Coverage and Characterization of Food Delivery Services Through a Mobile Application in Small and Medium-Sized Cities in Brazil
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This is the first study to analyze the coverage and profile of establishments registered on a meal delivery application (MDA) in small and medium-sized cities in Brazil. The app serves 497 municipalities across 22 states, offering 28,325 establishments. App coverage was measured as the ratio of cities served to the total small and medium-sized cities in each Brazilian region. The establishments were categorized using keyword analysis into six groups: International Cuisine, Snacks, Bakery Products, Complete Meals and Side Dishes, Sweets, Ice Creams and Desserts, and Healthy Options. Greater app coverage was observed in the South (13.68%) and Southeast (13.63%) regions. In contrast, lower coverage was noted in the North (2.46%) and Northeast (2.30%) regions. The keyword category ‘Snacks’ was the most used across all Brazilian regions, while ‘Healthy Options’ was the least utilized. Positive correlations were identified between the number of establishments on the app and the Municipal Human Development Index (r = 0.30; p < 0.001), demographic density (r = 0.23; p < 0.001), and urban population (r = 0.55; p < 0.001). The use of keyword categories varied across municipalities based on their demographic and socioeconomic characteristics. Our findings reveal significant asymmetries in app coverage and the types of registered establishments, which may further exacerbate inequalities in food access.
Authors: Renata Júlia da Costa, Paloma Aparecida Anastacio Barros, Juliana de Paula Matos, Paula Martins Horta
Institution: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,016
Award: G4294827490
OpenAlex ID: W4407621420