What Deliveroo’s Singapore exit says about the city’s food delivery wars
South China Morning Post
by Jean IauFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The exit of Deliveroo from Singapore’s food delivery market highlights the intense competition in the city-state’s $2 billion food delivery industry, driven by platforms like Grab and Foodpanda offering cheaper fees and more options. As the article notes, Sabir Ansari, a frequent user of the service during the COVID-19 pandemic, found it increasingly difficult to justify Deliveroo’s higher costs when rivals provided better deals. This shift in consumer behavior underscores the growing dominance of local platforms over international players like Deliveroo, signaling a broader trend in Southeast Asia where regional giants are gaining ground.
The article paints a picture of a highly competitive market, with platforms engaging in aggressive promotions and discounts to attract customers. These strategies have made delivery fees significantly cheaper compared to Deliveroo’s offerings, leading many users, including Ansari, to switch to alternatives like Grab and Foodpanda. This phenomenon is particularly notable in Singapore, where the pandemic accelerated the adoption of food delivery services, creating a highly price-sensitive consumer base.
Deliveroo’s exit from Singapore reflects a broader challenge faced by
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/26/2026