India’s quick commerce industry has exploded, now making up more than two-thirds of all e-grocery orders and growing nearly fivefold to an estimated $6–7 billion since 2022, according to a report by Bain & Company and Flipkart.
Led by Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, the sector accounted for 10% of total e-retail spending in 2024, underscoring how rapidly Indian consumers have embraced near-instant deliveries. The report predicts this momentum will continue, with annual growth exceeding 40% through 2030, as companies expand into new product categories, cities, and demographics.
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Quick Commerce: The Game-Changer in E-Retail
“The rise of quick commerce—where deliveries arrive in under 30 minutes—has completely transformed India’s e-retail market in just two years,” the report stated.
With 20 million online shoppers placing orders annually and over 400,000 gig workers powering the sector, quick commerce has become a major force in India’s digital economy.
Beyond Groceries: A Shift in Consumer Behavior
Originally built around grocery deliveries, the sector is now witnessing 15–20% of gross merchandise value (GMV) from non-grocery segments, including electronics, mobile phones, apparel, and general merchandise. This shift highlights how consumers are increasingly relying on quick commerce for more than just essentials.
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Several factors have fueled this rapid expansion, including India’s high-density urban areas, low-rent dark stores, and an extensive gig workforce—advantages that have helped India outpace global markets in scaling quick commerce.
Challenges: Cracking Smaller Cities & Profitability
Despite its meteoric rise, quick commerce remains heavily concentrated in India’s top six cities, which account for the majority of orders. The report warns that expanding into smaller cities will be critical for long-term sustainability, requiring companies to streamline supply chains, improve profit margins, and rethink their business models.
The Battle for Market Dominance Heats Up
The success of Blinkit and Zepto has attracted a wave of new competitors, with Flipkart Minutes, Myntra’s M-Now, BigBasket’s BB Now, and Amazon Tez all entering the fray. As the space gets more crowded, competition is expected to intensify, forcing brands to innovate, optimize logistics, and find a path to profitability in one of the world’s fastest-growing e-commerce segments.