CREDIT CRUNCH TAKES A BITE OUT OF DOMINOS – TWO THIRDS GO FOR CHEAPER, LOCAL OPTION

Online ordering of pizza has doubled in the previous 3 months for the UK’s largest online local takeaway portal, with over two-thirds of customers preferring to order the credit-crunch friendly option rather than the more expensive brands such as Dominos.

Giving a snapshot of the UK takeaway market, the UK’s largest online takeaway site has reported record sales. Chinese has overtaken Indian food as the nation’s favourite since launching more than 7 million orders ago, and pizza sales have more than doubled in the past 3 months alone.

The sales increase is attributed to the fact that brands such as Dominos have not accommodated for the economic downturn, meaning local restaurants are benefitting from the online ordering public through portals such as www.Just-Eat.co.uk.

Dominos’ cheese and tomato 13.5 inch pizza costs £10.99 to order online, in contrast to an average price of just £7.46* for the best alternative in local restaurants in the UK.

A study of 1,263 people showed that in the current climate, over two thirds, 69%, would prefer to go for the more affordable option when buying takeaway food.

Using Just-Eat.co.uk’s database of partnered restaurants, data shows that Londoners still pay over £2.50 less on average per local pizza than through ordering via Dominos, something that thousands of takeaway lovers are getting a better understanding of.

The average price of a large cheese and tomato pizza in Manchester from local restaurants is just £7.10, and £7.19 from Birmingham, which is over 20% less than the Dominos alternative.

David Buttress, UK CEO of Just-Eat.co.uk had the following to say,

"Our priority is to ensure that consumers receive the best deal they can given that cash is so tight at present for many. Our rise in pizza sales indicates that the public are beginning to shop around online for the best price takeaways, finding many of our more local partnered restaurants who offer well-priced alternatives.

"It is fantastic that our service is putting customers back in touch with their local takeaway restaurants that have historically lost out to the corporate brands."

www.Just-Eat.co.uk provides a quick and convenient service supplying customers with a large directory of varied restaurants and eateries in their area, which when selected provide the user with a full, up-to-date menu including prices. The site also gives the customer an estimated delivery time, as well as beverage options.