In Russia, about one in five people (19%) planned to use grocery delivery less in 2023, according to a survey reported by RBC and based on data from Geo.Platforma. This shift highlights how price pressures influenced buying habits across households during the year.
Many respondents cited higher product prices as the main driver of reduced orders, with 27% pointing to price increases as the decisive factor. Convenience issues also played a role: 22% said the delivery app was not easy to use, and 16% noted slower delivery times. A portion of shoppers, 15%, reduced their use due to a narrower product assortment available through delivery channels.
Meanwhile, 19% of those surveyed indicated they relied less on delivery services, whereas 26% said delivery was their only grocery channel for 2023. About 33% shopped for groceries in person, and 41% alternated between delivery and in-store purchases, reflecting a blended approach to grocery shopping among many households.
When it comes to delivery service problems, a sizable share of Russians reported quality issues: 33% encountered defective items, and 27% faced incomplete packaging. Roughly 20% reported packaging was opened, 19% experienced order mix-ups, and 14% did not receive a product at least once, underscoring reliability challenges in last‑mile fulfillment.
Around the most frequently ordered categories, Russians tended to buy beverages such as soda, along with pastries and desserts, while many preferred purchasing meat, fish, and produce directly from stores themselves, driven by preference for freshness and control over selection.
Context: the dynamics of grocery delivery in Russia during this period illustrate broader questions about price sensitivity, user experience, and fulfillment reliability that have parallels in other markets, including Canada and the United States, where consumers weigh convenience against cost and product availability. The evolving landscape continues to shape how households balance online and offline grocery shopping, guided by value, trust, and practical delivery experiences.