How food delivery has evolved through the years

Although when exactly food delivery started is unclear, the trend continues to influence the food market as people and businesses embrace technology to make and fulfil orders. The COVID-19 pandemic has also fueled the evolution of the food industry as people used remote methods or online platforms to buy food and other household items.

It’s a challenging feat to start or get into the food delivery business due to the underlying requirements, such as food safety. However, within the evolving trends in the food industry, nutrition plays a massive role in determining what people want for food vendors. To increase revenue in a restaurant business, catering must ensure that the menus include a balanced diet. They must also consider installing management systems that support the food business and having a team of professionals to run the operations.

This article looks at the key milestones in the evolution of food delivery through the years.

Food Delivery In Ancient Rome

Some historians estimate that Ancient Romans started preparing food in restaurants between 753 B.C. and 476 A.D. They relied on Thermopolium—modern-day restaurants— to serve meals to people from counters that keep the food hot. This could be the origin of restaurant concepts in the world today.

The Emergence Of Milk Delivery

As a precious commodity, milk delivery started in 1785 in America. It came when industrialization became popular in most parts of the country. But the primary reason was to enhance milk delivery since people were buying directly from farmers. Soon, the world picked this trend, and it became a facet of the food delivery business.

In the 18th century, the production of bottled milk started in a bid to meet the growing demands of the market. People used horse-drawn wagons to push high volumes and enhance milk delivery.

The First Pizza Delivery

Italians are popularly known for making delicious pizza. It was first delivered to royals— King Umberto and Queen Margherita—in 1889. Chef Raffaele Esposito ensured that the pies were born to them when they came to the city. From then on, pizza became one of the most ordered meals for royals and commoners. 

Today, pizza may be the first fast food people order when they pick up their phones. It’s a popular trend that gained momentum in the mid-20th century. Many bars, restaurants, and Club Management establishments may consider adding a pizzeria to increase sales and cater to customer preferences. 

Dabbawalas: On-Time Meal Delivery in India

In the 1890s, during colonial India, food delivery started as a time-saving technic for those working in big cities such as Mumbai. At lunchtime, Dabbawalas used to carry home-cooked meals in small boxes to workplaces. It allowed people to focus on work without having to leave their office or workstation to get a meal. The system is still prevalent in India and has spread worldwide for those who prefer take-out meals. The Dabbawalas are highly efficient in the business, with a low error rate. 

Chinese Food Delivery: Pioneering The Trend

Chinese food delivery used technological advancement to increase sales in the mid-20th century. It was among the first popularized cuisines in America around that time. It established itself as a reliable option in the food business for those looking to spoil themselves during holidays. People order by calling Chinese restaurants and getting the food delivered as late as 1 a.m.

Food Delivery During World War II

Between 1935 and 1945, food delivery became a tactic to provide food for people fearing for their lives. The bombing drove people to shelters, and governments enlisted volunteers to cook food and deliver it to those affected. This approach was used by most countries during World War II to supply food to those on the front line. Food delivery in that era was on a humanitarian and commercial basis. But many people borrowed the concept to run restaurants.

 

 

The Rise Of Restaurant Food Delivery

In the 1950s, Television largely contributed to eating delivered food at home. People used to watch their favourite programs while dining. The availability of Telephones propelled this since orders were just a phone call away. Cars were also used to deliver food at fast as possible. 

However, there were concerns about unsafe driving in the 1960s by vehicles making food deliveries. People complained that the 30-minute turnaround for orders was short, opening doors to recklessness on the roads.

Food on Wheels debuted around the same time as concerns about road safety related to food deliveries increased. It began using the same concept as Dabbawalas to deliver food to workers and reduce movement during lunch hours. The food trucks had sanitation concerns then, but the evolution has changed over time due to food safety and healthy eating campaigns.

The Advent Of Online Food Ordering

Today, online food ordering is one of the many ways people can access food. It started in the late 1990s, and the growth of the Internet and information technology supported it. Food outlets like Pizza Hut took orders as early as 1994. Mobile applications and platforms like Uber Eats are now available to simplify food ordering and services to the market. The 21st century seems promising for the food delivery business as it offers convenience through technology integration.  

Takeaway

Food delivery has come a long way, and people can enjoy the convenience of ordering food online. The evolution will continue as more businesses embrace technology in service delivery. Besides that, nutrition is a concern for many using food delivery services. People have become more aware of the content of the food delivered.