Following today’s news (11 August) that Deliveroo has released its HY 2021 results, seeing its orders double to 148.8 million;

Carmen Bryan, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

“Many consumers have become comfortable with a digital lifestyle during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will be difficult to unlearn these habits, which are largely driven by ease and comfort. Another factor is that concern around eating out at restaurants persists for two in five* Brits despite the easing of lockdown restrictions. Takeaways have a leg up in this respect as they offer a way for people to indulge or treat themselves without risking infection or overspending. GlobalData’s research highlights that one in five people have been ordering a takeaway at least once a week in the last three months – much to the benefit of food delivery companies like Deliveroo.

“However, it should be warned that this strong performance will slow over time. While online usage was at an all-time high during the peak of the pandemic, with more consumers working from home and shopping online, the return of the high street saw online usage decelerate. Naturally, it will come down to striking a balance between digital and conventional lifestyles. Deliveroo’s diversification into the grocery sector will greatly benefit the company with this, as it strengthened the company’s core business strategy. Deliveroo offering of convenient, quick and accessible delivery solutions is a trend that will never go out of style.

“Brand familiarity, combined with the apps accessibility and ease of use, are other main drivers for the company’s strong performance; as long as Delieveroo continues to recognise and put these emerging consumer needs at the forefront of its business, it should be able to ride out the rest of 2021.”