Blog Summary: In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the costs involved in developing a grocery app in 2025. From understanding the market trends in the UK to breaking down the factors that influence the price, we will cover everything you need to know.

Introduction

Ever wondered how much it costs to develop an app for your grocery business?

You’re not alone!

With the increasing demand for grocery delivery services, many businesses are looking to build their own apps.

But before you dive in, it’s essential to understand what goes into the development process and how much you can expect to pay.

Whether you're a small business or a large chain, creating a grocery app in 2025 comes with its challenges and rewards.

So, let’s take a step-by-step look at the grocery app development cost, and guide you through everything from market trends to cost-saving strategies.

Grocery Delivery UK Market Overview

The grocery delivery market in the United Kingdom is growing rapidly, driven by the increasing demand for convenience and online shopping.

As more consumers turn to digital platforms for their grocery needs, this sector continues to expand, showing significant potential for businesses and investors.

1. Market Size and Growth

By 2025, the UK's grocery delivery market is expected to generate an impressive revenue of US$31.38 billion.

This market is set to grow at an annual rate of 7.26% between 2025 and 2029, reaching an estimated value of US$41.53 billion by 2029.

This consistent growth highlights the increasing reliance on delivery services for everyday essentials.

2. User Statistics

The number of users in the grocery delivery market is projected to hit 32.4 million by 2029, demonstrating a strong adoption rate.

In 2025, the user penetration is expected to reach 39.3%, showcasing the widespread appeal of online grocery shopping across the UK.

3. Revenue Insights

The average revenue per user (ARPU) in this market is predicted to be US$1.17k in 2025.

This indicates a robust spending trend as consumers increasingly prioritise convenience and time-saving solutions.

4. UK vs. Global Market

While the UK’s grocery delivery market is growing, it remains smaller compared to global players like the United States, which is expected to generate a staggering US$327.9 billion in revenue in 2025.

However, the UK market stands out for its rapid growth and innovation in delivery services.

5. Factors Driving Growth

Several factors are contributing to the expansion of the UK's grocery delivery market:

• Increased Convenience

Busy lifestyles have made online grocery shopping a practical choice for many households.

• Contactless Shopping

The pandemic accelerated the demand for safe, contactless delivery options.

• Technological Advancements

User-friendly apps and seamless online experiences have made it easier than ever to order groceries.

• Rising Competition

New players and innovative platforms are entering the market, offering competitive prices and better services.

Why You Should Invest in Grocery App Development?

If you're wondering about the grocery app development cost and whether it's worth it, we will break it down for you.

1. Meeting the Growing Demand for Convenience

People love convenience, and that’s never been more true than now.

Online grocery shopping has increased, and customers want to shop from home quickly and easily. The pandemic sped up this shift, and today, many customers prefer to shop for groceries online rather than visit a store.

Investing in grocery app development allows you to meet this demand.

By creating an on-demand grocery delivery app, you can offer customers a quick, easy, and contactless way to get their groceries delivered straight to their door.

As more people use their phones for everyday tasks, offering an app becomes a must for businesses that want to stay relevant.

If you’re thinking about developing an app, working with a mobile app development company ensures that the app meets customer needs and provides a seamless experience.

2. Boosting Revenue and Customer Loyalty

One of the best things about having a grocery app is the opportunity to increase your revenue.

Apps give businesses a direct line to their customers, making it easier to get repeat orders and keep customers coming back.

Features like personalised recommendations, order tracking, and exclusive discounts can all make the shopping experience more enjoyable, encouraging customers to place more orders.

A good grocery app also helps you build loyalty.

If your customers find it easy to use and enjoy the convenience of ordering groceries from home, they’re more likely to stick with your app.

In fact, working with an on-demand app development company can help you create an app that encourages customer retention through useful features like loyalty programs and promotions.

So, while the cost to build a grocery app may seem like a big investment, it pays off in the long run by boosting your revenue and keeping customers loyal to your business.

