Delivery services are booming in several countries and are considered one of the most promising sectors of the U.S. economy. With rising demand for delivery apps, new technologies are emerging to meet market needs — and software development in this area is expanding as well.
According to Google data, searches for the term “food delivery app development” have increased significantly in the U.S., showing a 1,200% surge over the past 12 months.
The survey also shows that the food service sector is one of the main drivers behind the growing demand for delivery services. This trend reflects the constant pursuit of convenience — whether at home, at work, or during studies.
As delivery services grow, so does the demand for professionals who specialize in developing applications for this sector. The United States, for instance, ranks second in the world in food delivery revenue, reaching US$353 billion in 2024 from the food service industry alone.
In addition to the strong performance of established companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats, new apps continue to appear to meet increasingly diverse consumer needs.
In this context, technological innovations are gaining ground by targeting specific niches. There are apps focused on healthy eating, as well as corporate solutions like catering services that offer buffets for companies.
Beyond the food industry, the on-demand delivery model has expanded into other sectors. The growth of e-commerce, for example, further strengthens retail's presence in the digital space.
A study by Appinventiv revealed the industries investing the most in on-demand delivery apps. Marketplaces lead the way, generating US$35.5 billion — more than half of the total US$57.6 billion.
Next are logistics and transportation companies, which serve as a bridge between various sectors, generating US$5.6 billion in sales. In third place is the food service sector, with US$4.6 billion, including restaurants, supermarkets, and other establishments.
The growth of e-commerce is also boosting the development of digital store applications. In the first half of 2024, the app development sector recorded an annual growth rate of 25%.
Statista data shows that e-commerce generated US$6.3 trillion globally in 2024. This rise is accompanied by an increasing number of consumers adopting this method of shopping.
As a result, the tech industry is directly impacted. The demand for more efficient and higher-quality services drives the search for developers capable of innovating and optimizing platforms, further heating up the job market.
The high demand for delivery apps is fueling the job market — but it's also intensifying competition for skilled professionals. Startups face challenges in competing with established companies when it comes to attracting talent.
However, this can be mitigated by adopting practices that value employees. Factors such as competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career growth play a key role in attracting and retaining professionals in the industry.
With the global expansion of delivery and e-commerce, emerging countries are solidifying their positions as leaders in this market. By 2027, it’s estimated that they will account for more than half of global retail e-commerce transactions.
Although these countries have historically lagged behind developed nations, they have been closing the gap by adopting technological innovations more rapidly. They also benefit from large populations that drive growth.
This environment supports the global expansion of delivery platforms. The competition among countries tends to benefit e-commerce companies, keeping the outlook for the sector positive in the coming years.
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