Retail food delivery is a courier service in which a restaurant, store, or independent food-delivery company delivers food to a customer. An order is typically placed via a restaurant or grocer’s website, mobile app, or food ordering service. This line of business has become popular in Africa, and we present the top 5 food delivery services in South Africa.
Having food delivered to your door could be one of the most revolutionary aspects of the modern world. A lot of restaurants and shop owners have now developed apps that make finding food delivery services near you much more accessible, shifting from in-restaurant ordering to over the phone.
Many food delivery apps are available, whether you have planned a dinner take-out or have the midnight munchies. Many South African food delivery apps are available throughout the country, but some are only available in certain regions.
Regardless, an app allows you to order food online if you have a craving but don’t want to leave your house. Consider whether they deliver to your area, the cost and speed, and whether they deliver the food you want when deciding which app to use.
Food delivery services in South Africa
Food delivery is now a big business, with a global market value of $1.4 trillion expected by 2027. South Africa also has a sizable market share in international food delivery. South African food delivery is expected to reach $2.51 billion by the same 2027.
Food delivery apps have become extremely popular, filling a previously unmet need. The public in South Africa has been waiting for this service for a long time, and they haven’t been disappointed.
The top 5 food delivery services in South Africa
If you are unsure about which food delivery apps are available to deliver your food, here are the top 5 food delivery services in South Africa:
1. UCook
Locations: Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban
UCook is available in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and other smaller towns. UCook sends you ingredients to prepare meals for one, two, or four people. They serve three meals per week and cater to low-carb, vegetarian, and rustic diets. All ingredients are sourced ethically and sustainably.
2. UberEats
Locations: Countrywide
UberEats is also available throughout South Africa. The Uber taxi service has become a popular mode of transportation for many South Africans, so its food delivery branch is bound to succeed. UberEats provides a diverse range of restaurant options, and the app can be used while travelling abroad, ensuring that you always have something familiar at your fingertips.
3. Mr. D Food
Locations: Countrywide
Mr. D Food is arguably South Africa’s most well-known food delivery service. Mr. D, which provides services across the country, has undergone some changes, including developing a more user-friendly website to maintain its identity as the primary food delivery service. They deliver from over 1000 restaurants in 53 areas and accept orders via their website or app.
4. Appetite
Locations: Durban and Johannesburg
Appetite’s operations centres are in Durban and Johannesburg, but their app has access to restaurants nationwide. You can also pay electronically through the app, which means your payment is taken care of before your food arrives. You can also suggest restaurants from which you’d like to be able to order, so your favourites will appear on the app soon.
5. OrderIn
Locations: Countrywide
OrderIn is available throughout South Africa and is one of the first food delivery services on the market. Founded in 2013, OrderIn began slowly but has gained significant traction since 2018. This shift in momentum is mainly due to the development of a user-friendly app and website. OrderIn does not alter standard menu prices; instead, they charge a delivery fee, so you get what you pay for.
Conclusion
Food delivery services in South Africa have been booming since the late 2010s, and the industry has yet to peak. The South African food and delivery market is expected to grow over the next ten years, with new entrants expected.