3. Expanding Your Reach

One of the key benefits of having a grocery app is the ability to reach a larger audience.

With an app, you can tap into new markets and attract customers from different locations, even those who might not be near a physical store.

Whether you’re expanding locally or aiming for a wider reach, a grocery app allows you to scale your business in ways that weren’t possible with just a physical store.

The grocery app development cost might feel like a big upfront investment, but it gives you the ability to grow without the need to open new locations.

When you work with the right grocery app development company, you can ensure your app is built to grow with your business. This gives you the flexibility to meet the demands of new customers and areas without extra overhead costs.

4. Improving Operational Efficiency

Building a grocery app doesn’t just benefit your customers; it can also make your business run more smoothly.

With an app, you can manage orders, track deliveries, and keep inventory updated in real-time. All of this can be done automatically, saving your team time and reducing the chance of errors. Plus, a grocery app can help you gather valuable data.

By tracking customer preferences, sales trends, and inventory levels, you can make better decisions about what products to stock, which areas to target for promotions, and how to improve your service.

A mobile app development company can help you design backend systems that give you access to this data, helping you streamline operations and improve customer satisfaction.

5. Customisation and Personalisation

With a grocery app, you can offer a more personalised experience for your customers.

Apps allow you to recommend products based on customers’ previous orders, their preferences, and even their location. The more personal the experience, the more likely customers are to return.

You can also customise your app with features that suit your business.

Whether it’s integrating a loyalty program, offering special discounts, or streamlining the checkout process, working with the right app development company allows you to build an app that aligns with your goals.

These custom features not only set your business apart from competitors but also show customers that you care about making their experience as convenient and enjoyable as possible.

How Does the Grocery App Work?

If you’ve ever used a grocery delivery app, you’ve probably noticed how easy it is to order food from your phone and have it delivered right to your door.

But have you ever wondered how these apps actually work?

We’ll break down the basic functionality of a grocery app and how it can benefit both businesses and customers.

1. User Registration and Profile Setup

The first step when using a grocery app is to create an account.

Users can register by providing their basic information, such as their name, email, phone number, and delivery address.

Once the account is created, they can set up their preferences, such as preferred payment methods and grocery preferences.

This step is essential for a smooth shopping experience because it allows the app to remember customer details, making future orders quicker and more personalised.

For businesses, having user data is beneficial for marketing and offering tailored discounts or promotions. If you're considering grocery app development, these features would be some of the first things to include in your app.

2. Browsing and Selecting Products

Once the user has set up their profile, they can start browsing the grocery items available on the app.

The app usually categorises products into sections like fruits, vegetables, dairy, snacks, and beverages, making it easier for customers to find what they need. Customers can either search for a specific product or scroll through the categories.

A custom mobile app development service can help build a user-friendly interface that encourages customers to browse and order more.

The better the experience, the more likely they are to return and make repeat purchases.

3. Adding Items to the Cart

As customers find the products they want, they can add them to their virtual shopping cart.

This step is similar to shopping on any e-commerce platform, where users can review their items before proceeding to checkout.

At this stage, users can adjust quantities, remove items, or even check for any available discounts or offers. It’s important for a grocery app to be flexible and easy to modify the cart.

If you're working with a mobile app development company, they’ll ensure the cart functionality is seamless and responsive, making the entire process smooth for your customers.

4. Payment and Checkout

Once the user has added everything they need to the cart, they proceed to checkout.

This is where mobile app development becomes essential in terms of offering secure payment options.

Most grocery apps offer multiple payment methods, including credit or debit cards, mobile wallets, and cash on delivery, depending on the region.

Secure payment gateways ensure that customer data is protected, and transactions are processed smoothly. The app will also ask for the delivery address and provide an estimated delivery time.

A mobile app development agency will make sure that the checkout process is quick, safe, and simple.

A smooth payment process builds trust with customers, and the easier it is to pay, the more likely customers are to return to your app for future purchases.

