The Indian food delivery industry is witnessing fierce competition as demand for ultra-fast services surges. In a bold move, Zomato-owned Blinkit has launched “Bistro,” a quick food delivery platform promising snacks and meals within 10 minutes, challenging players like Swiggy Bolt, Zepto Café, and Swish. This rapid growth is driven by the country’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
Kakarlapudi Karthik Varma, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The growing demand for 10-minute food delivery reflects urban consumers’ reliance on quick solutions for their busy routines. Companies are meeting this need by delivering ready-to-eat snacks and meals within minutes. With Swiggy Bolt accounting for 5% of orders and Swish securing $2 million funding, competition in this fast-evolving sector continues to escalate, driving rapid innovation and growth.”
This quest for speed is fueled not only by the evolving consumer tastes but also by the technological advancements.
Varma adds: “Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics enable delivery platforms to anticipate consumer behavior, refine ordering processes, and enhance delivery routes. With a growing fleet of electric scooters and bikes, deliveries are becoming quicker, more environmentally friendly, and cost-efficient.”
Francis Gabriel Godad, Business Development Manager, India at GlobalData, notes: “The emerging trend transcends rapid deliveries, marking a shift in how customers engage with food. Numerous companies are incorporating added features such as real-time tracking, personalized meal suggestions, and loyalty programs, providing consumers with a more interactive, efficient, and captivating experience.
However, the competition to deliver food in mere minutes is not without its hurdles. Challenges range from maintaining food quality during expedited deliveries to handling rising operational expenses, with companies striving to find the ideal balance between speed and dependability.
Godad continues: “Industry experts anticipate that the sector’s future will involve a consolidation of players, with those capable of delivering superior customer experiences while sustaining profitability distinguishing themselves over time. The delivery landscape is evolving rapidly, and those who can excel in both speed and customer satisfaction will succeed.”
As the 10 minutes food delivery race intensifies, consumers can look forward to more inventive solutions, including drone deliveries, automated kitchens, and AI-enhanced customer service.
Varma concludes: “These innovations are set to further diminish delivery times and elevate the overall user experience. India, renowned for its rich culinary heritage, stands on the brink of an enthralling revolution. With the momentum of innovation showing no signs of abating, the race to deliver food in minutes is just getting started.”
