Delivering More Than Food: foodpanda’s Journey of Impact and Innovation in Myanmar

As foodpanda Myanmar marks over five years of transforming the food delivery landscape, the company continues to redefine convenience, affordability, and community support in Myanmar’s digital economy.

In an exclusive interview with MYANMORE, U Zeyar Mynn, CEO of the foodpanda Cambodia-Laos-Myanmar Cluster, shares the company’s 2024 milestones, ambitious plans for 2025, and its unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change for customers, riders, vendors, and communities across Myanmar.

A Milestone Year: Celebrating Five Years of Impact

Since launching in December 2019, foodpanda Myanmar has grown into the country’s leading on-demand delivery platform, connecting over 30,000 merchants and supporting more than 10,000 freelance riders. In 2024, the company celebrated its fifth anniversary with a series of initiatives that underscored its dedication to its riders, vendors, partners and customers.

Among the standout achievements was the launch of Meal For One, a curated solution for solo diners offering affordable, single-person meal sets from a diverse range of restaurant partners. This initiative caters to the fast-paced lifestyles of urban Myanmar, making dining both accessible and convenient. Additionally, the Become a Food Reviewer (BAFR) vlogger competition empowered aspiring content creators, offering winners financial rewards and contracts to amplify their presence in the food review space.

foodpanda also prioritized food safety through its annual training programs, with a focus on the Staple-Free Packaging campaign. By educating vendors to avoid staples in food packaging, the company ensures compliance with global safety standards, fostering trust in Myanmar’s growing food delivery ecosystem.

Beyond business, foodpanda’s social impact shone through in its disaster relief efforts. When Typhoon Yagi triggered devastating floods in September 2024, affecting Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Bago, and Shan State, foodpanda rallied its network of vendors, influencers, and riders to raise funds and deliver essential supplies and medical assistance. Similarly, following the catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake on March 28, 2025, which struck Mandalay, Naypyitaw, Sagaing, and Shan State, foodpanda swiftly donated to relief efforts and partnered with local organizations to provide meals, medical supplies, and support to affected communities, including its riders and their families.

The Crave a Wish Christmas donation campaign was another heartwarming highlight, bringing festive joy to nearly 200 children from vulnerable and visually impaired communities. Through partnerships with vendors, foodpanda hosted a memorable dining experience, reinforcing its commitment to giving back.

Empowering Riders: The Heart of foodpanda’s Community

At the core of foodpanda’s operations are its freelance riders, who form the backbone of the platform’s success. In 2024, the company introduced a Rider Tipping Feature, allowing customers to tip riders directly through the app or in cash, with 100% of tips going to the riders. Combined with initiatives like Fuel Boost bonuses and seasonal rewards, foodpanda ensures its riders can maximize their earnings while offsetting operational costs.

Looking ahead to 2025, foodpanda is doubling down on rider welfare and empowerment. The company is committed to fostering gender equity by increasing the number of female riders and celebrating their contributions through initiatives like International Women’s Day events. The Panda Cares program continues to prioritize rider well-being, offering support such as free meals, groceries, and medical aid for riders affected by accidents or natural disasters. These efforts, coupled with regular training in road safety and customer interaction, equip riders with transferable skills for long-term success in Myanmar’s gig economy.

A Vision for 2025: Affordability, Convenience, and Choice

foodpanda’s 2025 roadmap is built on three pillars: Affordability, Convenience, and Choices. By offering value-driven bundles, personalized discounts, and budget-friendly meal options through local vendor partnerships, foodpanda aims to make quality food accessible to all. Enhanced logistics and an expanded Pickup feature will streamline delivery times, catering to busy lifestyles. Meanwhile, the platform’s commitment to diversity will see an expansion of cuisine categories, ensuring there’s something for every palate, whether you’re a student, a professional, or a foodie craving variety.

Vendors and restaurant partners will also benefit from foodpanda’s focus on growth. In 2025, the company will roll out enhanced digital tools, marketing support, and data-driven insights to help businesses scale efficiently. Expanded food safety training will further ensure high standards, creating a sustainable ecosystem where vendors and riders thrive.

Beyond Delivery: Driving Economic and Social Progress

foodpanda’s impact extends far beyond food delivery. By offering flexible earning opportunities, the platform empowers thousands of Myanmar citizens, particularly those excluded from traditional employment sectors. Transparent payment systems, performance incentives, and skill-building programs create sustainable income streams for riders and full-time staff alike. Through partnerships with thousands of restaurant partners, foodpanda also supports the F&B sector, helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) reach wider audiences and grow in a digital-first economy.

The company’s social initiatives, from disaster relief to youth and women empowerment programs, reflect its role as a key player in Myanmar’s economic and social landscape. By blending gig economy opportunities with structured career pathways, foodpanda is fostering a resilient, skilled, and adaptable workforce ready to compete locally and regionally.

A Future of Innovation and Impact

As foodpanda Myanmar looks to the future, Zeyar Mynn envisions a platform that continues to innovate and expand while staying true to its mission of creating positive change. “Our long-term vision is to be more than a food delivery service,” he says. “We aim to enhance customer experiences, diversify our offerings, and remain a trusted, socially responsible partner for Myanmar’s communities.”

From delivering meals to rebuilding lives, foodpanda Myanmar is proving that it’s not just about food, it’s about creating a brighter, more connected future for all.

For more information about foodpanda, visit www.foodpanda.com.

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