Wolt releases Local Commerce Report, flagging over €5 billion in merchant sales during 2024

Finnish food and merchandise on-demand delivery platform Wolt has released a Local Commerce Report, which explores how digital platforms are supporting local businesses across Europe and draws on survey data from over 7,000 respondents in more than 20 markets, as well as global Wolt data.

Key highlights:

• Over €5 billion in merchant sales generated via Wolt in 2024

• 83% of merchants surveyed said platforms are important to their business

• 80% said their in-store sales were stable or grew with delivery platforms

• Nearly one-third would have no online store without them

Tuomas Hurmerinta, Global Head of Wolt’s Merchant Business, said: “Our goal is to help local businesses thrive. As people shift to buy more and more online, platforms like Wolt play a crucial role in helping them stay competitive and match changing customer expectations. We’re proud of the work we’ve been able to do so far across 30+ markets, but we’re far from being done, and are constantly looking into new ways to be helpful.”

Platforms are becoming a regular part of daily life, as people look for quick and easy ways to shop locally for everything from food and pet supplies to health, beauty, and electronics, with an estimated 8.5 billion minutes saved globally in 2024 by customers who opt for delivery over cooking.

Hurmerinta adds: “We make it easy for people to buy from nearby businesses, instead of purchasing the same items from warehouses hundreds of kilometres away. Every local order keeps money in the community, supports small businesses, and helps cities thrive.” 

Other key highlights: 81% of consumers who ordered restaurant food discovered new venues on Wolt​; 65% said they had ordered from venues that would be too far away otherwise; 72% appreciated the convenience of delivery.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

On demand delivery will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.