ISLAMABAD - As virus pandemic gripped the world, the trend of digital grocery app downloads and online food delivery services are flourishing as consumers can now easily order food items online within shortest possible time. 
The rise of digital technology in Pakistan too has now transformed the food delivery process and reshaped the market business. Instead of going to restaurant, customers are now placing their orders via restaurant apps and online websites. Restaurants are ensuring transparency and convenience in their services. Once the order had been placed online, the restaurant fulfills it by ensuring the food is delivered to the customer’s home.
 “During Covid-19 and restriction in Ramazan, food delivery has remained our most popular business,” an online delivery service app holder added.
More and more people especially home-based women appear to be opening their own online businesses and offering huge variety of food items to their customers, said a citizen.
Customers have a wide range of choices to choose food items from. While some want the reassurance of experience, others are more concerned about affordability and speed of delivery, said a renowned online grocery store worker.
The changing consumer preferences have also contributed to the growth of online food services, said another owner of a restaurant in capital city. 
A youngster while commenting said that the growth of delivery platforms has the new option to deliver food was easier and more convenient for customers and restaurants, adding, using mobile apps, websites, and text messages, more customers are persuaded to try the order.
According to another worker who is working with a local food-delivery company said that the demand for online food businesses has seen tremendous increase especially during the month of Ramazan.
“This is great business opportunity for people staying-at-home and fasting in Ramazan,” said another citizen.
No doubt the virus has disrupted the hospitality industry, with supply chains breaking down and food businesses facing declining demand due to store closings and lockdown measures but the online app downloading was a new trend among citizens, said an IT expert