Brick-and-mortar seized the opportunity
With their capacity to invest in delivery services, brick-and-mortar grocers account for nearly half of the online food delivery market, which is approximately 2.3 billion euros worth. Not considering the meal kits niche, Carrefour shows the strongest market presence, as the grocery retailer also partners with UberEats for delivery services, both in France and internationally. Additionally, home delivery has turned into an unexpected market opportunity for retailers’ own brands. In 2022, private label accounted for up to one-third of online grocery products offered online.French startups merge with German competitors
In France, platforms such as UberEats and Deliveroo represent about 40 percent of the market and operate mostly in urban areas, where they are now challenged by quick commerce players that ensure rapid delivery times thanks to micro-fulfillment schemes.In addition to that, several startups launched their services so successfully, that they caught the attention of bigger pure players. The ready meals supplier Frichti is a successful example, given its high-ranking funding amount. Founded in 2015 in Paris, Frichti was acquired by the German company Gorillas in early 2022.
A similar acquisition involved the quick commerce company Flink and French delivery service Cajoo. Primarily founded by Carrefour, Cajoo was a key competitor for Flink, which managed to expand its European market presence by acquiring the French company. This operation granted Flink a uniquely beneficial retail partnership with Carrefour in France.
