GITNUXREPORT 2026

Ghost Kitchen Industry Statistics

The ghost kitchen industry is booming globally due to explosive growth and consumer demand.

Rajesh Patel

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

65% of U.S. consumers ordered from ghost kitchens weekly in 2023.

Statistic 2

Millennials (25-40) represent 52% of ghost kitchen orders globally.

Statistic 3

70% of Gen Z in UK prefer ghost kitchen brands over traditional.

Statistic 4

Urban dwellers (pop >1m) account for 80% of ghost kitchen demand.

Statistic 5

Women make up 55% of ghost kitchen app users in India.

Statistic 6

Average order value from ghost kitchens: $25 in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 7

45% of Chinese consumers aged 18-24 order ghost kitchen daily.

Statistic 8

Low-income households (<$50k) 30% more likely to use ghost kitchens.

Statistic 9

62% of Brazilian ghost kitchen users are 18-34 years old.

Statistic 10

Australia: 40% of orders from families with children.

Statistic 11

UAE: 75% expatriates use ghost kitchens weekly.

Statistic 12

Canada: 50% bilingual users prefer ghost kitchens for variety.

Statistic 13

South Africa: 55% black consumers primary ghost kitchen users.

Statistic 14

Japan: 60% female users aged 20-30 for ghost kitchens.

Statistic 15

78% repeat customers loyalty rate in ghost kitchen apps.

Statistic 16

France: 48% of 25-44yo order ghost kitchen 2x/week.

Statistic 17

The global ghost kitchen market size was valued at USD 51.94 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2021 to 2028.

Statistic 18

In 2023, the U.S. ghost kitchen market reached $28.5 billion in revenue, marking a 15% increase from 2022.

Statistic 19

Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 40% of the global ghost kitchen market share in 2022 due to high urbanization.

Statistic 20

Ghost kitchen deliveries grew by 59% year-over-year in Q4 2021 across major U.S. cities.

Statistic 21

By 2027, the European ghost kitchen market is projected to hit €12 billion with a CAGR of 22%.

Statistic 22

India's ghost kitchen sector expanded to 1,200 units in 2023, up 25% from 2022.

Statistic 23

Global ghost kitchen market projected to reach $182.99 billion by 2027 at 20.6% CAGR.

Statistic 24

U.S. ghost kitchens generated $1.7 billion in 2020, surging 150% from pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 25

China’s ghost kitchen market valued at RMB 200 billion in 2022, with 30% YoY growth.

Statistic 26

UK ghost kitchen revenue hit £1.2 billion in 2023, driven by 40% delivery app adoption.

Statistic 27

Latin America ghost kitchen market to grow at 25% CAGR to $5 billion by 2026.

Statistic 28

Australia’s ghost kitchen industry reached AUD 2.5 billion in 2023.

Statistic 29

Middle East ghost kitchen market expanded 35% in 2023 to $1.8 billion.

Statistic 30

Canada ghost kitchens saw 28% growth in 2023, market size $2.1 billion CAD.

Statistic 31

Southeast Asia ghost kitchen revenue projected $10 billion by 2025.

Statistic 32

Brazil ghost kitchen market hit BRL 4 billion in 2023 with 32% growth.

Statistic 33

South Korea ghost kitchens valued at KRW 15 trillion in 2023.

Statistic 34

Africa ghost kitchen market nascent at $500 million in 2023, 50% CAGR expected.

Statistic 35

Japan ghost kitchen sector grew 18% to JPY 300 billion in 2023.

Statistic 36

Global ghost kitchen investments reached $2.5 billion in 2021.

Statistic 37

U.S. ghost kitchens numbered 1,200 in 2020, growing to 5,000 by 2023.

Statistic 38

London hosts over 100 ghost kitchen hubs with 500+ virtual brands.

Statistic 39

India has 5,000+ ghost kitchens concentrated in Tier-1 cities (80%).

Statistic 40

China operates 400,000 ghost kitchens, 70% in top 10 cities.

Statistic 41

Dubai has 150 ghost kitchen facilities serving 2 million orders/month.

Statistic 42

New York City ghost kitchens: 300+ locations, 40% in Brooklyn.

Statistic 43

Brazil São Paulo ghost kitchens: 800 units, 25% YoY addition.

Statistic 44

Australia Sydney/Melbourne: 200 ghost kitchens, avg 10 brands/site.

Statistic 45

Paris ghost kitchens grew to 250 in 2023, Uber Eats dominant.

Statistic 46

Seoul has 1,500 batched ghost kitchens in industrial zones.

Statistic 47

Toronto Canada: 150 ghost kitchens, 60% multi-brand.

