Fish and chips preferred by Kiwis: survey

AUCKLAND: Fish and chips is the most popular takeaway among New Zealanders, followed by Indian food and Hawaiian pizza, a food ordering company says.

Hawaiian is the top choice of pizza topping among New Zealanders and gourmet burgers are fast becoming a top choice for takeaway delivery.

New Zealanders spent $2.85 billion on food and beverage services in the March quarter.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, that is down 0.5% from $2.86 billion in the December quarter, according to the latest retail trade survey.

New Zealand is one of the world’s fastestgrowing takeaway markets.

About 1.2 million New Zealanders order takeaways for delivery, according a Menulog survey conducted by YouGov Galaxy Research, using data and insights from Menulog, which has 900 restaurants on its local platform.

Research by London insights company Global Data predicts annual growth in New Zealand’s takeaway delivery market to be up 6.7% by 2021 — double the growth forecast for dining out at restaurants.

Menulog New Zealand manager Paul Dodds said the growth in the industry came down to technology making it easier and more convenient for New Zealanders to use.

‘‘There is now a huge variety of cuisine being delivered to people’s doors. We’re also seeing people’s dining habits change as the range of cuisine continues to grow — and that is great for both consumers and local restaurants,’’ Mr Dodds said.

Menulog’s report found threequarters of New Zealanders put off going out to dinner to stay at home and order takeaways.

The Australian company has 300,000 active users in New Zealand, and 70% of its orders were placed on a mobile device.

The average spend per order is $42.

Chris Wilkinson, managing director of retail consultants First Retail Group, said busier lifestyles meant an increasing number of Kiwis were eating out or opting for takeaways.

‘‘The takeaway market is intensely competitive in New Zealand, reflected in lossleader pricing, package deals and brands looking to extend their relevance, such as extending into lunch and breakfast offers,’’ Mr Wilkinson said.

‘‘There are a number of factors driving the takeaway market including competition, continued refreshment of offer and innovative delivery solutions that have closely engaged our millennials and [those with] increasingly busier lifestyles.’’

McDonalds had one store for every 27,000 people in New Zealand, one store for every 25,000 people in Australia and one store for every 14,000 people in the United States but New Zealand was the top per capita in the world, Mr Wilkinson said.

Delivery services such as UberEats had driven demand for takeaways.

‘‘UberEats and DeliverEasy have really transformed demand and while affecting the margin of businesses, have increased sales for businesses that are participating.’’