Competition for ultra-fast food delivery in India fiercer as demand grows

However, challenges include maintaining food quality during expedited deliveries.

The Indian food delivery industry is witnessing fierce competition as demand for ultra-fast services grows, according to GlobalData.

For instance, Zomato-owned Blinkit promises food delivery within 10 minutes, challenging players like Swiggy Bolt, Zepto Café, and Swish.

“The growing demand reflects urban consumers’ reliance on quick solutions for their busy routines. With Swiggy Bolt accounting for 5% of orders and Swish securing $2m funding, competition in this sector continues to escalate,” Kakarlapudi Karthik Varma, consumer analyst at GlobalData, said.

Varma added that artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics enable delivery platforms to anticipate consumer behaviour, refine ordering processes, and enhance delivery routes.

However, the market faces challenges including maintaining food quality during expedited deliveries to handling rising operational expenses.

“Industry experts anticipate that the sector’s future will involve a consolidation of players, with those capable of delivering superior customer experiences whilst sustaining profitability distinguishing themselves over time,” Francis Gabriel Godad, business development manager for India at GlobalData, said.

As the competition intensifies, GlobalData said consumers can look forward to more inventive solutions, including drone deliveries, automated kitchens, and AI-enhanced customer service.