Statistic 48

Mexico City: 400 ghost kitchens, Rappi 50% market share.

Statistic 49

Johannesburg SA: 100 ghost kitchens, Mr D 70% orders.

Statistic 50

Singapore: 300 ghost kitchens, 90% in centralized hubs.

Statistic 51

Berlin Germany: 120 ghost kitchens, Gorillas/Wolt key players.

Statistic 52

Mumbai India: 1,000 ghost kitchens, Swiggy/Zomato 85% vol.

Statistic 53

Los Angeles: 400 ghost kitchens, 55% in converted warehouses.

Statistic 54

U.S. ghost kitchen revenue averaged $1.2 million per location in 2022.

Statistic 55

CloudKitchens reported 25% profit margins for top operators in 2023.

Statistic 56

Average ghost kitchen ROI achieved 18 months payback period in urban areas.

Statistic 57

DoorDash-powered ghost kitchens saw 40% revenue uplift in 2022.

Statistic 58

Rebel Foods (Faasos) reported ₹1,200 crore revenue in FY2023.

Statistic 59

KeeTa (Meituan) ghost kitchens averaged RMB 5 million annual revenue.

Statistic 60

U.S. ghost kitchen EBITDA margins hit 15-20% for scaled operations in 2023.

Statistic 61

Virtual Dining Concepts generated $100 million revenue from 100 brands in 2022.

Statistic 62

Kitopi UAE reported AED 500 million revenue with 30% margins.

Statistic 63

PopBox (Australia) ghost kitchens averaged AUD 1.5 million revenue per site.

Statistic 64

Average monthly revenue per ghost kitchen in India: ₹20-30 lakhs.

Statistic 65

UK Deliveroo Editions kitchens generated £2 million per hub annually.

Statistic 66

Brazilian iFood ghost kitchens saw 50% revenue growth to BRL 10k/day avg.

Statistic 67

South African Mr D ghost kitchens hit ZAR 1 billion total revenue 2023.

Statistic 68

Canadian SkipTheDishes partners averaged CAD 800k/year per kitchen.

Statistic 69

Middle East Talabat ghost kitchens revenue up 60% to $300m in 2023.

Statistic 70

Japanese Demae-can ghost kitchens avg JPY 50m revenue/year.

Statistic 71

Global avg ghost kitchen cost per order: $3.50 in 2023.

Statistic 72

35% of ghost kitchens use AI for menu optimization in 2023.

Statistic 73

Robotic kitchens in 20% of U.S. ghost kitchens by 2023.

Statistic 74

85% ghost kitchens integrated with Uber Eats API for real-time tracking.

Statistic 75

IoT sensors in 40% operations for temp/humidity control.

Statistic 76

Blockchain for supply chain in 15% Asian ghost kitchens.

Statistic 77

VR menu previews adopted by 10% premium ghost brands.

Statistic 78

Predictive analytics boost order accuracy to 98% in top 25% kitchens.

Statistic 79

Drone delivery pilots in 5% Singapore ghost kitchens.

Statistic 80

AR try-before-buy for 12% U.S. ghost kitchen apps.

Statistic 81

70% use cloud POS systems like Toast or Square.

Statistic 82

NFT loyalty programs in 8% innovative ghost brands.

Statistic 83

5G integration for 30% faster prep-to-delivery in urban hubs.

Statistic 84

Machine learning menus personalize 60% of recommendations.

Statistic 85

Sustainable packaging tech in 25% EU ghost kitchens.

Statistic 86

Voice ordering via Alexa in 18% U.S. ghost kitchens.

Statistic 87

55% ghost kitchens average 25-30 minute delivery time.

Statistic 88

Computer vision for quality control in 22% facilities.

Trusted by 500+ publications
Harvard Business ReviewThe GuardianFortune+497
Forget everything you thought you knew about restaurants, because the food industry is being reshaped by a staggering $182 billion ghost kitchen revolution that’s growing at a breakneck 20% annually across every corner of the globe.

Key Takeaways

  • The global ghost kitchen market size was valued at USD 51.94 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2021 to 2028.
  • In 2023, the U.S. ghost kitchen market reached $28.5 billion in revenue, marking a 15% increase from 2022.
  • Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 40% of the global ghost kitchen market share in 2022 due to high urbanization.
  • U.S. ghost kitchen revenue averaged $1.2 million per location in 2022.
  • CloudKitchens reported 25% profit margins for top operators in 2023.
  • Average ghost kitchen ROI achieved 18 months payback period in urban areas.
  • U.S. ghost kitchens numbered 1,200 in 2020, growing to 5,000 by 2023.
  • London hosts over 100 ghost kitchen hubs with 500+ virtual brands.
  • India has 5,000+ ghost kitchens concentrated in Tier-1 cities (80%).
  • 65% of U.S. consumers ordered from ghost kitchens weekly in 2023.
  • Millennials (25-40) represent 52% of ghost kitchen orders globally.
  • 70% of Gen Z in UK prefer ghost kitchen brands over traditional.
  • 35% of ghost kitchens use AI for menu optimization in 2023.
  • Robotic kitchens in 20% of U.S. ghost kitchens by 2023.
  • 85% ghost kitchens integrated with Uber Eats API for real-time tracking.

