Cheaper meals on the menu after delivery giant Keeta vows fair play in Hong Kong

Hongkongers could see cheaper meals and a healthier food delivery market after the city’s antitrust watchdog stepped in to curb unfair practices by a dominant platform, according to restaurant operators.

They said on Thursday that Keeta’s pledge to lift restrictions on partnering restaurants would allow them to lower prices and foster more competition while benefiting consumers and businesses.

Aman Kwok, the second-generation owner of the 50-seat Kam Shing Restaurant in Shau Kei Wan, said Keeta’s commitment to end its restrictive practices was a step towards greater fairness.

He expressed hope that commission rates could be standardised to benefit diners.

“The most critical factor is whether the platform sends orders my way. Takeaways already account for 30 per cent of our business and after the high commissions we are left to rely on thin profits and quick turnover,” Kwok told the Post.

On Wednesday, the Competition Commission said it had reached an agreement with Keeta under which the company would voluntarily amend existing contract provisions and make the changes legally binding.