Siska De Lombaerde, country director Belgium & Luxembourg at Takeaway.com, will explain novelties and trends, ambitions and research results on Gondola Day. We already got a taste.
Gondola Day is about synergy and versatility. How does your presentation fit in with the AND&AND story?
We are evolving from a platform that delivers restaurant meals to your home to one that goes much further. At the start, the approach was a digital platform that connects hungry stomachs and restaurant operators. During the corona pandemic, groceries were added, especially in pioneering countries such as the UK and Germany. In Belgium, grocery deliveries also increased last year, both in collaboration with local players (grocery stores, convenience stores, etc.) and with Carrefour, for example. But we aim even further than meals and groceries. Non-food is also on the menu, even in 2024.
What are the advantages of home delivery for groceries and non-food by Takeaway.com?
Broadly the same as for meals: convenience and speed. There are of course supermarkets that deliver groceries to your home, but that is slower. Takeaway already has couriers on the road who can deliver quickly – whether it concerns a meal, groceries or non-food. You can already order a lot online, but you are often dependent on parcel companies or postal services. If you place an order via Takeaway.com, you can count on much shorter delivery times. For some products this is really an added value. Suppose you have lost your laptop charger or something else that you need urgently, then it is useful to order in one click and receive it about an hour later. Electronics is a category that is ideal, but it could just as well be cosmetics or pet food. In Germany we are already a partner with MediaMarkt, in other countries with Lush’s handmade cosmetics. And there is much more in the pipeline.
Many home deliveries, many couriers. How does that fit with sustainability?
Our mission is not just delivery, but delivery with a positive impact. We only deliver with bicycles, e-bikes, and soon also with e-scooters. We also notice a shift towards environmentally friendly transport at restaurants that have their own delivery service. Our packaging – which our partners can purchase at a competitive price – is eco-friendly. We also provide restaurants with trends that match what consumers expect and that benefit people, society and the planet. A more varied offering, less meat, more plant-based… these are just a few trends that emerge from our annual report.
Finally, what does Gondola Day have in store for you?
There is a lot to discover, so I am looking forward to a full day. I want to hear as many speakers as possible. It is always interesting for a business leader to see what others are doing. For me it’s about discovering interesting food AND gaining inspiration AND networking.
Peggy Van der Auwera
