The death of home cooking: inviting people "for dinner" is increasingly becoming inviting them to order from Glovo

The European digital landscape is experiencing a significant shift, marked by evolving consumer habits and the profound impact of digital platforms on daily life. Recent analyses reveal a dramatic increase in the consumption of prepared meals, indicating a substantial outsourcing of traditional domestic activities. This trend highlights how digital services are fundamentally reshaping how individuals manage their time and resources. Data from Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA) shows a staggering 514.8% rise in the consumption of prepared meals since 2004. By 2024, the average Spaniard consumed nearly 17 kilograms of prepared food annually, with "ready-to-eat" products achieving a near-universal 98.6% market penetration. This surge is primarily driven by convenience, with 85% of consumers prioritizing ease and 60% citing a lack of time for cooking. This phenomenon underscores the growing reliance on digital platforms and on-demand services to fulfill basic needs, impacting sectors from e-commerce to food delivery. The convenience offered by these digital solutions directly addresses the perceived time scarcity in modern European life. As digital transformation accelerates, understanding these behavioural shifts is crucial for policymakers and businesses navigating the evolving digital economy.