Australia’s food delivery industry is evolving rapidly, driven by urbanisation, shifting consumer preferences and advancements in technology. With on-demand dining becoming the norm, the sector is embracing faster and becoming more efficient with tech-driven solutions.
As more Australians opt for convenience over dining out, F&B businesses must adapt their operations to stay competitive. From AI-driven personalisation to cloud kitchens and sustainable packaging, the future of food delivery is reshaping opportunities for restaurants, virtual brands and food entrepreneurs.
Market growth and consumer trends
Australia’s food delivery market is experiencing significant growth. In 2024, it was valued at AUD 20.92 billion and is projected to surpass AUD 43.12 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.50% from 2025 to 2034 as driven by the increasing demand for convenience and digital ordering.
Several key trends are fuelling this expansion:
1. Rise of food delivery apps
Platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Menulog have made ordering food easier and more accessible than ever.
2. Growing demand for convenience
A recent survey by Canstar Blue found that Australians are spending an average of $60 per week on delivery food through the use of apps such as UberEats, Deliveroo and DoorDash, highlighting a shift toward at-home dining.
3. Expansion of virtual brands & cloud kitchens
Many restaurants are transitioning to delivery-only models to cut rental costs and scale operations faster.
4. Increasing expectation for speed
Consumers now expect 30-minute or faster deliveries, pushing F&B brands to streamline their kitchen operations.
Shifting consumer preferences
In addition to market growth, consumer preferences are evolving:
- Chicken dishes are among the most popular delivery items, according to the 50+ Food and Alcohol Delivery Statistics and Trends for 2024 by DoorDash.
- 38% of consumers say high-quality food photography influences their food delivery choices according to the 2024 Restaurant and Alcohol Online Trends report.
To stay ahead, F&B brands must adapt quickly to these changing preferences.
How technology is reshaping food delivery
Tech innovations are making food delivery in Australia more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable.
1. AI-powered personalisation
Delivery apps use AI-driven recommendations based on past orders, time of day, and user preferences to enhance customer experience and boost order frequency.
2. Robotics & automation in kitchens
Some kitchens integrate robotic chefs and automated food prep systems to improve consistency and speed.
3. Sustainable & green deliveries
The push for eco-friendly delivery is growing, with more businesses adopting:
- Biodegradable packaging
- Electric delivery bikes & drones
- Reusable containers
4. The rise of quick-commerce
Beyond restaurant meals, food delivery platforms now offer on-demand groceries, alcohol, and daily essentials delivered in under 30 minutes.
Why cloud kitchens are the future
One of the biggest game-changers in food delivery is the rise of cloud kitchens, also known as ghost kitchens or dark kitchens.
What are cloud kitchens?
Cloud kitchens are delivery-only kitchens with no dine-in space, designed to maximise efficiency and reduce costs for online food orders.
Benefits of cloud kitchens for F&B brands
- Lower overheads – No need for expensive dine-in spaces.
- Faster expansion – Scale quickly without investing in multiple locations.
- Optimised efficiency – Focus purely on delivery and streamline operations.
- Higher profit margins – Reduce staffing and operational costs.
How ChefCollective helps restaurants succeed
As Australia’s food delivery industry grows, cloud kitchens provide a scalable, cost-effective solution for F&B brands looking to expand their reach.
ChefCollective offers state-of-the-art cloud kitchen facilities designed for delivery-first restaurants.
Our kitchens help businesses:
- Expand without high rental costs
- Reach more customers through leading delivery apps
- Optimise kitchen efficiency with tech-driven solutions
- Reduce operational risks with a fully managed space
Whether you are an established restaurant or launching a virtual brand, ChefCollective empowers you to succeed in Australia’s growing food delivery market.
