Brits are ordering more food than ever before to their doorsteps. In fact, the increase in market share for home deliveries is expected to see a continued annual uptick of around 8.4% year on year for the foreseeable – according to data from commercial kitchen firm Dephna.
However, as this demand increases, consumers have high expectations for their food delivery experiences, and for improvement. A recent survey by CCS McLays has uncovered that UK consumers are highly concerned about the hygiene and safety of their food deliveries.
A resounding 86% of those surveyed by CCS McLays believe it’s the responsibility of food outlets to ensure their food arrives secure and tamper-free, with nearly half (49%) demanding tamper-evident packaging as standard.
For retailers, a negative delivery experience can leave a lasting impact, with 44% of Brits saying they wouldn’t reorder from a provider after a single unsatisfactory experience. That figure rises among older customers: only 14% of those aged 25-54 and six per cent of those aged over 55 would consider giving a provider a second chance.
As Ian Hall, CEO of packaging experts CCS McLays, points out, “UK consumers are becoming increasingly unforgiving. Today, it’s about nailing the essentials – secure, fresh, tamper-free food deliveries. One slip-up, and they’re gone.”
Widespread concerns over hygiene and quality
A recent YouGov survey, conducted among 2,000 GB adults, shed light on high levels of concern over the safety and quality of food in transit.
A significant 55% of respondents worry about hygiene standards, while one in ten believe their food has been tampered with en route. Among younger consumers in the 18 to 24 age range, nearly a quarter (24%) report concerns over tampering, signalling a potential tipping point in trust among the UK’s digital-native generations.
The consequences of compromised food safety don’t stop with lost orders. In today’s socially connected world, dissatisfied customers are not shy about making their voices heard. Two thirds (66%) say they would complain directly to the brand, 38% would warn friends, and 17% would take to social media to post a negative review.
With so many options in the delivery space, customers will go elsewhere, and quickly, if standards fall short.
Consumers’ top delivery concerns: What needs to change?
It’s not just tampering that’s on the minds of British consumers. The survey highlighted several consistent pain points with food delivery, from temperature issues to missing items:
- Food temperature: 53% say their food didn’t arrive at the right temperature
- Missing items: 50% cite concerns about not receiving their full order
- Wrong orders: 40% report receiving incorrect items
- Poor food condition: Over a fifth (22%) have been disappointed by the state of their food on arrival
- Damaged packaging: 21% are concerned about the condition of packaging
What’s the takeaway? Consumers want more than a delivery – they want a seamless, secure experience. Key factors they say would improve the delivery experience include timely arrival (60%), sealed containers (50%), clear tracking (50%), and tamper-evident packaging (49%).
Securing trust in the future of food delivery
The call for tamper-evident food delivery packaging is clear. As Ian Hall puts it, “Consumers are demanding urgent action. It’s not about flashy extras; giving a great customer experience simply means secure, fresh, tamper-free food.”
With consumer demand edging toward regulatory requirements seen in places like California, UK food outlets would do well to adopt packaging innovations that not only protect their food but strengthen their brand trust.
To help food outlet providers meet the demand for secure deliveries, CCS McLays has launched its Seal2Go tamper-evident food delivery bags in the UK.
The bags are designed to keep food safe with an integrated tamper-evident system that includes foldable adhesive closure tabs and tamper-proof score cuts. This system offers an added layer of visible security for the restaurant, delivery driver, and consumer alike.
In a market where customer loyalty can hinge on a single experience, the arrival of tamper-evident packaging like Seal2Go represents more than just a security measure.
It’s an opportunity to keep consumers coming back by offering the peace of mind they’ve been waiting for. For brands, this might just be the key to lasting success in an increasingly competitive landscape.
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