Zomato’s Bold Moves: Shalin Bhatt’s Comeback, $2.5 Billion Ticketing Acquisition, and Quick Commerce Expansion

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February 1, 2025

Image of zomato — Zomato’s Bold Moves: Shalin Bhatt’s Comeback, $2.5 Billion Ticketing Acquisition, and Quick Commerce Expansion

Zomato has rehired its former executive, Shalin Bhatt, to lead the dining out division, replacing Sankalp Kathuria, who stepped down as the senior vice-president and business head of Zomato Dining in December 2024. This move was first reported by Economic Times.

Bhatt initially left Zomato in 2021 to launch a bootstrapped SaaS and e-commerce venture after the company went public, but the startup was shut down two years later. His return signals Zomato’s renewed focus on its dining out vertical, which has undergone several changes recently.

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In a notable shift, Zomato brought back former senior executives Rahul Ganjoo and Pradyot Ghate in July 2024 to scale the dining out segment. That was followed by a major acquisition in August 2024, when Zomato bought Paytm’s entertainment ticketing business for INR 2,048 crore.

Zomato then merged the dining out business with the ticketing segment, launching the ‘District’ app in November 2024 to combine restaurant reservations with bookings for movies, sports, and live events. The app has already crossed 6.5 million downloads and is led by Ganjoo.

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The company is also working on expanding its quick commerce platform, Blinkit, which faces rising competition. Zomato is experimenting with faster food delivery services through Blinkit’s Bistro and a new 15-minute food delivery offering under the Zomato brand.

On the financial side, Zomato raised INR 8,500 crore (about $1 billion) through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) in November 2024. However, its net profit for Q3 FY25 dropped 57.2% to INR 59 crore, down from INR 138 crore in the same period the previous year. This was attributed to a slowdown in the food delivery segment and increased competition in the quick commerce space. Operating revenue, however, saw a 64% increase, rising to INR 5,405 crore from INR 3,288 crore year-over-year.

Zomato’s stock ended the trading session on January 28, 2025, at INR 208.35, up 1.07% on the BSE.

How ShopMy’s $77.5 Million Boost Is Powering Its Ambitious Expansion into Wellness, Food, and International Markets

Growth

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January 31, 2025

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Image of shopmy — How ShopMy’s $77.5 Million Boost Is Powering Its Ambitious Expansion into Wellness, Food, and International Markets

ShopMy, a tech startup focused on influencer marketing, has raised $77.5 million in a Series B funding round, co-led by Bessemer Venture Partners and Bain Capital Ventures. The latest investment pushes the company’s valuation to $410 million, up from $80 million just a few months ago in March 2024. Along with the primary investors, the round also saw participation from Menlo Ventures, Inspired Capital, AlleyCorp, and well-known personalities such as YouTube influencer Camila Coelho and social media stars Jett and Campbell “Pookie” Puckett.

The funding round comes amid a surge of investment into influencer marketing platforms, with industry projections from eMarketer forecasting a 14.2% year-on-year increase in influencer marketing spending in 2025, outpacing growth in both digital and social media advertising.

ShopMy provides a range of tools for advertisers, including solutions to streamline gifting programs, identify niche micro-influencers, and create commerce links that influencers can share with their followers. Influencers earn commissions based on purchases made through their shared links, while brands use these links to track sales and monitor the effectiveness of their campaigns. ShopMy earns revenue through subscription fees charged to advertisers and a percentage of the sales generated via its platform.

Chris Erwin, founder of RockWater, a creator economy consultancy, noted that platforms like ShopMy are gaining momentum because they offer advertisers a way to measure the return on investment more precisely, converting awareness-driven campaigns into tangible sales. “Affiliate commerce, where influencers drive actual sales through shoppable links, has become a compelling proposition for brands,” Erwin explained.

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Founded just four years ago, ShopMy now counts over 550 brands and 100,000 creators as part of its growing network. The platform has taken active steps to attract influencers, including a high-profile marketing campaign that featured a poster drive and a party at New York Fashion Week’s exclusive Zero Bond venue last September.

As competition in the social commerce industry intensifies, ShopMy faces challenges from rival platforms like Mavely, which was acquired by Later for $250 million, and LTK, which has had its own legal skirmishes with ShopMy. LTK previously sued ShopMy over allegations of false advertising and trademark infringement, though the lawsuit was dropped after ShopMy ceased the contentious ads.

Currently focused on sectors such as beauty, fashion, and skincare, ShopMy plans to use its new funding to branch out into other advertising categories, including wellness, maternity, food, and family products. The company is also eyeing international expansion.

