Takeout And Delivery Occasions Growing, Reports Technomic

Consumers’ increasing need for convenience is driving growth for off-premise foodservice occasions, according to a new study from Technomic Inc. Compared to three years ago, 33% of consumers overall and 49% of those aged 18 to 34 say they are now purchasing “food to go” more often. Further, 19% of consumers purchase takeout from restaurants 10 or more times per month, up from 16% in 2013.

“As takeout becomes more widely available, ordering takeout is becoming more of a habit for consumers when they don’t want or have time to cook, yet they also don’t feel like dining in at a restaurant” explains Anne Mills, manager of consumer insights. “Takeout has the potential to drive additional traffic and sales rather than cannibalize dine-in revenue.”

Data from Technomic’s new 2016 Takeout & Off-Premise Dining Consumer Trend Report show the following:

• Consumers are more likely to order carryout or delivery via a restaurant’s mobile app or website than by using an online ordering platform.
• A quarter (26%) of 18- to 34-year-olds say they are using third-party delivery more often now than one year ago.
• Roughly a third of consumers aged 18 to 34 say they are highly likely to order takeout using chatbots or emojis via text or social media sites, if offered.