Singaporeans more reliant on food delivery services, survey reveals
About 7 out of 10 people say ordering from their favourite restaurant during COVID-19 has contributed to their mental health.
The coronavirus pandemic has made Singaporeans more reliant on food delivery services last year, according to a Censuswide survey commissioned by Deliveroo.
The study, which had 1,000 respondents in the Lion City, found that over two-thirds (69%) of respondents agree that ordering in from their favourite restaurant during COVID-19 has contributed to their overall happiness, especially amongst younger people aged 16-44 (73%), compared to people aged 45 and above (62%).
80% of those surveyed said they are ordering from food delivery services more than ever before, with half (50%) admitting that they order in food more than once a week.
81% of respondents aged 45-54 stated that they are more reliant on food delivery services to order their meals. 82% of those surveyed said they would use food delivery services more regularly in the next few years.
Singaporeans spent an average of S$105.25 a month on food delivery services last year, a 56% increase compared to 2019 (S$67.54). Those aged 55 and above make up the age group with the highest spending habits. Last year, the group spent an average of S$125.21 a month, a 62% rise from 2019 (S$77.27). On average, Singaporeans in the Central region (S$126.75) spent the most a month on food delivery services in 2020, followed by the East region (S$103.23), North-East region (S$100.57), North region (S$99.47) and West region (S$96.96).
The survey also revealed that almost 3 in 5 (58%) Singaporeans prefer to order from local restaurants, with those aged 55 and above taking the lead (70%), followed by respondents aged 35-54 (65%), despite the dine-in ban during Singapore’s circuit breaker.
Seeking convenience remains a factor for respondents, with 59% admitting that they prefer the convenience of ordering in over cooking at home. This resonated more with respondents aged 25-44 (67%), compared to older (45-54) Singaporeans (52%).
49% are also more likely to use food delivery apps to order in meals when they have a social gathering of three people and above.
"The survey results not only reinforce the important role food delivery plays in Singaporeans' lives; it reaffirms how food can deliver a sense of happiness and comfort in a time of uncertainty,” Deliveroo Singapore general manager Sarah Tan said.
