India’s retail industry is in the middle of a major shake-up, driven by the explosive growth of quick commerce—a model that promises groceries and daily essentials at your doorstep in just 10 minutes. As this format gains ground, consulting firm Kearney India has taken a deep dive into its impact with a new report titled The Rise of Quick Commerce: Transforming India’s Retail, Consumer Behaviors, and Employment Dynamics.
According to Kearney, India’s quick commerce grocery sector is on track to more than triple in size between 2024 and 2027, touching an estimated ₹1.5–1.7 lakh crore. Interestingly, the boom isn’t just restricted to the top metros; it’s spreading to tier-two and tier-three cities with populations of over five lakh.
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What’s fueling this rise? It’s not discounts. Shoppers are increasingly drawn by the convenience, speed, and variety on offer. From impulse buys to regular household needs, categories like snacks, personal care, gifting, and home essentials are all seeing rapid uptake. There’s also a clear trend toward premium products, with people willing to pay a bit extra for quality and speed.
Siddharth Jain, Managing Partner and Country Head at Kearney India, noted that quick commerce has moved beyond being a novelty—“It’s now an essential channel in India’s retail playbook,” he said. “Brands are responding by restructuring budgets, focusing on visibility, and customizing strategies for this fast-moving segment.”
Beyond just transforming how people shop, quick commerce is proving to be a powerful job engine. Around 6–7 lakh individuals are already employed in the sector, and Kearney expects that number to rise to 11–13 lakh by 2027.
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Ankur Singh, Partner in Consumer and Retail at Kearney India, explained that quick commerce stands out because it merges speed, assortment, and operational efficiency like no other format. “It’s not just about topping up your pantry,” he said. “We’re seeing deeper consumer engagement across categories and a shift in buying patterns, including more premium choices.”
Ankur emphasized that this is not a short-lived phenomenon. “This is a structural shift in how India buys its groceries,” he said. “Quick commerce is setting new benchmarks for convenience and delivery expectations, and that’s going to keep reshaping the retail map in the years to come.”
