International dishes such as curries, kebabs and butter chicken are forecast to be popular for delivery this spring, according to data compiled by Grubhub Inc.
The Chicago-based online and mobile food-ordering and delivery company analyzed orders over the past two spring seasons — those in 2017 and 2018 — to get its top 10 forecast for 2019.
Grubhub customers are on the rise. It had 17.7 million active diners in 2018, up 22% from the 14.5 million active diners in 2017. The company booked 435,900 daily orders on average, a 31% increase of 334,000 in 2017. Total food sales for the company in 2018 were $5.1 billion, up 34% from the $3.8 billion in 2017, and it covers 2,000 U.S. cities and London.
Analyzing orders and order volume from the past two springs, Grubhub predicted these trends will be popular this spring, in order:
1. Indian butter chicken
2. Thai yellow curry
3. Chicken kebabs
4. Poke bowls
5. Kale salad
6. Grilled salmon
7. Tikka masala
8. Lettuce wraps
9. Grilled chicken burrito
10. Açaí bowls
For the just-passed winter season, the company said, “Folks found comfort in baby back ribs the most this winter, and those looking to indulge gluten-free enjoyed cauliflower crust pizza.”
Using the similar comparative methodology for the winter months (defined as orders between Dec. 22, 2018, and March 13), Grubhub found popularity increases in:
- Baby back ribs: up 250%
- Waffle fries: up 205%
- Baked potato soup: up 196%
- Bacon cheeseburger: up 181%
- Chicken alfredo: up 181%
- Chicken fajitas: up 131%
- Spicy ramen: up 119%
- Cheddar broccoli soup: up 104%
- Cauliflower crust pizza: up 94%
- Stuffed French toast: up 84%
A Grubhub survey released in December found the Top 5 reasons order their food include was because they:
- Didn't feel like cooking (43%)
- Wanted to satisfy a craving (30%)
- Sought to save time from cooking/cleaning (28%)
- Planned an at home game night/movie night (25%)
- Planned a family night dinner (24%)
That third-party survey examined the ordering habits of a demographically representative sample of 1,927 U.S. consumers between the ages of 18 and 54 who ordered food for pickup or delivery via web or mobile in the prior three months.
Contact Ron Ruggless at [email protected]
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