Epicery’s Final Chapter: A Farewell to a Local Food Delivery Pioneer
In an era marked by rapid digital transformation, Epicery, a French food delivery startup, saw its journey come to an end on Tuesday. After a spirited nine-year run, the company bid adieu following one last holiday season, serving both its loyal customers and local food businesses. Known for facilitating premium grocery deliveries from local shops in exchange for a 25% commission, Epicery has faced insurmountable economic and financial hurdles {TechCrunch}.
The startup’s focus on premium offerings faced severe challenges as inflation prompted consumers to reconsider their spending habits. Despite efforts to adapt, Epicery was unable to overcome a negative EBITDA of -€4.69 million in 2023, with sales reaching only €2.57 million {Geopost/DPDgroup Statement}. These struggles contrast sharply with the unexpected boom during France’s COVID-19 lockdowns.
“The subsidiary’s short- and medium-term profitability has been severely impacted by developments in the food delivery market,” remarked Geopost following an analysis of Epicery’s performance.
{Geopost Statement}
Epicery’s initial success drew the attention of Geopost/DPDgroup, leading to their acquisition when the business was thriving post-lockdown. However, recent shifts saw La Poste divest from various startups, including Stuart, which Epicery heavily relied upon {TechCrunch}. This shift significantly impacted Epicery’s operational synergies.
- Launched in 2016
- Negative EBITDA of -€4.69 million in 2023
- 25,000 recurring customers at its peak
Epicery began operations in 2016 when the competitive landscape was vastly different. Giants like Deliveroo and Uber Eats were absent, allowing Epicery to carve out a niche market. However, as quick commerce evolved and competitors like Cajoo and Gorillas emerged (and later exited), Epicery maintained a modest presence with around 25,000 loyal customers {TechCrunch}.
“I’m very proud to have introduced local retailers to e-commerce over the past 10 years,” stated Édouard Morhange, co-founder and CEO of Epicery.
{Édouard Morhange}
Morhange expressed pride in how Epicery connected local retailers to digital sales and hinted at future ventures aimed at further digital integration within the food industry {Personal Statement}. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to support Epicery’s employees in finding new roles within or outside Geopost.
“What’s wonderful… is that what we promised [shop owners] at the very beginning… has now become an important part of their business,” said Elsa Hermal, co-founder of Epicery.
{Elsa Hermal}
Though Epicery couldn’t sustain itself financially in the long term, it left an indelible mark by boosting sales for local shops by up to 20% at times. With logistics being inherently challenging, Hermal believes there’s still potential for similar business models to thrive in the future {TechCrunch}.
The curtain has fallen on Epicery’s journey, but its legacy may inspire new ventures that continue bridging local businesses with digital platforms. For now, the startup’s story serves as a testament to both the opportunities and challenges within the rapidly evolving food delivery landscape.
