Marketing In Asia (M.I.A), brings you an exclusive inside look at Deliverect’s recent acquisition of ChatFood. Through a series of questions and direct responses, we dig into the implications of this merger on the restaurant industry, particularly in the Middle East. We’ve personally gathered these responses from the key players involved, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this exciting development.
Deliverect’s Enhanced Offerings and Middle Eastern Presence
The acquisition of ChatFood not only bolsters Deliverect’s presence in the Middle East but expands its offerings globally. With the launch of two innovative products, Deliverect Social Media Ordering and Deliverect Order & Pay, restaurants can connect with and engage customers in ways that were previously unthinkable. Consumers can now enjoy the convenience of ordering from their favourite restaurant’s social media channels and messaging platforms like WhatsApp. They can also easily place orders and pay tabs at tables independently, heightening the dining experience.
Ensuring Smooth Integration and Transition
Deliverect understands the importance of a seamless transition for the 3,000-plus food service locations in the Gulf region that rely on ChatFood. A smooth integration is a priority for Deliverect, with dedicated efforts in place to ensure no disruptions and optimal set-ups for restaurants to benefit from Deliverect’s complete platform.
We are thrilled to welcome ChatFood to the Deliverect team. With ChatFood, we now provide a 360-degree solution inspired by the challenges our customers face, supporting them both with in-restaurant dining and online food delivery. This milestone is significant for our company, because each day we strive to simplify the lives of restaurant owners and help them thrive in the digital age.
—Zhong Xu, CEO and co-founder of Deliverect
Enhancing Customer Engagement and Retention
Deliverect plans to leverage ChatFood’s loyalty and social media ordering solutions to enhance customer engagement and retention. Restaurants will gain invaluable access to customer data, enabling them to craft more personalised marketing campaigns and loyalty offers. The goal? Foster stronger relationships and repeat business.
Addressing Challenges and Expanding Service
Serving 43,000-plus restaurant and food service businesses worldwide isn’t without challenges. The surge in online food delivery has prompted a drastic shift in restaurant operations. However, Deliverect remains committed to providing the tools and infrastructure necessary for restaurants to thrive in this new digital age. The acquisition of ChatFood propels Deliverect closer to offering omnichannel solutions to help restaurants grow their first and third-party sales channels.
Staying Competitive in the Growing Foodtech Market
The acquisition of ChatFood is a strategic move to stay competitive in the rapidly growing foodtech market in the Middle East and North Africa, which is expected to reach a whopping $15 billion by 2025. Deliverect aims to lead this market by offering comprehensive, consumer-focused solutions, setting a high bar for competitors.
We’ve had an opportunity to observe Deliverect’s values and dedication to their customers through our existing integration and long-standing partnership. We recognised that their approach aligned with our own. We are so excited by this next chapter in our journey and bringing our solutions to restaurants around the world.
—Ben Mouflard, CEO and co-founder of ChatFood
Future Developments and Expansion
With ChatFood co-founders, Benjamin Mouflard and Vini Rodrigues, continuing to spearhead growth and expansion, we can expect the global launch of Deliverect Social Media Ordering and Deliverect Order & Pay by the end of Q3. This is an exciting time for the foodtech industry, and we anticipate more innovative features in the near future.
Balancing In-restaurant Dining and Online Delivery
Deliverect’s vision centres around supporting restaurants in their digital transformation. They strive to enhance both in-person dining and online delivery experiences, ensuring a quality customer experience from start to finish. Through technology, Deliverect aims to provide a seamless, personalised dining experience, regardless of the channel used by customers.
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Deliverect’s acquisition of ChatFood promises a transformative effect on the restaurant industry, particularly in the Middle East. By integrating ChatFood’s strengths in social media ordering and loyalty solutions, Deliverect is poised to redefine the way restaurants and food service businesses operate in the digital age. With a unified solution that streamlines operations and enhances customer experience, Deliverect is indeed making waves in the foodtech landscape. Stay tuned for more insights and updates on this exciting development in the foodtech industry.