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With AI technologies starting to infiltrate traditional advertising, ShopMy’s founders, including Harry Rein, Tiffany Lopinsky, and Chris Tinsley, believe that influencer marketing’s human-centered approach will become even more valuable. “As AI starts to shape advertising in new ways, the power of human recommendations and connections will only grow stronger,” said Rein. “We believe this shift will position us to become a major player in the industry.”

P&G India Unveils Rs 300 Crore Fund to Revolutionize Supply Chain Ecosystem with External Innovation

Growth

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January 31, 2025

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Image of P&G — P&G India Unveils Rs 300 Crore Fund to Revolutionize Supply Chain Ecosystem with External Innovation

Procter & Gamble (P&G) India has announced the launch of its Rs 300 crore “Supply Chain Catalyst Fund” aimed at fostering collaboration with external partners and innovators. This initiative seeks to co-create innovative solutions for enhancing the company’s supply chain ecosystem. The fund will provide startups and innovators with the chance to work alongside P&G India to develop customized business solutions, particularly focused on advancing the company’s Supply 3.0 goals.

This move is part of P&G’s broader commitment to invest Rs 1,800 crore in business solutions via its vGROW platform. The platform serves as a collaboration hub for small businesses, individuals, and large organizations offering forward-thinking solutions. Brands under P&G’s umbrella, like Gillette, Whisper, and Vicks, will directly benefit from this innovation-driven approach.

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Aligned with India’s Prime Minister’s Gati Shakti initiative, which focuses on improving multi-modal connectivity across the country, the Supply Chain Catalyst Fund is designed to streamline the movement of goods and services, providing targeted interventions in the process.

L.V. Vaidyanathan, CEO of P&G India Subcontinent, emphasized that the initiative aims to strengthen the core of P&G’s operations—the supply chain. “We are excited to co-create solutions that not only transform our supply chain but also contribute to constructive disruption and increased productivity,” he stated.

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Since its inception, vGROW has been central to P&G’s strategy of engaging with external partners to address business challenges and empower emerging startups. Vaidyanathan added, “With a commitment of over Rs 1,800 crore through vGROW, we believe that a healthy dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs will help us set new standards and better serve our consumers and communities.”

The vGROW platform has already established partnerships with over 2,300 suppliers across diverse sectors, ranging from technology partners and material suppliers to creative agencies, creating a dynamic ecosystem for growth and innovation.

Delhivery’s Quick Commerce Vision: How Rapid Commerce is Revolutionizing Hyperlocal Delivery

Quick Commerce

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January 31, 2025

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Image of delhivery — Delhivery’s Quick Commerce Vision: How Rapid Commerce is Revolutionizing Hyperlocal Delivery

Delhivery, the logistics giant, has entered the competitive quick commerce space with its new service, Rapid Commerce, which promises delivery within two hours. To make this possible, the company plans to establish between six and ten micro-warehouses in every metro city, ranging in size from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet, according to Chief Operating Officer Ajith Pai.

“These facilities are tailored based on various factors like the number of PIN codes they serve, the local population density, and the product assortment. We use data analytics to map consumer demand in specific areas and collaborate with brands to stock the right products. While the initial estimate is 6-10 stores per metro, we’ll refine this model as more data becomes available,” Pai explained.

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The concept revolves around stocking 500 to 1,000 fast-moving SKUs (stock-keeping units) that account for a substantial share of consumer demand. “The idea is to position these fast-moving products no more than 5-6 kilometers from customers. This allows us to fulfill orders almost instantly. It’s a win-win: consumers get everyday essentials delivered quickly, and brands strengthen customer loyalty through convenience,” Pai added.

The pricing model for brands is straightforward. Instead of charging a commission, Delhivery charges on a per-order basis. “Brands pay for the items they stock and for each order delivered. This approach reduces complexity and ensures shared costs for brands,” said Pai.

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Currently operational in Bengaluru, Rapid Commerce is already processing more than 300 orders daily. The company reports significant demand for everyday essentials and frequently purchased products.

Delhivery’s foray into quick commerce highlights its ability to blend logistics expertise with advanced data analytics to address the growing consumer need for speed and convenience in everyday purchases. The company’s innovative approach could reshape how brands and customers interact in the quick commerce landscape.

