Flipkart, owned by Walmart, has launched its first grocery fulfillment center in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, as part of an initiative to expand its grocery services.
The recently established center will enable the ecommerce giant to serve its online grocery customers in cities such as Asika, Basta, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Dhanekal, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Talcher, ensuring delivery within 24 hours.
According to Flipkart, the recently established center is anticipated to create more than 300 job opportunities. Additionally, it aims to facilitate nationwide market access for various local sellers, MSMEs, and small to medium-sized farmers in the region.
“Odisha’s socio-economic progress is gaining momentum, and the role of e-commerce in our overall development is pivotal. In alignment with our state’s vision, Flipkart’s inaugural grocery fulfilment centre marks a significant stride toward the rapid advancement of local MSMEs and farmers,” said Odisha’s micro, small and medium enterprises minister Pratap Keshari Deb.
He further mentioned that the endeavor will empower the state’s MSMEs, granting them access to the pan-India market and fostering stronger connections with consumers nationwide.
Covering an expansive area of 1.35 lakh square feet, the new facility boasts a dispatch capacity exceeding 2.09 lakh units per day. Specifically designed to handle 16,000 orders daily, it offers a diverse array of products, encompassing both regional brands and well-known brands from other states.
“As a homegrown company, we are dedicated to advancing technology and innovation to create a positive ripple effect across the Digital India landscape. As Flipkart ventures into the heart of Odisha with our first-ever grocery fulfilment centre, we recognize the state’s dynamic growth,” said Rajneesh Kumar, chief corporate affairs officer, Flipkart Group.
At present, Flipkart operates 24 grocery fulfillment centers, serving over 1,800 cities and encompassing 10,000 PIN codes throughout India.
Within the grocery delivery sector, Flipkart engages in direct competition with Amazon Fresh, Big Basket, Blinkit, Zepto, and various other players.
During the festive season sale in October, the Walmart-owned company temporarily suspended its grocery segment operations due to a surge in user traffic.
The recent development coincides with rival Amazon intensifying its focus on the grocery sector. Earlier this year, Amazon Fresh announced an expansion, extending its presence to over 50 cities in India, up from just 22 cities a year ago.
