“Grocery shopping is a chore that most people don’t enjoy, so it’s great that there are services that can take it off your hands.” -Martha Stewart

In today’s fast-paced world, the convenience of ordering groceries online has become a game-changer for both consumers and businesses in the United Arab Emirates. The surge in demand for grocery delivery services has given rise to a thriving market for grocery apps. However, if you’re considering venturing into this industry, one crucial question looms: How much does grocery app development cost in the UAE?

The answer to this question isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The grocery app development cost will be around $8000-$25000 or more. It can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the app’s complexity, features, design, and the development team’s experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the factors that influence the cost of grocery app development in the UAE. From understanding the local market dynamics to exploring the essential features that make your app stand out, we’ll provide you with valuable insights to help you estimate and plan your budget effectively.

So, let’s begin.

What is Grocery App Development?

Grocery App Development is the process of developing mobile applications that are specifically designed for convenience in grocery shopping. These apps let users browse, choose, and buy groceries directly from their smartphone or tablet.

Grocery apps offer a variety of features, including product catalogs and search functions, as well as shopping carts and secure payment options. They also allow users to schedule delivery or pick-up times. These white label grocery delivery apps are designed to simplify the online shopping process and provide users with an easy, convenient way to shop for groceries.

The convenience of this technology-driven solution is a major factor in its popularity, particularly at a time when online shopping and contactless deliveries are essential.

Grocery Industry Market Statistics

Grocery industry indicates a growing demand for on-demand app development solutions in UAE, as consumers increasingly rely on mobile applications for convenient and efficient grocery shopping experiences.

Let’s check out the market stats of grocery delivery app by the below stats:

• This statistic shows how many adult grocery app users there are in the United States between 2017 and 2022. The number of adult grocery apps users in the U.S. will reach 30.4 millions by 2022.
• Instacart, the mobile app for grocery delivery, was the most popular in the United States by 2022 with more than eight million downloads.
• Gopuff was ranked second with approximately 3.7 millions downloads. 7-Eleven came in close behind with 3.6 Million.
• By 2023, the Grocery Delivery Market in Worldwide will reach a staggering US$627.30bn.
• This market segment will also grow at a rapid rate of 16.11% CAGR between 2023-2027. The projected market volume is US$1,140.00bn in 2027.
• Retail Delivery is the largest segment within the market. Its projected market volume in 2023 is US$486.50bn.
• The average revenue per customer (ARPU), in the Grocery Delivery Market, is expected to reach US$449.00 by 2023.
• The number of users in this market will reach 1,995.0m by 2027.
• It is estimated that the user penetration will be 18.2% by 2023.

How Much Does Grocery App Development Cost?

You must be wondering how much does it cost to build a grocery store online? Well, it is difficult to estimate the grocery delivery app development cost. However, you can get an idea by analyzing the features and functions that will be included.

The estimated Grocery App Development Cost or foodstuffs application depends on a number of factors, such as the complexity of your application and the features you wish to include, the dedicated team of developers you seek to hire, etc.

You will need the following team to hire if you are searching for an grocery delivery app development company to develop this app on iOS and Android platforms:

• One Project Manager
• 1-2 iOS Developers
• 1-2 Android Developers
• UI/UX Designers
• 1 Backend Developers
• Two QA Specialists

The cost to develop a mobile app for a single platform is estimated to be between $10,000–$15,000, depending on the number of features, functionality, and the cost for hiring a developer team with experience. Costs can rise to as much as $18,000-$25000 if more advanced features and technology stacks are added.

Factors Affecting The Grocery App Development Cost

It can be exciting to develop a grocery application, but you need to know the factors that affect its cost. This section will break down the six main factors that influence the cost of developing a grocery app approved by an eCommerce app development company in Dubai:

● App Complexity:

The complexity of the grocery mobile application development UAE will determine its overall cost. Simple apps that have basic features, such as browsing and ordering groceries, will cost for grocery delivery less than those with advanced features, like AI-driven suggestions, real-time tracking GPS, and personalized profiles. The more features that you add, then the more resources and time it takes to develop them, and the higher the cost.

● Platform Selection:

Another important factor is choosing the platform for your grocery delivery app development. You can choose to develop an app for one platform (iOS, Android), or a cross-platform version that runs on both. Cross-platform apps are cheaper upfront, but native applications offer a better experience for the user and require separate development.