Sixth Sense Ventures Doubles Down on RAS Luxury Skincare: 5x Revenue Growth, $5 Million Funding, and a 50% D2C Revenue Share Drive Expansion

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January 31, 2025

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Image of sixth sense — Sixth Sense Ventures Doubles Down on RAS Luxury Skincare: 5x Revenue Growth, $5 Million Funding, and a 50% D2C Revenue Share Drive Expansion

Nikhil Vohra, Founder & CEO of Sixth Sense Ventures, recently shared an insightful post on LinkedIn, discussing the firm’s continued partnership with RAS Luxury Skincare. The post highlights Sixth Sense Ventures’ role in RAS’s remarkable growth and the brand’s promising future in the luxury skincare market.

In the post, Vohra expressed Sixth Sense Ventures’ excitement about deepening its partnership with RAS through SSIO III, marking an important milestone for both companies. “Since our initial investment in 2022, RAS has emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing names in the luxury skincare segment,” Vohra said. He also praised the brand’s visionary leadership, led by Shubhika Jain and Suramya Jain, who have successfully scaled RAS with a strong commitment to quality and innovation.

Underpinning RAS’s success is its unique vertically integrated Farm-to-Face model, which has driven significant growth. Vohra noted that RAS had achieved a remarkable 5x revenue growth, attracting a loyal customer base with industry-leading repeat purchase rates. He pointed out that these accomplishments reflect RAS’s ability to build trust and deliver lasting value in a competitive market.

A key factor in RAS’s success, according to Vohra, has been its omnichannel strategy. “Over 50% of its revenue comes from a thriving D2C channel,” he stated, emphasizing the strong consumer connection and loyalty the brand has cultivated. The brand’s offline presence is also growing, with two Exclusive Brand Outlets (EBOs) already operational and five more on the way. Vohra added that retail would likely contribute over 25% of RAS’s total revenue in the next 3-4 years, alongside continued growth in the HORECA segment.

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The post also discussed the recent $5 million funding round secured by RAS, led by Unilever Ventures and Amazon Sambhav Fund. Vohra noted the synergies these new investors bring, further strengthening RAS’s position in both the Indian and global skincare markets.

As Vohra pointed out, the luxury skincare market in India is expanding rapidly, growing 2-3 times faster than the broader personal care categories. “RAS is well-positioned to lead this transformation,” he said, reinforcing his confidence in the brand’s future success.

Shubhika Jain, Founder & CEO of RAS Luxury Skincare, also shared her thoughts in the post. She explained that the luxury skincare market in India is shifting towards natural and effective products, with RAS’s Farm-to-Face philosophy at the forefront of this change. Jain expressed her gratitude for Sixth Sense Ventures’ unwavering support, acknowledging the critical role the venture firm has played in RAS’s journey. “We’re excited to accelerate our growth journey in India & beyond,” she said.

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Vohra’s post serves as a testament to the powerful partnership between Sixth Sense Ventures and RAS Luxury Skincare. It highlights the brand’s impressive growth trajectory and the promising future that lies ahead, backed by strong leadership, strategic investments, and a forward-thinking approach to luxury skincare.

Dabur India Reports 1.8% Profit Growth in Q3 FY25, Gains Market Share in Hair Oils, Juices, and More

FMCG

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January 31, 2025

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Image of dabur — Dabur India Reports 1.8% Profit Growth in Q3 FY25, Gains Market Share in Hair Oils, Juices, and More

Dabur India announced its Q3 FY25 results on Thursday, reporting a slight 1.8% increase in consolidated net profit year-on-year (YoY) to ₹515.82 crore. Revenue from operations rose 3% YoY to ₹3,355.25 crore, compared to ₹3,255.06 crore in the same quarter last year. While YoY growth was moderate, Dabur’s sequential (QoQ) net profit jumped 23.5%, rising from ₹417.52 crore in the previous quarter. Revenue also saw a 5.5% QoQ increase.

In terms of segment performance, Dabur’s Consumer Care Business reported a 4% YoY revenue growth, reaching ₹2,850.34 crore, up from ₹2,741.78 crore last year. However, the Foods Business saw a 2.8% decline, with revenue slipping to ₹429.55 crore from ₹442.12 crore in Q3 FY24. The Retail Business remained almost flat, with revenue standing at ₹32.61 crore compared to ₹32.91 crore in the same period last year.

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Dabur continued to strengthen its market position across several key categories. In hair oils, the company achieved an all-time high market share of 18%, driven by a 150 bps increase. The air fresheners segment saw a market share expansion of 101 bps, while juices and nectars gained 318 bps. Dabur also saw strong demand for its toothpaste brands, Dabur Red and Meswak, with category sales growing by 9.1%.

