More than one in three people are less likely to cook at home because of food delivery services, according to new research highlighting the threat of the growing trend to c-stores.

The insight, from MCA’s UK Foodservice Delivery Market Report 2018, found that the proportion of UK adults using foodservice delivery at least every two to three months is up to 60%, with average spend per order per head also rising.

Consumers say foodservice delivery services make them less likely to have a meal in a restaurant (net agreement +27%) and to cook at home (net agreement +34%) – which rises to 41% among 18-34 year olds.

MCA director if insight, Steve Gotham, said: “For the retail sector, it is very hard to argue against foodservice delivery being a disruptor. Our report highlights the growing impact that foodservice delivery is having on consumer decision making, with people eating out and cooking at home less often.”

“HIM and MCA data highlights the importance of Gen Z and Millennials to the retail sector, so this indicates a significant share of wallet threat to c-stores and supermarkets. Retailers need to clearly demonstrate the quality of their range and the value it offers in order to better inspire younger shoppers.”

The research was conducted through over 3,500 online consumer surveys and analysis of MCA’s market sizing and company tracking.