Delivery Platforms Important For 83% Of Businesses

Eighty percent of merchants said in-store sales grew or remained stable with delivery platforms, while 35% said they would not offer the service at all if platforms were to disappear.

The findings are based on a survey of more than 7,000 consumers and merchants across 23 countries in Europe and Asia, conducted in partnership with leading research firms Copenhagen Economics and Taloustutkimus, and Wolt’s analysis of data from across its operating markets.

Delivery platforms are helping small and medium-sized businesses to level the playing field by providing access to online services and enabling last-mile delivery.

This has helped companies reach more customers and increase sales.

Merchants generated €5 billion through Wolt in 2024 across all its operating markets, according to company data.

‘Help Local Businesses Thrive’

Tuomas Hurmerinta, global head of Wolt’s merchant business, said, “Our goal is to help local businesses thrive. As people shift to buy more and more online, platforms like Wolt play a crucial role in helping them stay competitive and match changing customer expectations.

“We’re proud of the work we’ve been able to do so far across 30+ markets, but we’re far from being done, and are constantly looking into new ways to be helpful.”

Estimates reveal that customers worldwide saved a total of 8.5 billion minutes in 2024 by choosing delivery over cooking, giving them more time to focus on other activities.

The data also revealed that delivery platforms are becoming a weekly shopping destination, with 72% of consumers saying they appreciate the convenience of delivery.

Hurmerinta added, “We make it easy for people to buy from nearby businesses, instead of purchasing the same items from warehouses hundreds of kilometres away. Every local order keeps money in the community, supports small businesses, and helps cities thrive.”

Other Findings

Data also showed that orders placed on Wolt accounted for 13% of merchants’ estimates of monthly sales.

Moreover, 29% of merchants surveyed said they would have no online store without Wolt.

The study also revealed that 41% opted for Wolt over their own delivery staff because order volumes are too small or unpredictable, while 39% said it was too difficult to hire and retain delivery workers.

Additionally, close to a third (33%) said Wolt offered the ability to reach customers at greater distances.

Around 83% of merchants surveyed operate from only one to three locations, with 42% employing fewer than five people. Seventeen percent are family-owned, while 11% are partnerships with multiple owners.

As a result, Wolt helps them reach more customers without the need to scale physically.