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The Skin & Salon category posted a 5.6% increase, digestives recorded 4% growth, and the Badshah business grew by 15%. Despite some challenges in certain categories, Dabur’s focus on market share expansion and premiumization continues to drive overall growth.

Netflix Surpasses 300 Million Subscribers, Driven by Squid Game Season 2 and Live Sports Push

Growth

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January 31, 2025

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Image of netflix — Netflix Surpasses 300 Million Subscribers, Driven by Squid Game Season 2 and Live Sports Push

Netflix saw its largest quarterly subscriber increase ever in Q4 2024, surpassing 300 million subscribers for the first time. This growth was fueled by the massive success of Squid Game season 2 and the company’s ongoing push into live sports content.

In Q4 alone, Netflix gained 18.91 million new subscribers, bringing its total paid memberships to 301.6 million, a 15.9% increase from the previous year. The company’s previous largest quarterly increase came at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 15 million new subscribers in Q1 2020.

This will be the last quarter Netflix reports subscriber growth in this manner, as the company shifts its focus away from incremental membership additions across various pricing tiers. Going forward, Netflix will emphasize revenue, operating margin, and member engagement as key performance indicators, with engagement serving as a gauge of customer satisfaction.

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For Q4 2024, Netflix reported a revenue increase of 16% year-on-year, totaling $10.25 billion. Operating income climbed 22.2% to $2.3 billion, and the operating margin grew by the same percentage. Net profit nearly doubled to $1.87 billion compared to the previous year.

For the full year, Netflix’s revenue reached $39 billion, marking a 16% increase, and its operating profit surpassed $10 billion for the first time. The company also added a record 41 million new subscribers throughout 2024.

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In the Asia-Pacific region, which includes key markets like India, Netflix added 4.94 million subscribers, bringing the regional total to 57.5 million. Revenue from the region grew 25.9% year-on-year to $1.2 billion, making up 11.8% of Netflix’s total revenue in Q4.

While Netflix didn’t provide specific subscriber numbers for India, the country remains a crucial market for its growth. In Q2 2024, India was cited as the second-largest market for subscriber additions and the third-largest in terms of revenue growth percentage, although precise figures were not disclosed.

Lay’s in Hot Water: FDA Warns Undeclared Milk in 6,300+ Bags Could Lead to Allergic Reactions

Food Safety

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January 30, 2025

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Image of lays — Lay’s in Hot Water: FDA Warns Undeclared Milk in 6,300+ Bags Could Lead to Allergic Reactions

If you have a milk allergy, you’ll want to think twice before reaching for a bag of Lay’s. The FDA has just escalated a recall of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips to its most serious classification—Class I—meaning consuming the affected product could lead to severe illness or even death.

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FDA Issues Highest-Level Recall for Lay’s Potato Chips Due to Life-Threatening Allergy Risk

The issue? Some batches of 13-ounce Lay’s bags contain undeclared milk, a major allergen that wasn’t listed on the label. For those with a milk allergy, even a small amount can trigger dangerous reactions, including hives, facial swelling, breathing difficulties, and severe gastrointestinal distress. In extreme cases, it can cause anaphylaxis, which can be fatal without immediate medical attention.

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This recall isn’t nationwide—it only affects select Lay’s bags distributed in Oregon and Washington. The impacted chips were sold in stores starting in November 2024. PepsiCo, the parent company of Lay’s, is urging customers to check their bags and throw them out immediately

It’s important to note that a milk allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance. While lactose-intolerant individuals may experience discomfort when consuming dairy, those with a true milk allergy can have severe reactions.

98% of Consumers Don’t Know Where Their Food Comes From—Satyajit Hange’s Solution is Changing That

Food & Beverage

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January 30, 2025

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Image of satyajit hange — 98% of Consumers Don’t Know Where Their Food Comes From—Satyajit Hange’s Solution is Changing That

How Two Brothers Organic Farms Is Pushing Beyond Organic Labels With Farm-to-Fork Traceability

Satyajit Hange, co-founder of Two Brothers Organic Farms, recently took to LinkedIn to challenge a growing issue in the organic food industry—over-reliance on certifications. In his post, Hange stated, “Just being certified as an organic brand is not enough in 2025. Certifications are just labels.”

He emphasized that while certifications help establish credibility, they don’t tell the full story. According to him, what truly matters is transparency and traceability—ensuring consumers know exactly where their food comes from and how it’s produced.

Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers

To address this, Two Brothers Organic Farms has introduced a Dynamic Farm-to-Fork Traceability Solution. This innovative system allows consumers to trace their food’s journey from farm to table before making a purchase. By simply scanning a QR code on the product, buyers can access crucial details, including:

The farmer who cultivated the crop

The farming practices and fertilizers used

The harvest timeline and storage conditions

The goal, Hange explained, is to empower consumers with knowledge. “You deserve to know what you’re consuming. You deserve to know where it comes from, how it’s grown, and who makes it possible.”

Food Pharmer’s Review: A Deep Dive Into Transparency

Before its official rollout, Two Brothers Organic Farms provided early access to the system to Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as Food Pharmer. He scanned the QR code on one of their products and was able to view everything—from the exact farmer to the fertigation methods and the shelf life of the product.

This level of radical transparency is rare in the organic food industry, where many brands rely on labels without offering real proof of sourcing and sustainability.

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Holding Farmers (and Brands) Accountable

Hange believes that this traceability system benefits both consumers and farmers. When consumers have access to such detailed information, it not only builds trust but also ensures accountability at every step of the supply chain.

“When you see all these details, our farmers know there’s someone out there watching, appreciating, and trusting their hard work from day one until harvest.”

By making their entire backend operations visible to the public, Two Brothers Organic Farms is placing itself under “positive pressure”—a term Hange uses to describe the responsibility they feel to uphold their promises.

A New Standard for Organic Food

This approach is set to disrupt the organic food industry, where certifications often act as a marketing tool rather than a guarantee of purity. Two Brothers Organic Farms is calling for a new era of transparency, where consumers no longer have to take brands at their word—they can verify the truth for themselves.

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Hange ended his post with an invitation for feedback, saying, “Your thoughts can help us shape this into a crowd-sourced solution—one that truly works for you and for our farmers.”

As consumers become more conscious of their food choices, innovations like this could set a new gold standard for ethical, transparent, and truly organic food production.

Zomato ‘Quick’ Enters the 10-Minute Food Fight – Can It Beat Swiggy’s Bolt and Zepto Cafe?

Quick Commerce

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January 30, 2025

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Image of swiggy zomato zepto — Zomato ‘Quick’ Enters the 10-Minute Food Fight – Can It Beat Swiggy’s Bolt and Zepto Cafe?

Zomato is set to launch pilots for its 10-minute food delivery programme under the name ‘Quick’ in the NCR region next week, according to sources.

“Zomato has reached out to restaurant partners to initiate its 10-minute food delivery program, Quick starting with restaurant with consistent ratings across hygiene, kitchen prep time and quality,” Kawaljeet Singh, CEO and Co-founder of Harsukh Foods which operates over 50 restaurant outlets in NCR-region told Yourstory.

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Another founder in the F&B space said that the Deepinder Goyal-led company sent emails to restaurant partners to deliver select dishes from their menu under the new programme. YourStory has reviewed the mail.

Zomato declined to comment on the queries shared by Yourstory and instead reiterated its plans from the third-quarter shareholder letter. Last week, Zomato said its 10-minute delivery feature would be enabled by curated items from the menu of restaurant partners and through a dedicated delivery fleet.

Quick will compete with Swiggy’s food delivery model Bolt, which has seen a spurt in popularity accounting for 5% of the platform’s orders as per Swiggy’s September quarter earnings.

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”Bolt is a very high-focus programme for Swiggy so they give a lot of visibility and entry points for Bolt brands. The “Bolt” nugget is visible on the landing page as well as on the top of their “Food” page. These things activate multiple entry points for brands leading to an increase in top of the funnel, impressions and menu opens. Restaurants are pushing for higher menu penetration of Bolt items so that they don’t lose on these entry points,” said Karan Tanna, Founder & CEO of Ghost Kitchens, which runs brands like Starboy Pizzas and Speak Burgers.

While it is still early days and January is a slow month for the industry, there has been no incremental growth in restaurant’s business with the 10-minute food delivery service. The same customer is now ordering through Bolt and others,” noted Singh.

The 10-minute food delivery space has new and incumbent players. Zepto Cafe, an early player in the segment, has already established itself as a standalone offering out of the company’s quick commerce ecosystem. Within a month of launch, the offering was completing over 50,000 orders a day, CEO Aadit Palicha shared in a post on X in January.

Upcoming startups like Accel-backed Swish and NCR-based Zing are also targeting the 10-minute cloud kitchen delivery model. Quick commerce players like BB Now and Zomato’s Blinkit, under Bistro are also looking to scale 10-minute food delivery under private label. Earlier this month, Swiggy also launched a separate app under the name Snacc to offer 10-minute food options under its private label.

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