Foodpanda

Foodpanda, the Singapore-headquartered food delivery service owned by Delivery Hero, has confirmed its latest round of layoffs as part of a broader effort to become "leaner, more efficient, and more agile." This marks the third round of job cuts since February and September of last year, following similar reductions by competitors like Grab and Deliveroo amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges. While the exact number of affected employees and departments was not disclosed, the layoffs coincide with Delivery Hero's preliminary discussions to sell its Foodpanda operations in selected Southeast Asian markets, including Singapore, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Laos. The company is streamlining its regional and country team structures to enhance operational focus and consistency.

Foodpanda, a major food delivery platform in Asia, recently conducted a significant round of layoffs affecting employees across several markets. While the exact number of employees impacted has not been officially disclosed, reports indicate the cuts are part of a broader restructuring effort by its parent company, Delivery Hero, aimed at improving operational efficiency and profitability. The layoffs, which occurred in early 2024, primarily targeted roles in various corporate functions. As a large-scale global player in the competitive food delivery and quick-commerce industry, this move reflects ongoing challenges and consolidation within the sector as companies strive for sustainable growth.

In early September 2022, food delivery giant foodpanda laid off approximately 60 employees in Singapore, representing about 5% of its 1,200-strong local workforce. The layoffs were part of a broader cost-cutting initiative by its German parent company, Delivery Hero, which aimed to achieve profitability (EBITDA-positive status) amid significant financial losses. This move occurred just months after foodpanda established Singapore as its regional headquarters and global tech hub. The company, which holds about 37% of Singapore's food delivery market, described the decision as painful but necessary to remain competitive, while offering support programs to affected staff. Similar job cuts were also reported in other regional markets like the Philippines and Thailand.

In May 2022, it was reported that Foodpanda's Romania office underwent significant layoffs following its acquisition by Spanish delivery unicorn Glovo. Approximately 89 employees, representing nearly 40% of the local workforce of 236, were asked to leave, primarily from the call center department. These roles were subsequently outsourced. The layoffs occurred in late January 2022, despite earlier assurances from Glovo representatives that jobs would be secure as they aimed to build a regional team in Bucharest. The food delivery industry consolidation led to this restructuring, highlighting challenges in post-acquisition integration and employee communication within the competitive on-demand services sector.