iFood Announces Record $24 Billion Investment Plan for Brazil Through 2027

iFood will invest 24 billion reais in Brazil during the fiscal year ending March 2027, a 41% increase over the previous cycle. The plan was unveiled on September 16 at the iFood MOVE 2026 event in São Paulo as the company marks 15 years of operations.

More than 2 billion reais will fund technology and innovation, including proprietary AI agents and the Large Commerce Model developed with parent company Prosus. The AI model uses platform data such as searches, purchases, and reviews to predict consumer intent and improve recommendations.

“Each real invested makes the entire ecosystem spin together: establishments sell more, couriers get more income opportunities, consumers gain convenience and better services, and Brazilian technology advances.”

Logistics upgrades include expanding iFood Turbo, a service promising deliveries within 20 minutes, to all state capitals. The company also aims to grow categories beyond restaurant meals, adding pharmacies, supermarkets, general retail, and pet shops to increase order frequency.

The investment comes as Chinese-backed competitors Keeta, owned by Meituan, and 99Food, owned by DiDi, expand in Brazil. Disputes over exclusivity contracts and commercial practices have already reached the antitrust regulator CADE and the courts.

A study by economic research institute FIPE found iFood activities represented 0.70% of Brazil's GDP in 2025, moving 167 billion reais and creating 1.18 million direct and indirect jobs. The same research showed platform adoption reduces long-term bankruptcy risk for small restaurants by up to 60%.

CEO Diego Barreto said each real invested circulates through the entire ecosystem, benefiting merchants, couriers, consumers, and Brazilian technology. The company currently connects 65 million consumers, 500,000 establishments across more than 2,000 cities, and 600,000 delivery partners, handling over 180 million orders monthly.