5. Order Confirmation and Delivery Tracking

After the payment is completed, users will receive an order confirmation with the details of their purchase and estimated delivery time.

Many grocery apps also include a tracking feature, allowing customers to see the status of their orders in real time. This feature gives users peace of mind, as they can follow their order's progress until it arrives.

For businesses, this tracking feature helps in managing deliveries efficiently, ensuring orders are fulfilled promptly. By offering real-time updates, your grocery app enhances customer satisfaction.

This is another aspect of grocery app development that can set your app apart from others in the market.

6. Delivery and Feedback

Once the order arrives at the customer’s door, the transaction is complete. Many grocery apps also allow customers to rate their shopping experience, leave feedback, and even review the quality of the products they receive.

For businesses, customer feedback is invaluable for improving service and product offerings. Using this feedback helps ensure that your app continues to meet customer expectations.

Including a feedback system in your app is an important feature to include when considering custom mobile app development services.

Factors Influencing Grocery App Development Costs

If you're thinking about creating a grocery delivery app, one of the first things on your mind is probably the grocery app development cost.

Understanding the factors that influence this cost is key to making an informed decision. While building an app may seem like a straightforward process, there are several elements that can affect how much it will cost to get your grocery app up and running.

Let’s take a look at the main factors that influence grocery app development cost and how you can manage these costs effectively.

1. App Features and Functionality

The more features your app has, the higher the development cost will be.

A basic grocery app might include product listings, a shopping cart, and a checkout system.

However, if you want to add advanced features like real-time tracking, multiple payment options, or AI-based product recommendations, the cost will rise.

Customising these features is also an important factor.

For example, integrating a loyalty program, offering special discounts, or implementing an in-app chat feature would increase the grocery app development cost.

2. Design and User Interface (UI)

The design of your app plays a huge role in how much you’ll pay.

A simple, clean design will cost less than a highly customised one with advanced graphics and animations.

The goal should be to create an intuitive and user-friendly experience.

If you want a unique design tailored to your business, you’ll need to factor in the cost of hiring skilled designers, which can increase your overall grocery app development cost.

Working with a custom mobile app development team ensures that the app design is aligned with your brand, and it’s also built to provide the best possible user experience.

3. Platform (iOS vs Android)

Another factor that influences grocery app development cost is the platform you choose for your app.

Do you want to develop your app for Android, iOS, or both?

Developing both platforms will naturally cost more because it involves more time, resources, and expertise.

If you choose to build an app for just one platform, it will lower the overall cost.

However, keep in mind that reaching a wider audience might mean developing for both iOS and Android in the future.

Some businesses choose to start with one platform and then expand to others once they’ve seen the return on investment.

A mobile app development services company can help you make the best decision based on your target audience and budget.

4. Backend Development

The backend of your grocery app is responsible for managing data, processing transactions, and ensuring the app works efficiently.

Building a solid backend infrastructure requires skilled developers and can be one of the most expensive parts of the project.

If you’re looking for a highly secure app with real-time data syncing or a personalised shopping experience, the backend will need to be more complex.

This will increase the grocery app development cost.

Choosing an experienced mobile app development services provider will ensure your app’s backend is built to handle everything smoothly, from order management to user authentication.

5. Location of the Development Team

Where your development team is located can significantly impact the cost of building your grocery app.

If you hire a custom mobile app development company in countries with high development rates, like the US or Western Europe, the cost will naturally be higher.

If you choose to work with a development team in regions with lower rates, like Eastern Europe or India, you can save money while still getting good-quality development.

6. App Maintenance and Updates

Once your grocery app is launched, the costs don’t stop there. You will need ongoing support for bug fixes, updates, and new features.

These costs are often overlooked in initial budgeting, but they are an important part of the overall grocery app development cost.

When you work with a mobile app development services provider, it’s essential to discuss post-launch maintenance.

