Bangkok, Thailand, May 16, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / The Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), in partnership with Food Ordery Co., Ltd., has launched the new digital platform eatsHUB. The platform aims to support small businesses and food providers within the framework of Thailand's "National Delivery Platform" project. It is designed to make online food delivery more accessible to everyone – cost-effective, highly beneficial, and tailored to consumers' lifestyles. eatsHUB plans to generate over 500,000 registered users, more than 5 million transactions, and an economic value exceeding 500 million baht in its first year. The app is now available for download on Android and iOS.

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Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President and CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many areas of life. At the same time, however, it has also accelerated the use of digital technologies due to social distancing rules and nationwide lockdowns.

People and organizations worldwide have had to adapt to new ways of working and living. There are key factors that have contributed to the continued growth of food delivery platforms during the two years of the pandemic.

The market for food delivery platforms is currently very large due to its size and intense competition for market share, particularly from foreign companies. However, for small businesses and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) opening a restaurant, operating costs are higher and profits lower than for large restaurants.

Some small businesses have raised food prices for consumers. eatsHUB can facilitate access to the digital platform for small businesses, thus helping to reduce inequality. The eatsHUB platform was jointly launched by depa and Food Ordery and is a Thai project within the framework of the National Delivery Platform Project. Its aim is to support small businesses, delivery drivers, and anyone who wants to join eatsHUB.

“Our greatest strength, eatsHUB, is the gross profit share of approximately 8–10% charged by food retailers. This is significantly less than other online delivery platforms that have complained about gross profit shares of around 30%. Customers also benefit from this. Depa expects over 500,000 registered users, more than 5 million app usages, and economic growth of over 500 million baht in the first year. Furthermore, around 2,000 new drivers are expected to be recruited for the delivery service in the first year,” he said.

Mr. Thammanit Khamwangyang, Managing Director of Food Ordery Co., LTD, stated that due to its projected success, eatsHUB currently covers four areas in Bangkok: Bangkhen, Chatuchak, Ladprao, and Suan Luang. The company also plans to expand the service to all of Bangkok and the surrounding area by July 2022. He anticipates that eatsHUB will encompass 18 provinces in its first year, including Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phetchaburi, Surat Thani, Phuket, Songkhla, Chon Buri, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, and Nakhon Phanom. The company expects over 20,000 food service establishments to join eatsHUB at launch.

He added that eatsHUB would set new standards for food providers, for example by encouraging online delivery services to reduce their profit margin to 8–10% compared to other providers. Providers joining eatsHUB receive their payments within one day with no minimum fee. eatsHUB employs various marketing campaigns and big data analytics. Because eatsHUB was created as a collaborative project between the government and the private sector, the platform is characterized by reliability and meets customer needs. It also helps food providers maintain high quality standards and fair prices.