Takeaway curry

The proportion of people ordering food for delivery has climbed 5% in the past six months, aided by the application of new technology, a study from food delivery service Deliveroo shows.

Thirty-six per cent of people now order food for delivery, according to the survey carried out by consumer insights company Morar HPI for Deliveroo.

The younger generation has driven the growth of the delivery model, with almost three in 10 of under-30s ordering more food for delivery, compared with 6% of those aged over 50.

Some 46% now order food on a website or an app, an increase of 8% since July last year, compared with 18% in person - a mode of ordering that has dropped 3%.

Thirty-six per cent order on the phone - down 5% since July last year, the survey of 4,000 people across the UK showed.

The increase in orders for delivery reflects the growth in video on demand, with people choosing box sets over the dinner table. The research found that 67% of people consumed their most recent delivery in front of the TV, while only 18% sat at the table.

The results of the survey also reflect less cooking at home because of work and social commitments. Focus groups highlighted busier home lives, changing work patterns and the pressure of raising a family with work as key reasons for ordering more meals at home.

“People are ordering delivery more and more because of busy lives and the increased options available,” said Deliveroo UK MD Dan Warne.

Getting something delivered was no longer a one-off treat, but an affordable solution full of healthy choices for more occasions from breakfast to late-night meals.

“Customers still want the restaurant experience to socialise and celebrate, which is why eating out remains broadly stable. But when people spend the night at home, whether they are back late from work or are choosing a night in with a box set, delivery means more opportunities for our restaurant partners,” Warne said.