Study shows three of every 10 meals ordered from the main food delivery app in Brazil come from 'dark kitchens'
A recent study conducted in Brazil has revealed that three out of every 10 meals ordered from the main food delivery app in the country come from 'dark kitchens'. These are kitchens that operate without a physical restaurant or storefront and solely rely on online orders for their business.
The study was conducted by the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel) and showed that the use of dark kitchens has increased significantly in recent years. In 2018, only 4% of meals ordered through the main food delivery app came from dark kitchens, while in 2020, this number had risen to 30%.
The rise of dark kitchens can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for food delivery services, the lower costs associated with operating a dark kitchen compared to a traditional restaurant, and the flexibility it offers to chefs and entrepreneurs who want to start a food business without the high overhead costs of a physical location.
However, the use of dark kitchens has also raised concerns about food safety and hygiene. Since these kitchens do not have a physical storefront, they are not subject to the same health and safety regulations as traditional restaurants. This has led to calls for greater regulation and oversight of dark kitchens to ensure that they meet the same standards as traditional restaurants.
Despite these concerns, the use of dark kitchens is likely to continue to grow in Brazil and around the world as more consumers turn to food delivery services. As such, it is important for regulators and industry stakeholders to work together to ensure that these kitchens operate safely and responsibly.