Deliveroo is trying to stay one step ahead of Uber by launching a new corporate service
Offices can now order takeaway using the service’s new product just for businesses.
FOOD DELIVERY COMPANY Deliveroo has launched a new service to specifically cater for businesses as its rivalry with Uber heats up.
The company announced the launch of an office food delivery service, called Deliveroo for Business, which is available in all 12 countries it operates in, including Ireland.
Deliveroo has come under pressure from Uber in recent months after the ride-sharing startup unveiled its plans for a food delivery service called UberEats. The service has been soft launched in select cities worldwide.
Deliveroo already competes with JustEat in both the Irish and British markets and Hungryhouse, which is only available in the UK.
The announcement comes weeks after Deliveroo raised $275 million in a series E investment and underwent a rebranding exercise that saw the company simplify its kangaroo logo and replace its delivery drivers’ black and blue getup with a more colourful range.
Since it was founded in 2013, the London-based company has raised $472 million.
Uber launched a food delivery service
Proven model
Deliveroo for Business works largely in the same way as its core model does, but instead of billing for individual meals, employees order from a corporate dashboard which is handled by a Deliveroo-appointed account manager.
It charges an admin fee for the service, but would not disclose information about rates for corporate customers when asked by Fora.
Businesses can set certain restrictions like capped spend allowances per employee and a limit on when and where they can order from.
The product is advertised as a way for businesses to cater for both regular lunchtimes and office events.
Christine Oddy, head of Deliveroo for Business in Ireland and the UK, told Fora that the company has already seen demand for delivery to offices and workplaces and “wanted to provide a comprehensive service for businesses to operate this offering to employees and clients with minimal admin for the company”.
The company has come under fire in recent months over its treatment of delivery drivers and riders, who have complained of being transferred onto new delivery-based contracts.
