The food delivery service industry is expanding to meet consumer demand, here are three partnerships that are making advancements.
In today’s fast-paced, internet-driven world where consumers can easily curate their day-to-day activities, food delivery service is a concept of increasing demand.
There are dozens of companies that offer a food delivery service for consumers. People can now have their meals designed specifically for their needs and taste preferences, while avoiding trips to the grocery store. According to Google Trends, relative search interest for the term “food delivery service” has been increasing in popularity throughout 2017.
Some of the world’s largest food and beverage franchises have taken notice and begun working on their own food delivery service strategies.
Here’s a look at three large partnerships currently focused on bringing food delivery services to cities across the U.S.
Amazon and Sprouts
Amazon may have purchased Whole Foods this summer, but that does not mean they intend on parting ways with Sprouts.
Instead, Sprouts is planning to expand its partnership with Amazon so the company can offer a food delivery service to additional customers.
“We will be delivering Sprouts products through the Prime Now service to over 20 locations across many of our major markets by year end,” said Amin Maredia, CEO of Sprouts.
A 10-store test run was previously launched as part of their strategic initiatives focused on product innovation and online customer engagement. The successful test launch motivated additional expansion and will be a big move in the grocery delivery space.
Walmart and Uber
In 2013, Walmart started testing a food delivery service in Denver and Phoenix through ride-sharing companies like Lyft and Uber. It has now, in partnership with Uber, expanded to offer their food delivery service to Dallas and Orlando.
Customers can go online—even through their smartphones—conveniently place an order, and schedule a time for delivery. From there, Walmart employees grab the items, scan them, and request an Uber delivery car.
This partnership is symbolic of the paradigm shift from brick and mortar storefronts to e-commerce platforms. Goods are now brought to the consumer at the tap of a smartphone screen.
Domino’s and Ford
Domino’s Pizza is also exploring new and innovative delivery service options.
The company has not only embraced autonomous car technology but, last year, the company delivered the first pizza by drone in New Zealand.
Now, Domino’s has partnered with Ford to continue exploring the potential of autonomous car technology for food delivery service.
Over the next few weeks, randomly selected Domino’s customers will have the option to receive their orders from a Ford Fusion Hybrid Autonomous Research Vehicle. The vehicle will be manually driven by a Ford safety engineer.
Domino’s designed an upgraded version of the online “Domino’s Tracker” feature for customers to track the delivery vehicle.
Customers will also receive text messages to update them on the autonomous car’s location. As it approaches, they will be instructed on how to unlock a specially-designed Heatwave Compartment inside the vehicle.
As consumers continue to respond positively to the concept of delivery by drones or autonomous vehicles, the food delivery service market will respond by further exploring new avenues to help meet the ever-increasing demand.