● UI/UX Design:

For the success of an app for grocery shopping, a well-designed and intuitive UI/UX will be essential. The cost of online grocery store app development can be affected by design elements such as icons, navigation menus and layout.

Investing into a polished UI/UX can require hiring experienced designers, which can increase Grocery App Development Cost. However, it can attract and retain more customers.

● Integration of Third Party Services:

Integration of third-party services such as payment gateways and geolocation can improve the functionality of your app. Each integration can add complexity to development and require additional licensing or API usage fees, adding to the cost.

● Scalability and Maintenance:

Plan for future maintenance and scalability of your grocery application. You may have to invest more in server infrastructure as your user base increases. This includes bug fixes, updates and ongoing support. You should include these ongoing costs in your cost estimate.

● Regulatory Compliance and Security:

It is not negotiable that your grocery app adheres to relevant regulations and meets high security standards. You may have to invest in data encryption and compliance audits depending on the target market you are targeting and the data that you manage.

Must-have Features of Grocery App Development

Apps must have certain features to be successful. Instead of focusing on the cost to develop a grocery delivery app, it is important to know what features you want to include. So, as per the hybrid app development company, below are the important features that a grocery app should include:

1. Customer Panel

• Sign up & Sign in

Every app should have this feature. If you decide to create a grocery-related app, be sure to include this feature. It will enable users to create profiles and access the delivery service. Sign up using an Apple ID, email address, or social media platform.

• Order Tracking

Users can track their orders using the grocery delivery app. The app provides real-time updates. It allows users to know when their products will arrive at their door. You should include this feature into your app.

You can Hire dedicated developers who are well versed in creating functional apps to make your job easier and more convenient.

• Order Management

This amazing feature allows users to manage everything according to their needs, from ordering groceries to canceling and raising questions. You must include this feature in your app. You should hire Android app developers who have years of experience and good knowledge in developing feature-rich apps.

• Multiple payment Methods

Another essential feature that a grocery app must have is the ability to pay digitally. The digital payment options will be integrated to make it easier for users. There are many payment options available, including net banking, debit/credit card, cash-on-delivery, digital wallet and more.

2. Admin Panel

• Customized Dashboard

This feature allows admins to track, analyze and manage the different processes of grocery delivery. This feature includes tracking orders, streamlining deliveries, verifying customer and vendor details, and much more. It is important to have this feature included in your app.

• Order/Delivery Queues Management

This feature is a must-have for any grocery delivery app. This feature allows customers to instantly give their orders more priority. You must include this feature into your app. You must know how much it costs to develop a grocery delivery app. This will allow you to decide whether or not you need to add many features.

• Inventory Management

This will allow admins to keep track of the inventory at grocery stores and vendors. The customer panel can show ‘Out-of-stock’ and In Stock’ items. Make sure your application has this feature.

• Secure Data Management

This feature allows you to manage your data securely and efficiently, including that of customers, delivery agents, and supermarkets. This feature integrates with mobile-based platform security to ensure the security of all your important data.

• Discounts/Offers

The admins can use this leverage to market the latest offers on a number of occasions. Advertisements on the app can instantly be used to carry out these activities.

You should therefore ensure that the application you choose has this feature. So, if you want to integrate features in your app, then you must choose the Best Grocery App Development Company.

3. Delivery Panel

• Geo-Location Services

This feature integrates with APIs for location tracking and route navigation. This feature helps delivery executives reach the exact location of the customer on time. This is a feature that every grocery delivery app must have.

• Accept/Reject delivery request

This feature allows delivery executives to accept orders or reject them based on the idleness of their employees. It is therefore necessary to include this functionality in your application.

• Delivery Request Notification

This feature allows store managers to communicate with delivery people in real time. This means that the delivery executive will visit the store to collect the groceries, and then deliver them to the buyers.

• In-app calling/ in-app chat

This feature is necessary to chat or call customers and owners of grocery stores. It helps delivery people to communicate easily for order/delivery-related queries.

Top 5 Most Popular Grocery App

There are multiple Grocery Delivery App Like Shipt, Talabat etc. but we have noted down the most popular ones for your reference. So let’s first have a look at the below table:

1. Instashop

Instashop, a food delivery app launched in Dubai in 2015, initially covered only a small area of Dubai Marina. However, it has now spread to the rest of Dubai as well as other areas of the United Arab Emirates.

