Stephanie Chevalier
E-commerce research and editorial expert
Online food delivery in Spain - statistics & facts
Online ordering has revolutionized how consumers access and enjoy their food. A 2023 survey unveiled that seven of ten Spaniards order food to evoke joyful moments. Beyond just satisfying hunger or avoiding last-minute grocery trips, food delivery platforms provide a comprehensive consumption experience marked by convenience, variety, and unmatched flexibility in selecting and receiving food products.
Similarly, online grocery shopping has become common among Spanish consumers. By the end of 2023, online grocery transactions surpassed eight million, doubling since 2020. Carrefour and Mercadona lead this market, with Amazon's services also gaining traction, often providing same-day delivery.
A tale of resilient growth
The Spanish online meal and grocery ordering market continues to demonstrate strong growth potential, notwithstanding recent fluctuations. Although the number of online food delivery users contracted in 2022 due to COVID-19 recovery and inflation, forecasts suggest both segments will continue expanding. In 2024, around 20 million Spaniards are expected to embrace digital food ordering, with an additional three million joining within the next four years. Revenue projections also show growth, increasing from nearly eight billion euros to over 11 billion over the same period.Operators redefining the game
Online food delivery services have redefined convenience by granting access to diverse restaurants and cuisines through a unified platform. In 2023, almost six in ten delivery buyers in Spain ordered via aggregators like Just Eat, Glovo, and Uber Eats. Despite their rapid rise, Burger King emerged as the top choice for online food delivery bookings, emphasizing the enduring importance of direct restaurant channels.Similarly, online grocery shopping has become common among Spanish consumers. By the end of 2023, online grocery transactions surpassed eight million, doubling since 2020. Carrefour and Mercadona lead this market, with Amazon's services also gaining traction, often providing same-day delivery.
Navigating regulatory hurdles
In August 2021, Spain introduced the 'Rider Law' (Ley Rider) to regulate the working conditions of riders and drivers employed by delivery platforms. By early January 2024, Glovo had paid over 205 million euros in penalties for non-compliance with this law, and the potential for this amount to increase, with the company allocating up to 400 million euros for possible fines. Additionally, a few months after the law's implementation, British company Deliveroo announced plans to exit Spain, citing the significant investment required to comply with the new regulations in an already challenging market.Adaptation: key to survival
Despite recent challenges and regulatory changes, the Spanish online meal and grocery ordering market demonstrates resilience and significant growth potential. Projected increases in adoption and revenues in the coming years require major industry players to continuously adjust to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes in Spain to maintain their foothold in this dynamic market.
