SINCE its launch in the Philippines in 2014, Foodpanda has been steadily working its numbers up and its leadership vowed to do whatever it takes to keep its food delivery game strong.
Headquartered in Berlin, Germany, Foodpanda is an online food delivery marketplace that caters to both businesses and direct consumers. For partner restaurants, Foodpanda brings brands closer to their audience via online and mobile technology intending to increase demand and boost sales, while for customers, it offers a convenient food ordering system from a variety of choices right at their fingertips. It caters more specifically to emerging markets like those in Southeast Asia. “We’re growing faster than ever before, gaining more and more market share. I am very excited with Southeast Asia where we are growing in a very steady, stable position,” says Ralf Wenzel, global chief executive officer.
Wenzel further added that the online food delivery market presents a 50 billion dollar opportunity and is currently being utilized at just one to two percent of the total food delivery industry. “The vast majority of opportunity is still ahead of us. Food delivery is bigger than fashion and even travel. This could be the next big thing in internet,” he explained.
Foodpanda is continuously working to arm countries where it is present with not only operational requirements but also with competent, high-spirited individuals to carry out the goals and objectives of the brand. All eyes are now on the Philippines, which is gradually gaining significant numbers for the organization. In September of last year, Iacopo Rovere was appointed chief executive officer of Foodpanda Philippines. Rovere used to be the global operations manager of Foodpanda HQ in Germany before coming here.
“I love the sunny weather and the vivid colors of the countryside, but what I mostly enjoy here is the positive and enthusiastic attitude of the Filipinos,” shares Rovere. When asked about his leadership style, Rovere said that while formalities and processes are relevant, he is 100 percent target driven. Results and talent are what count for him the most. He motivates his team by setting a good example and always striving for excellence. He is also very hands on and doesn’t mind working shoulder to shoulder with every employee regardless of his or her role.
With the competition getting stiffer year on year, Foodpanda Philippines will exhaust all efforts to stay relevant and viable to retain their market dominance. “Main thrust at the moment is to switch the offline customers to online and introduce platforms to them on where and how they can have their food delivered,” says Rovere. Foodpanda envisions itself to be the most convenient and fastest online food delivery service in the Philippines. (PR)