Fresh commerce startup Handpickd has expanded into the dairy segment, marking its first major category addition since raising 15 million dollars in its Series A funding round in September. The company has introduced three products in its initial rollout, including fresh paneer, white butter and dahi, all positioned as preservative-free and produced in controlled short-cycle environments. The announcement was made on Thursday.
The Gurugram-based company said the move responds to increasing consumer anxiety about adulteration and processing in the fragmented dairy supply chain, which is largely dominated by unorganized vendors with limited transparency. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Anant Goel said Handpickd intends to build trust through shorter sourcing distances, rapid turnaround from production to delivery and minimal handling.
Handpickd’s retail model operates without dark stores or central storage facilities and follows a zero-stock format, meaning products are picked and moved in real time rather than held in inventory. The company said this approach aligns with the expectations of customers seeking farm-fresh products and greater clarity on origin.
Alongside the dairy launch, the startup unveiled a redesigned version of its mobile application featuring a new dual-view interface. A Grid View has been added to complement the widely recognized Spiral View format that the platform has been known for since its inception. The additional view was built to improve ease of browsing for senior shoppers and for users who are less comfortable navigating digital marketplaces. The company said early tests showed improved discovery rates and fewer drop-offs.
Handpickd has been expanding steadily in the fresh category through deeper inventory across produce and prepared foods, with specialty offerings such as ripeness selection for fruit and an assortment of microgreens. The company said its near-term plan is to build penetration through category additions and enhanced technology rather than aggressive geographic expansion.
