Maltese back delivery platforms, see flexible working as positive

According to a recent nationwide study by research company Ipsos, 89% of delivery app users in Malta say they discovered new local restaurants or shops through platforms such as Wolt, while 79% believe delivery apps support local businesses in their area. At the same time, 82% say delivery services improve their everyday life, while 71% view flexible platform work arrangements positively. In addition, 93% believe platform workers should be free to decide how much time and effort they dedicate to their work

Delivery platforms increasingly part of everyday life

The study, commissioned by Wolt, has found that consumers in Malta see delivery platforms as an essential part of everyday life that strengthen local businesses whilst offering the opportunity of flexible work arrangements.

The study also found that the vast majority, 82%, of people in Malta had used food or grocery delivery services in the past year, with the same number saying such services improve their everyday life to some extent.

The findings also point to a strong and positive effect on local businesses with 89% of delivery app users saying that they discovered new local restaurants or shops through platforms such as Wolt, and 79% believing delivery apps support local businesses in their own area. Sixty one percent said they would prefer ordering products from local stores through delivery platforms, rather than from global e-commerce companies.

Strong support for flexible platform work

Public attitudes toward platform work were equally clear. An overwhelming 93% of respondents believe platform workers should be free to decide how much time and effort they dedicate to their work, and 71% view flexible platform work arrangements positively.

This preference for flexibility is reflected in the broader policy picture, with 76% believing regulation should preserve workers’ ability to choose their preferred working arrangement, and 57% supporting maintaining access to flexible platform work opportunities. Only 14% favour stricter regulation that could reduce those opportunities.

The research also suggests that platform work is increasingly viewed as complementary to Malta’s labour market, with broad agreement that it can expand income opportunities for groups such as students and parents.

Commenting on the findings, Chris Tanti, Country Representative of Wolt Malta, said “this independent research confirms that delivery platforms are not just about convenience. In Malta, people increasingly see them as part of a stronger local economy, helping consumers save time, helping local businesses reach new customers, and helping preserve flexible earning opportunities that fit modern life.”

The survey was conducted between February and March 2026 among a nationally representative sample of Maltese residents aged 18 to 75. The study forms part of a wider multi-market study examining public attitudes toward platform work, regulation, local commerce and delivery services.

At a time when consumers increasingly value convenience and local businesses face growing pressure to expand through digital channels, the findings highlight delivery platforms as playing a central role in the way people in Malta shop, work and support their neighbourhood businesses.