It is one of the top grocery shopping apps available in Dubai. The Grocery app like an Instashop has everything you need, from everyday groceries, to pet food, to cosmetics, toys, games and organic products.

2. Kibsons

Kibsons is an app that offers a wide range of products, including organic produce, from all over the world. This is one of the best grocery delivery apps UAE. You can also choose eco-friendly packaging, delivering your fruits and vegetables in cartons instead of plastic bags. To receive free delivery in Dubai, you must place an order for at least AED30.

3. Noon

Noon Grocery, a section dedicated to grocery products within the Noon App. It provides a safe and easy platform for grocery shopping. The app is known for its quick delivery, easy return options, 24/7 customer service, and ease of payment.

You can stock everything you need at the pantry with the app. Customers can also get fast delivery, and they have the option to return items if necessary. Payment is easy and reliable customer service is always available.

4. NowNow

NowNow delivers your everyday essentials within 60 minutes. NowNow offers its services through its mobile app, which is available for Android and iOS. It allows shoppers to conveniently order groceries, medicines and pet supplies from leading stores. Noon, a partner of NowNow, offers these essentials and groceries because they have partnered with supermarkets, pharmacies and pet stores.

5. Careem

The application eliminates all the hassles that are associated with grocery shopping. This application ensures you get fresh produce in a timely manner. The prices are also always fair.

Customers can also enjoy discounts and deals thanks to promo codes. However, just like- Careem app, the Safeway delivery app is also gaining a huge market base, has millions of downloads and has a rating of 4.6 on play store.

How to Reduce the Grocery App Development Cost?

App development is expensive because it takes a lot of time to develop and it uses the latest technologies. You would like to develop the app for on-demand deliveries within your budget as a small business or if you start grocery delivery startups recently. Here are some strategies to help you develop the app within your budget.

● Build MVP

Instead of starting with a fully-featured application, you should start by creating a Minimum Viable product. You can raise money by creating an MVP application, without having to create a full grocery delivery app. You can also test the market by creating a basic app, and then adding features based on user feedback.

● Prioritize App Features

Focus on the problems you want to solve at the beginning. Prioritize features essential to the app’s functionality and postpone the development of other features until the app is launched. You can reduce your grocery app development cost and market your app quicker.

● Simple UI/UX

One of the best ways to lower the cost for grocery apps is by maintaining a simple UI/UX. Simple designs will make it easier for users to navigate your app, resulting in a better experience. Complicated designs can add unnecessary costs. You can add or modify the design once your app is running.

● Clone App Development

Clone app development can be a great way to create a high-quality app at a reasonable price. If you are looking for an app that delivers food on demand, you can use the Uber Eats app clone. You can develop your app quickly at a low cost.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to start by analyzing different factors and features that contribute to the total price of the grocery app. It is suggested that you write down your business requirements, then create a wireframe with the required features and calculate the total cost.

So, if you have an online retail business, turn it into an ecommerce store. You may want to consult a professional from a mobile app development company UAE to help you make the right decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are the Advanced Features of Grocery App Development?    

You can integrate Advanced features in your Grocery delivery mobile app development:

• AI-powered product recommendation
• Barcode scanning allows for quick item addition
• Chat support in the app
• Automated reordering with integration of smart home devices.

2. Should I Create an MVP or Full-fledged Products?

Many companies start with an MVP. A minimum viable product is a way to test an idea with minimal financial risk. You can test your idea with an MVP before you invest in the development of a fully-fledged version.

3. How Long Does it Take to Develop a Grocery Delivery platform?      

The development of a grocery delivery app can take as little as 3 months for a simple solution. If we are talking about advanced features, the development process can take six months. The development time will be 9 months if you choose retail software development solutions that target two platforms.

4. How to Make a Grocery Delivery App?

To create a grocery delivery app, you must follow the below steps:

• Define your app’s features and target audience.
• Build a user-friendly interface.
• Develop a robust backend system for order management.
• Secure payment integration.
• Partner with local grocery stores.
• Implement real-time tracking.
• Test & Launch Grocery Delivery App
• Market it effectively.