The ghost kitchen industry is booming globally due to explosive growth and consumer demand.

Consumer Demographics

  • 65% of U.S. consumers ordered from ghost kitchens weekly in 2023.
  • Millennials (25-40) represent 52% of ghost kitchen orders globally.
  • 70% of Gen Z in UK prefer ghost kitchen brands over traditional.
  • Urban dwellers (pop >1m) account for 80% of ghost kitchen demand.
  • Women make up 55% of ghost kitchen app users in India.
  • Average order value from ghost kitchens: $25 in U.S. 2023.
  • 45% of Chinese consumers aged 18-24 order ghost kitchen daily.
  • Low-income households (<$50k) 30% more likely to use ghost kitchens.
  • 62% of Brazilian ghost kitchen users are 18-34 years old.
  • Australia: 40% of orders from families with children.
  • UAE: 75% expatriates use ghost kitchens weekly.
  • Canada: 50% bilingual users prefer ghost kitchens for variety.
  • South Africa: 55% black consumers primary ghost kitchen users.
  • Japan: 60% female users aged 20-30 for ghost kitchens.
  • 78% repeat customers loyalty rate in ghost kitchen apps.
  • France: 48% of 25-44yo order ghost kitchen 2x/week.

Consumer Demographics Interpretation

Ghost kitchens have clearly cooked up a global phenomenon, where everyone from budget-conscious families to urban millennials and expat communities is ordering in, proving that when you remove the dining room but keep the convenience and variety, loyalty is always on the menu.

Market Size & Growth

  • The global ghost kitchen market size was valued at USD 51.94 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 20.1% from 2021 to 2028.
  • In 2023, the U.S. ghost kitchen market reached $28.5 billion in revenue, marking a 15% increase from 2022.
  • Asia-Pacific region accounted for over 40% of the global ghost kitchen market share in 2022 due to high urbanization.
  • Ghost kitchen deliveries grew by 59% year-over-year in Q4 2021 across major U.S. cities.
  • By 2027, the European ghost kitchen market is projected to hit €12 billion with a CAGR of 22%.
  • India's ghost kitchen sector expanded to 1,200 units in 2023, up 25% from 2022.
  • Global ghost kitchen market projected to reach $182.99 billion by 2027 at 20.6% CAGR.
  • U.S. ghost kitchens generated $1.7 billion in 2020, surging 150% from pre-pandemic levels.
  • China’s ghost kitchen market valued at RMB 200 billion in 2022, with 30% YoY growth.
  • UK ghost kitchen revenue hit £1.2 billion in 2023, driven by 40% delivery app adoption.
  • Latin America ghost kitchen market to grow at 25% CAGR to $5 billion by 2026.
  • Australia’s ghost kitchen industry reached AUD 2.5 billion in 2023.
  • Middle East ghost kitchen market expanded 35% in 2023 to $1.8 billion.
  • Canada ghost kitchens saw 28% growth in 2023, market size $2.1 billion CAD.
  • Southeast Asia ghost kitchen revenue projected $10 billion by 2025.
  • Brazil ghost kitchen market hit BRL 4 billion in 2023 with 32% growth.
  • South Korea ghost kitchens valued at KRW 15 trillion in 2023.
  • Africa ghost kitchen market nascent at $500 million in 2023, 50% CAGR expected.
  • Japan ghost kitchen sector grew 18% to JPY 300 billion in 2023.
  • Global ghost kitchen investments reached $2.5 billion in 2021.

Market Size & Growth Interpretation

The global obsession with avoiding apron strings is now a multi-billion dollar industry, proving that when it comes to modern dining, the most important part of the kitchen is the one you never see.

