26% of Asian respondents now rely on local services as well as food delivery services to order their meals, TGM Research study reveals

Convenience has become a cornerstone of modern lifestyle and Ramadan is no exception.

The "Ramadan Effect" bears witness to a fundamental truth: that religion and economy are inextricably linked, their coexistence is vital to the fabric of society. During Ramadan, this interconnectedness is particularly apparent in the sphere of food consumption, where the spiritual and economic worlds converge in a display of cultural significance and tradition. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, businesses across the world are gearing up to accommodate the needs of Muslim customers.

rising preference for mobile-first options

Feasting Finances: Upsurge in Food Budget

Ramadan is a month of reflection, renewal, and devotion for Muslims around the world. In this sacred time, the faithful devote themselves to fasting from dawn until sunset, abstaining from sustenance as a means of cultivating spiritual reflection and self-discipline. This year, a remarkable 98% of Muslims will join in observance of this holy ritual, a sincere testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith.

For while the fast may entail abstaining from food and drink, it is not solely about deprivation. Rather, it is an opportunity to express gratitude and celebrate the bounty of life. Food consumption during Ramadan is higher than one might expect, defying common misconceptions and emphasizing the central role that food plays in the cultural and social fabric of this holy month. According to TGM Ramadan Global Survey 2023, more than half of the participants divulged their intention to allocate a larger portion of their budget towards gastronomic indulgence.

Ramadan's Embrace of Convenience: A Modern Twist on Traditional Celebrations

In the modern era, the journey of a freshly cooked meal has expanded beyond the confines of the conventional kitchen-to-dining table paradigm. Now, with the advent of cloud kitchens and food delivery applications, culinary delights can be enjoyed by individuals in even the most far-flung locales. Convenience has become a cornerstone of modern lifestyle and Ramadan is no exception.

Asian families in particular are reinventing their celebration customs to suit the demands of modern living. Instead of spending hours preparing meals, 26% now rely on local services as well as food delivery services to easily obtain their meals. It is estimated that every year, up to 47% of Muslims in Indonesia make the choice to order food outside their home in order to serve their eating needs during this month-long period. This demonstrates impressive growth in the food delivery sector in Indonesia, where delivery apps are now becoming increasingly popular opportunities for both businesses and consumers alike.

Although not as prominent as in Asia, the Middle East has also experienced a notable surge in the food delivery sector during the holy month of Ramadan, with 18% of the population opting for this convenient service. The region’s lower adoption rate of food delivery may be attributed to inadequate digital adoptions and limited operational proficiency among service providers, ultimately resulting in their reluctance to embrace this service.

Rising Preference for Mobile-First Options

36% of consumers said they used their mobile applications to place food orders. With more and more people relying on smartphones and other handheld devices, it is essential that companies create products that are responsive, user friendly, and optimized for the various screen sizes. By doing this, companies can take advantage of the accelerated digital adoption by providing customers with a better experience when they interact with your business online.

Ramadan 2023 is coming!

Would you like to know how it will look this year? Get insights from the world's biggest Ramadan study.

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Discover Global Ramadan 2023 Consumer Insights