Stephanie Chevalier
E-commerce research and editorial expert
Online food delivery in Brazil - statistics & facts
In a country like Brazil, with over 200 million inhabitants, the food delivery industry—dedicated to providing meals in the comfort of people’s homes—is bound to flourish. In 2024, the South American giant was projected to generate approximately 18.8 billion U.S. dollars from online food delivery, making it the top-grossing Latin American country in the sector and placing it among the ten largest markets worldwide.
Compared to the general population, this generation is more inclined toward food delivery, with over half of those surveyed between the ages of 15 and 28 making it a regular habit. The convenience of satisfying cravings without leaving home, dealing with traffic, or standing in queues is an irresistible reason for consumers of all ages to embrace this service.
iFood: the food delivery behemoth
No other player in Brazil's online food delivery market comes close to rivaling iFood’s dominance. Founded in 2011 in Osasco, a city adjacent to São Paulo, iFood commands an astounding 87 percent of the country's e-food delivery bookings. It consistently ranks first across numerous metrics, including platform visits, app downloads, and completed orders. Unlike its regional counterparts, iFood has focused most of its resources and efforts on conquering a single market. By 2024, it was present in over 1,700 Brazilian cities, serving more than 55 million users and partnering with over 350,000 restaurants, leaving minimal room for competition to thrive.Consumer choices and motivation
The variety of options available when scrolling through a food delivery website or app can feel overwhelming. Yet, one item consistently stands out as a favorite: pizza. According to a survey, nearly six in ten users prefer ordering this Italian dish, followed by sandwiches, açaí—a dish made from the frozen, mashed fruit of the açaí palm—and ice cream. Gen Z show a strong preference for fast food, as well as traditional Brazilian cuisine.Compared to the general population, this generation is more inclined toward food delivery, with over half of those surveyed between the ages of 15 and 28 making it a regular habit. The convenience of satisfying cravings without leaving home, dealing with traffic, or standing in queues is an irresistible reason for consumers of all ages to embrace this service.
