Independent takeaway businesses are contributing a huge £28bn annually to the UK economy, according to new research commissioned by Just Eat.

The findings come as the delivery platform marks its 20th anniversary in the UK and reaches a milestone of 2 billion orders.

Research conducted by Development Economics found that independent takeaway operators generate £28bn in gross value added (GVA) and support almost 900,000 jobs nationwide, reinforcing their role as a key pillar of local economies and high streets.

Just Eat said the results demonstrate the continued strength of independent food businesses, even as the market evolves to include a broader mix of categories such as grocery, health and beauty, and electronics. The platform now offers more than 100,000 options to UK consumers.

Claire Pointon, UK and Ireland managing director at Just Eat, said: “Independent takeaways remain the beating heart of our platform and a force for good on our high streets.

“Looking ahead, expect even more choice on our platform and continued investment in technology that makes life easier for customers and partners.”

The research also highlights strong consumer support for local operators, with nearly half of UK consumers prioritising independent takeaways when ordering, and one in five ordering from them at least once a week.

More than six in 10 shoppers said they would be willing to pay more or wait longer to support independent businesses, while over half said they would pay up to 10 per cent extra.

The data points to a growing alignment between consumer values and local food ecosystems, with 61 per cent of respondents saying independent takeaways are essential to the character of the high street, and 64 per cent believing high streets would be worse off without them.

Younger consumers are also driving momentum in the category, with more than half of 25 to 34 year olds reporting that they are ordering from independent takeaways more frequently than two years ago.

To mark its anniversary, Just Eat is launching a campaign celebrating its longest-standing restaurant partners, with a series of ‘Takeaway OG’ plaques set to be awarded to businesses in London, Glasgow and Leeds.

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