 pandemic, you were able to get us the necessary information we needed. The IMARC team was very easy to work with and they showed us that it would go the extra mile if we needed anything extra

Read More
KRISHAK BHARTI CO-OP LTD

Last project executed by your team was as per our expectations. We also would like to associate for more assignments this year. Kudos to your team.

Read More
Zee Media Corp. Ltd.

We would be happy to reach out to IMARC again, if we need Market Research/Consulting/Consumer Research or any associated service. Overall experience was good, and the data points were quite helpful.

Read More
Arabian Plastic Manufacturing Company Ltd.

The figures of market study were very close to our assumed figures. The presentation of the study was neat and easy to analyse. The requested details of the study were fulfilled. My overall experience with the IMARC Team was satisfactory.

Read More
Sumitomo Corporation

The overall cost of the services were within our expectations. I was happy to have good communications in a timely manner. It was a great and quick way to have the information I needed.

Read More
Hameln Rds

My questions and concerns were answered in a satisfied way. The costs of the services were within our expectations. My overall experience with the IMARC Team was very good.

Read More
Quality Consultants BV

I agree the report was timely delivered, meeting the key objectives of the engagement. We had some discussion on the contents, adjustments were made fast and accurate. The response time was minimum in each case. Very good. You have a satisfied customer.

Read More
TATA Advanced Systems Limited

We would be happy to reach out to IMARC for more market reports in the future. The response from the account sales manager was very good. I appreciate the timely follow ups and post purchase support from the team. My overall experience with IMARC was good.

Read More
Stax

IMARC was a good solution for the data points that we really needed and couldn't find elsewhere. The team was easy to work, quick to respond, and flexible to our customization requests.

Read More