The Austrian competition authority (AFCA) has conducted a sector inquiry into the online food delivery market, focusing on major platforms such as Foodora and Lieferando, as well as 23 other services. The inquiry included a voluntary survey of around 2,500 restaurants in Vienna, revealing significant reliance on these platforms for revenue.

In recent years, the online food delivery market in Austria has evolved, with Foodora and Lieferando dominating the landscape after Uber Eats exited in 2019. The entry of Wolt in 2023 has introduced new competition, but the AFCA's findings indicate that high market concentration and barriers to entry remain significant challenges for potential new entrants.

The AFCA's analysis highlights the critical role of online food delivery platforms in the restaurant sector, with many restaurants generating 25% to 30% of their turnover from these services. However, the authority raised concerns about the entrenched market power of these platforms, which could negatively affect prices, choice, and working conditions for delivery riders.

Key findings from the inquiry include the prevalence of exclusivity agreements that restrict restaurants from using competing platforms, as well as most-favoured-nation clauses that limit price competition. Additionally, the AFCA noted issues related to unfavorable contract terms and a lack of transparency, which may constitute exploitative abuse.

The AFCA has initiated investigations into suspected abuse of a dominant position, aiming to establish the facts relevant under competition law. The authority encourages feedback on the sector inquiry and has made the results available to the Austrian Communications Authority for further action.