This project provides a detailed and objective assessment of the economic impact of Uber Eats in Belgium. By analysing the Uber Eats ecosystem, including its partner merchants, couriers, and users, IDEA Consult delivers evidence on the value this specific platform generates for the Belgian economy. It is the first time that the economic impact of this delivery platform for Belgium has been assessed. The findings have been insightful for Uber Eats and helped policymakers and local authorities better understand Uber Eats’ role and contribution in the Belgian economy.

The challenge

Delivery platforms have expanded rapidly across Belgium, yet their economic contribution remains widely undocumented. To address this gap, Uber Eats asked IDEA Consult to conduct a comprehensive economic impact study of Uber Eats, examining the platform’s economic footprint on businesses and households, and its wider effects in the Belgian economy.

The study covers:

• Economic value generated across the platform ecosystem
• Benefits for merchants and couriers
• Welfare effects for consumers.

Process & results

The analysis combines platform operational data provided by Uber Eats, targeted anonymous surveys, and economic modelling techniques. Insights from merchants, couriers, and consumers were integrated with input–output modelling to estimate direct, indirect and induced effects, while consumer time savings were valued to capture broader welfare effects.

The study shows that Uber Eats has become a meaningful contributor to Belgium’s local economy:

• The ecosystem generates €416.6 million in economic activity, including €125 million in value added.
• Initial investments by merchants and couriers to join the platform created an additional €186 million in one-time economic impact.
• For many restaurants, Uber Eats already represents a substantial share of sales, and a majority expected this to grow further in 2025.
• Merchants highlight increased visibility, convenience and additional sales as key motivations for joining the platform.
• Consumers benefit from convenience, menu variety and quick delivery, while couriers value flexibility and income opportunities.
• In total, consumers saved over 78,000 hours, reflecting the platform’s broader societal value.

The results underscore the growing relevance and impact of delivery platforms in local economic systems and highlight the importance of evidence for well-informed policymaking. Understanding platform dynamics can help cities and governments shape policies that support innovation while ensuring fair, sustainable conditions for businesses, workers and consumers.