Delivery is the future for fine dining in Brazil

Covid-19 isolation measures have already changed a number of industries in ways that we do not yet understand. Sanitary concerns will take on unprecedented importance around the world, and the rapid expansion and public acceptance of on-demand delivery services of an unlimited range of products may have changed consumer habits forever.

Affected by all of the above factors is the restaurant business, an industry that relies on the public leaving their homes, gathering in reasonably confined spaces, and not wearing masks. While mid-range and popular restaurants have been invested in food delivery for decades, Covid-19 has also pushed fine dining establishments into the takeaway business.

Food delivery is a huge business in Brazil and has been for some time, particularly thanks to the facility of smartphone apps. When factoring in courier and transport services, there are an estimated 4 million people working with deliveries in the country. Leading the way is Brazilian firm iFood, which last year registered some 1.2 million searches per...