Quick commerce platforms like Zomato’s Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart are revolutionizing shopping in India with ultra-fast delivery times, typically within 10-30 minutes. This shift from traditional delivery timelines has been accelerated by the pandemic, driving a surge in online grocery shopping.
The quick commerce industry saw a remarkable growth in 2023, with goods sold through these platforms reaching $2.3 billion—a 70% increase from the previous year. The market is expected to hit $5.5 billion by 2025, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.9%.
Major players like Amazon and Flipkart are now entering this booming market. Zomato’s Blinkit has exceeded the valuation of Zomato’s core food delivery business, while Zepto’s valuation has soared to $5 billion. Flipkart has launched its quick commerce service, ‘Minutes,’ and Ola is also exploring the sector with plans for portable warehouses.
The quick commerce model relies on “dark stores,” small warehouses close to delivery points, enabling rapid fulfillment. However, these operations come with high costs and logistical challenges. Despite these hurdles, the sector’s rapid expansion indicates that quick commerce is set to reshape India’s retail landscape, extending beyond groceries to include a wide range of products.
