According to a press release from NPD Group, total delivery sales in the foodservice industry are up 20 percent over the past five years, and total delivery foodservice visits are up 10 percent in the same timeframe. The market research firm attributes that growth to digital ordering, which now accounts for more than 50 percent of all delivery visits.

These gains are reported in stark contrast to an overall decline in sales in the foodservice industry over recent years. Warren Solochek, NPD Group’s senior vice president, industry relations, says as overall sales sagged, delivery has gone from a nice-to-have service to a need-to-have service, and he doesn't see that trend swinging back anytime soon.

“Restaurants need delivery in today’s environment in order to gain and maintain share. It has become a consumer expectation. Convenience is among the chief reasons why consumers visit restaurants and delivery brings a heightened level of it,” said Solochek. “We forecast that delivery will grow over the next five years and the growth will source to non-traditional delivery outlets and dayparts.”    

Read the full press release at npd.com.