takeaway com

August 22, 2024

**Takeaway.com: A Leading Online Food Delivery Marketplace**

Takeaway.com, part of the Just Eat Takeaway.com group, is one of the largest online food delivery services, connecting consumers with their favorite restaurants across 14 European countries and Israel. The company, which has grown significantly over the past few decades, offers a convenient platform for ordering food, allowing customers to browse menus, place orders, and have meals delivered directly to their doorsteps. This article delves into the history, operations, and impact of Takeaway.com on the food delivery industry.

### The History of Takeaway.com

Takeaway.com was founded in 2000 by Jitse Groen in the Netherlands. At that time, online food delivery was still a nascent concept, and Groen saw an opportunity to simplify the process of ordering food. Initially, Takeaway.com operated solely in the Netherlands, under the name Thuisbezorgd.nl. The company quickly gained traction due to its user-friendly platform, which allowed consumers to order food from a variety of local restaurants with just a few clicks.

As the company expanded its operations across Europe, it adopted the name Takeaway.com and continued to grow through acquisitions and strategic partnerships. In 2020, Takeaway.com merged with Just Eat, a London-based food delivery giant, to form Just Eat Takeaway.com. This merger created one of the world's largest online food delivery platforms, with operations spanning 24 countries and millions of active users.

### How Takeaway.com Operates

Takeaway.com operates as a marketplace, connecting restaurants with customers through its platform. The company primarily focuses on delivery services for restaurants that do not have their own delivery infrastructure. This allows small and medium-sized restaurants to reach a wider audience without the need to invest in their own delivery fleet.

The platform is easy to use for both consumers and restaurant owners. Customers can search for restaurants based on location, cuisine, and reviews. Once they find a restaurant they like, they can browse the menu, select their items, and place an order. Payment can be made online through various methods, including credit cards, digital wallets, and even cash on delivery in some regions.

For restaurant owners, Takeaway.com provides a comprehensive suite of tools to manage orders, track deliveries, and monitor customer feedback. The platform also offers marketing services to help restaurants increase their visibility and attract more customers.

### Revenue Model

Takeaway.com generates revenue through several channels. The primary source of income is the commission it charges restaurants for each order placed through its platform. This commission typically ranges from 10% to 15% of the order value, depending on the restaurant's agreement with the company.

In addition to commission fees, Takeaway.com also earns revenue from delivery fees charged to customers. These fees vary based on the distance between the restaurant and the customer, as well as the delivery time. The company also offers premium services to restaurants, such as featured listings and targeted advertising, which generate additional income.

### Expansion and Market Presence

Takeaway.com has grown significantly since its inception, expanding its presence across Europe and beyond. The company's merger with Just Eat in 2020 marked a major milestone in its expansion strategy, allowing it to tap into new markets and strengthen its position as a global leader in the online food delivery industry.

Today, Just Eat Takeaway.com operates in 24 countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Canada. The platform connects millions of consumers with thousands of restaurants, offering a wide variety of cuisines and dining options.

One of the key factors behind Takeaway.com's success is its ability to adapt to different markets and consumer preferences. The company has localized its platform for each region it operates in, offering tailored services and features to meet the needs of local consumers. For example, in the Netherlands, the platform is still known as Thuisbezorgd.nl, while in Germany, it operates under the name Lieferando.de.

### Impact on the Food Delivery Industry

Takeaway.com has played a significant role in shaping the online food delivery industry, driving innovation and competition in the market. The company's platform has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of dining options, from fast food to gourmet cuisine, all from the comfort of their homes.

The rise of online food delivery platforms like Takeaway.com has also had a profound impact on the restaurant industry. Many small and independent restaurants have benefited from the increased visibility and customer reach provided by these platforms. At the same time, larger restaurant chains have been able to streamline their delivery operations and expand their customer base.

However, the growth of online food delivery has not been without its challenges. The industry has faced criticism for the high commission fees charged to restaurants, which can eat into their profit margins. Some restaurants have also raised concerns about the reliance on third-party platforms, which can limit their ability to build direct relationships with customers.

In response to these challenges, Takeaway.com has made efforts to address the concerns of its restaurant partners. The company has introduced flexible pricing models and offered support to restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fee reductions and marketing assistance.

### Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility

As a leading player in the food delivery industry, Takeaway.com is also committed to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, including the use of electric scooters and bicycles for deliveries in urban areas.

In addition, Takeaway.com has partnered with various organizations to promote food waste reduction and support local communities. The company has also taken steps to improve working conditions for its delivery drivers, offering fair wages and benefits.

### The Future of Takeaway.com

Looking ahead, Takeaway.com is well-positioned to continue its growth and expansion in the online food delivery market. The company's focus on innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainability will be key drivers of its future success.

As the food delivery industry continues to evolve, Takeaway.com is likely to face increased competition from both existing players and new entrants. However, its strong market presence, extensive network of restaurant partners, and commitment to delivering high-quality service will help it maintain its leadership position in the industry.

In conclusion, Takeaway.com has come a long way since its founding in 2000. From a small startup in the Netherlands, it has grown into a global powerhouse in the online food delivery industry. Through its user-friendly platform, strategic acquisitions, and commitment to innovation, Takeaway.com has made a significant impact on how consumers order food and how restaurants operate. With its eyes set on the future, Takeaway.com is poised to continue shaping the food delivery landscape for years to come.