New Zealand’s Uber Eats Habits Revealed: From Banana Binges to Butter Chicken Dominance
New Zealanders spent big on food delivery in the past year, with some truly remarkable ordering patterns emerging, according to new data released by Uber Eats. The platform facilitated approximately $120 million in revenue for local restaurants and revealed surprising insights into the nation’s culinary preferences.
New Zealanders’ appetite for convenience and diverse cuisine is clearly on the rise. One particularly dedicated customer placed over 1,200 orders throughout the year – averaging more than three deliveries per day – with assorted cookie pies consistently topping their list. Another customer demonstrated an extreme preference, ordering 51 bananas in a single transaction, while a third placed an astounding 25 orders in a single day, totaling nearly $2,100.
Butter Chicken Reigns Supreme, Salt is the Secret Weapon
The data confirms butter chicken with garlic naan as New Zealand’s favorite Uber Eats pairing. Beyond specific dishes, Kiwis demonstrated a penchant for customizing their meals. Salt emerged as the most popular add-on, closely followed by cheeseburgers and pickles, suggesting a desire to enhance existing flavors.
Regional Differences and Sporting Event Spikes
Interestingly, ordering patterns varied slightly between the North and South Islands. The North Island experienced its busiest day on June 27, coinciding with a cold snap in Auckland, while the South Island’s peak occurred on October 5, at the conclusion of school holidays. Generosity also differed geographically, with North Island customers averaging a $2.50 tip compared to $2.41 in the South Island.
Fried chicken became the nation’s go-to meal during major sporting events, particularly the Super Bowl, highlighting the link between celebratory occasions and food delivery.
Uber Eats Fuels Local Economy and Restaurant Discovery
According to Andy Bowie, general manager of Uber Eats New Zealand, the platform has become a significant economic driver for local merchants. “The app helped to generate about $120 million in extra revenue for local merchants,” Bowie stated in a company release. Furthermore, 70% of users reported that Uber Eats helped them discover new restaurants, demonstrating the platform’s role in expanding culinary horizons.
The data underscores the growing importance of food delivery services in New Zealand and provides a fascinating glimpse into the nation’s evolving eating habits.
