Platformization and algorithmic exclusion: iFood’s territorial strategies in Belo Horizonte (state of Minas Gerais)

Abstract This article discusses the recent platformization process of the food delivery sector, highlighting its territorial dimension. Initially, we addressed the globalization of the sector, its regional differences, and respective dominant corporations. Then, we analyzed the arrival of global corporations to Brazil in a context of crisis and flexibilization of labor laws, when iFood became dominant. Subsequently, using the web scraping technique, we mapped the establishments linked to iFood in the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Area (BHMA). The results revealed the capillarization of the platform in the territory and highlighted the concentration of establishments with higher prices. Finally, we presented the algorithmic exclusion of undesirable territories through geofencing based on the case of Aglomerado da Serra, in Belo Horizonte.