Some companies offer maintenance packages, while others charge hourly rates. Make sure you plan for these ongoing costs to ensure your app remains up-to-date and functional for your users.

Cost-Saving Tips for Grocery App Development

Building a grocery app can be a big investment, but there are ways to reduce the grocery app development cost without compromising quality.

Here are three practical tips to help you save money while creating your app.

1. Start with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Instead of launching with all the features you imagine, focus on building a simple version of your app with the essential functions first.

An MVP will allow you to test your app with users, gather feedback, and make improvements before adding more complex features.

This can significantly lower your grocery app development cost while still giving you a solid foundation to work from.

2. Choose the Right Development Team

The team you choose plays a big role in the development cost.

Look for a mobile app development company that offers quality work at a reasonable price.

You don’t always need the most expensive team to get great results. Research and compare different mobile app development companies to find one that matches your budget and goals.

3. Opt for Cross-Platform Development

Creating separate apps for iOS and Android can be costly.

Instead, consider cross-platform development where one app works on both systems.

This approach can save you a lot of money on development and maintenance, reducing your overall grocery app development cost.

By following these tips, you can keep costs down while still creating an effective and user-friendly grocery app.

How Much Does It Cost for Grocery App Development Like Coles?

Building a grocery app like Coles can cost between $30,000 and $100,000 or more.

The price depends on things like how many features you want, such as real-time tracking or payment options, and whether you want the app on iOS, Android, or both.

Adding custom designs and advanced features will increase the cost as well.

The grocery app development cost also depends on the team you choose.

If you hire an experienced mobile app development company, the quality will be higher, but it may cost more.

Don’t forget that maintenance, security, and updates after launch will add to the total cost. While it might be a big investment upfront, a grocery app can be very rewarding in the long run.

Why Choose Bombay Softwares for Your Grocery App Development?

Choosing the right development company is key to building a successful grocery app.

At Bombay Softwares, we offer expert solutions tailored to meet your business goals.

Here’s why you should choose us for your grocery app development:

1. Experienced Team of Experts

We have a skilled team of developers, designers, and project managers who specialise in creating custom grocery apps.

With years of experience in mobile app development, we understand the latest trends and best practices to deliver high-quality apps.

Our strong understanding of the grocery delivery industry helps us create apps that go beyond meeting your expectations.

2. Cost-Effective and Transparent Pricing

We understand that grocery app development cost is a key consideration for your business.

By working closely with you, we ensure the development process stays within your budget while delivering a feature-rich, user-friendly app.

With us, you can trust that you'll receive transparent pricing with no hidden costs, so you know exactly what you're paying for.

3. End-to-End Solutions

From the initial concept to app launch and beyond, we provide end-to-end mobile app development services.

We work closely with you to design, develop, and launch your grocery app, ensuring every aspect of the project is taken care of.

With our comprehensive approach, you can rest assured that your app will be robust, scalable, and ready to grow with your business.

Conclusion

Building a grocery app in 2025 is a smart move for businesses looking to tap into the growing online shopping trend.

While the grocery app development cost can vary based on multiple factors, understanding these elements and planning accordingly can help you create an app that meets your business needs and stays within budget.

By focusing on essential features, opting for cross-platform development, and keeping the app user-friendly, you can provide a seamless experience for your customers.

Ultimately, a well-built grocery app can boost your sales, improve customer loyalty, and help you stay ahead in a competitive market.

FAQs

1. How much does it cost to develop a grocery app?

A: The cost can range from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on features, platforms, and complexity.

2. How long does it take to develop a grocery app?

A: On average, developing a grocery app takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the app’s complexity and features.

3. Can I develop a grocery app with a limited budget?

A: Yes, by starting with an MVP, focusing on essential features, and outsourcing to cost-effective teams, you can manage the cost of development.

4. What features should a grocery app have?

A: Essential features include product browsing, secure payment options, real-time tracking, and a smooth checkout process.