The UK's love affair with takeaways has provided a massive boost to the economy, with the industry worth £9 billion and employing more than 220,000 staff.
That is according to data put together by the Centre for Economics and Business Research and commissioned by Just Eat.
It found the sector is now worth more than other service industries such as design (£5.7 billion) and hairdressing and beauty (£4.7 billion).
In terms of jobs, it employs around a third more staff than the insurance industry and is roughly the same size as the UK's regular armed forces.
The sector is expected to keep growing, generating an additional 30,000 jobs over the next five years.
Graham Corfield, UK managing director of Just East, said: "We know takeaways contribute a huge amount to our culture but what many don't realise is the enormous impact takeaway restaurants - often small, independent and family-run - make to our economy."
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