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With the Exit of Uber Eats and 99Food, Thousands of Deliverers and Restaurants Seek Alternatives. The Decision Is the Result of the Strong Leadership of iFood in the Country and of a Global Strategic Restructuring of the Companies. Movements Began to Be Perceived as Early as 2023.
After years competing for space in the food delivery market in Brazil, the platforms Uber Eats and 99Food have definitively ceased operations in the country. The closure of services was confirmed by representatives of both companies in March 2025, based on decisions made in 2023, when Uber Eats had already stopped functioning in most cities and 99Food began to lose coverage in various regions.
According to a report from the BMC News portal and investigation by EM Brasil, the decisions were driven by internal restructuring, a redirection of focus to services with higher financial returns, and, primarily, by the market dominance of iFood, which, according to data from the Brazilian Association of Bars and Restaurants (Abrasel), holds over 80% of the national share.
Why Uber and 99 Decided to Exit the Delivery Market
Uber Eats had already ceased its food delivery operations in Brazil in March 2022 but maintained its grocery delivery service in some cities via Cornershop. Meanwhile, 99Food, the arm of the Chinese giant Didi Chuxing, began its exit gradually and quietly between late 2023 and early 2024. The decision was officially announced in March 2025.
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Experts consulted by UAI Notícias and the Analistas portal highlight that profit margins in the delivery sector have become increasingly tight, and iFood’s dominant presence has made it difficult for other platforms to survive. iFood’s business model, with large investments in its own logistics, exclusive partnerships, and promotional actions, has become almost unbeatable, according to economist André Gonsales from FGV-SP.
Uber has expanded its operations in the mobility and freight transport sector, while 99 has reinforced its focus on urban transport and financial services like 99Pay. Both have opted to redirect resources to segments considered more sustainable and profitable in the long term.
Impact on Consumers, Deliverers, and Restaurants
The withdrawal of two important platforms from the sector directly affected independent deliverers and small restaurant owners. According to data from Abrasel, about 12,000 restaurants were active on 99Food at the peak of its operations. With the exit, many of these businesses migrated fully to iFood, which was already dominant, or attempted to develop their own delivery systems.
For the deliverers, the change represented a reduction in the availability of orders. As reported by UOL Economia, some professionals reported a decline of up to 30% in monthly income after the operation of 99Food ceased in medium-sized cities.
Meanwhile, consumers have noticed a decrease in application options, which, according to a survey by Proteste, may lead to a reduction in promotions, increased fees, and less choice, especially in regions outside the major centers.
The Current Scenario and the Future of Delivery in Brazil
Today, the Brazilian delivery market is practically concentrated in iFood, with a still modest presence of the Colombian Rappi in some states. The exit of Uber and 99 opens up space for regional startups to gain strength, such as Taki, Apptite, and Valeu App, which seek to fill gaps left by the giants.
Market analyst Luana Furtado from Sebrae Nacional points out that the sector is expected to diversify with a focus on niches—such as sustainable deliveries, artisan food, and subscription deliveries. According to her, “the consumer is more demanding and expects differentiated experiences, not just convenience.”
Meanwhile, iFood continues to invest in drones, artificial intelligence for route optimization, and new shared delivery models. There Is Still No Forecast for the return of Uber Eats or 99Food to Brazil, and both companies avoid commenting on the subject with the press.
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