Operations & Locations

  • U.S. ghost kitchens numbered 1,200 in 2020, growing to 5,000 by 2023.
  • London hosts over 100 ghost kitchen hubs with 500+ virtual brands.
  • India has 5,000+ ghost kitchens concentrated in Tier-1 cities (80%).
  • China operates 400,000 ghost kitchens, 70% in top 10 cities.
  • Dubai has 150 ghost kitchen facilities serving 2 million orders/month.
  • New York City ghost kitchens: 300+ locations, 40% in Brooklyn.
  • Brazil São Paulo ghost kitchens: 800 units, 25% YoY addition.
  • Australia Sydney/Melbourne: 200 ghost kitchens, avg 10 brands/site.
  • Paris ghost kitchens grew to 250 in 2023, Uber Eats dominant.
  • Seoul has 1,500 batched ghost kitchens in industrial zones.
  • Toronto Canada: 150 ghost kitchens, 60% multi-brand.
  • Mexico City: 400 ghost kitchens, Rappi 50% market share.
  • Johannesburg SA: 100 ghost kitchens, Mr D 70% orders.
  • Singapore: 300 ghost kitchens, 90% in centralized hubs.
  • Berlin Germany: 120 ghost kitchens, Gorillas/Wolt key players.
  • Mumbai India: 1,000 ghost kitchens, Swiggy/Zomato 85% vol.
  • Los Angeles: 400 ghost kitchens, 55% in converted warehouses.

Operations & Locations Interpretation

The statistics reveal that the ghost kitchen industry is rapidly and globally colonizing urban centers, proving that the future of dining is less about a charming storefront and more about a hyper-efficient, delivery-only algorithm hidden in a converted warehouse down the street.

Revenue & Financials

  • U.S. ghost kitchen revenue averaged $1.2 million per location in 2022.
  • CloudKitchens reported 25% profit margins for top operators in 2023.
  • Average ghost kitchen ROI achieved 18 months payback period in urban areas.
  • DoorDash-powered ghost kitchens saw 40% revenue uplift in 2022.
  • Rebel Foods (Faasos) reported ₹1,200 crore revenue in FY2023.
  • KeeTa (Meituan) ghost kitchens averaged RMB 5 million annual revenue.
  • U.S. ghost kitchen EBITDA margins hit 15-20% for scaled operations in 2023.
  • Virtual Dining Concepts generated $100 million revenue from 100 brands in 2022.
  • Kitopi UAE reported AED 500 million revenue with 30% margins.
  • PopBox (Australia) ghost kitchens averaged AUD 1.5 million revenue per site.
  • Average monthly revenue per ghost kitchen in India: ₹20-30 lakhs.
  • UK Deliveroo Editions kitchens generated £2 million per hub annually.
  • Brazilian iFood ghost kitchens saw 50% revenue growth to BRL 10k/day avg.
  • South African Mr D ghost kitchens hit ZAR 1 billion total revenue 2023.
  • Canadian SkipTheDishes partners averaged CAD 800k/year per kitchen.
  • Middle East Talabat ghost kitchens revenue up 60% to $300m in 2023.
  • Japanese Demae-can ghost kitchens avg JPY 50m revenue/year.
  • Global avg ghost kitchen cost per order: $3.50 in 2023.

Revenue & Financials Interpretation

Amidst a sea of impressive and slightly terrifying numbers, the ghost kitchen industry appears to be a remarkably efficient money-making machine, proving that a restaurant without a dining room can be just as hungry for profit as it is for a five-star review.

Technology & Innovation

  • 35% of ghost kitchens use AI for menu optimization in 2023.
  • Robotic kitchens in 20% of U.S. ghost kitchens by 2023.
  • 85% ghost kitchens integrated with Uber Eats API for real-time tracking.
  • IoT sensors in 40% operations for temp/humidity control.
  • Blockchain for supply chain in 15% Asian ghost kitchens.
  • VR menu previews adopted by 10% premium ghost brands.
  • Predictive analytics boost order accuracy to 98% in top 25% kitchens.
  • Drone delivery pilots in 5% Singapore ghost kitchens.
  • AR try-before-buy for 12% U.S. ghost kitchen apps.
  • 70% use cloud POS systems like Toast or Square.
  • NFT loyalty programs in 8% innovative ghost brands.
  • 5G integration for 30% faster prep-to-delivery in urban hubs.
  • Machine learning menus personalize 60% of recommendations.
  • Sustainable packaging tech in 25% EU ghost kitchens.
  • Voice ordering via Alexa in 18% U.S. ghost kitchens.
  • 55% ghost kitchens average 25-30 minute delivery time.
  • Computer vision for quality control in 22% facilities.

Technology & Innovation Interpretation

The ghost kitchen industry is becoming a symphony of technological efficiency, where AI composes the menu, robots handle the heat, and blockchain audits the beans, all while a drone hums impatiently over Singapore waiting to deliver your hyper-personalized, perfectly-temped lunch ordered by voice from a couch in Ohio.

Sources & References