India’s burgeoning quick commerce sector is set to become even more competitive with the entry of Flipkart Minutes, a new service launched by Flipkart, India’s largest e-commerce platform. Flipkart, owned by Walmart, has begun rolling out this rapid delivery service in parts of Bengaluru, promising customers delivery of a wide array of items—from groceries to electronics—within 10 to 15 minutes.
The introduction of Flipkart Minutes reflects a growing trend in the Indian market where consumers increasingly demand faster delivery times. The service offers free delivery on orders priced at Rs 100 (approximately $1.20), making it an appealing option for urban shoppers looking for quick and convenient access to essential and non-essential goods.
Flipkart’s foray into quick commerce comes as the sector experiences significant growth and resilience in India. The quick commerce model, which relies on a network of small warehouses or “dark stores” strategically located near residential areas, has proven successful in delivering rapid service. Despite mixed results in other global markets, India’s quick commerce players are expanding rapidly across various categories, including fashion and electronics.
Flipkart’s entry into this space pits it against established quick commerce players such as Zomato-owned Blinkit, Zepto (backed by StepStone), and Swiggy Instamart (backed by SoftBank). These companies have captured consumer interest with their promise of near-instant deliveries, and their growth has been robust. For instance, Blinkit, the leading player in this segment, has garnered substantial market value, even surpassing the valuation of its parent company’s core food delivery business.
Analysts and investors are optimistic about the future of quick commerce in India. Goldman Sachs has noted that Blinkit is valued higher than Zomato’s primary food delivery operations. This optimism is reflected in the recent performance of Zomato’s stock, which hit an all-time high with a market capitalization reaching approximately $30 billion. This surge followed Zomato’s profitable quarterly results, which reported a profit of about $30 million, bolstered by the acquisition of Blinkit for less than $600 million in 2022.
Flipkart Minutes highlights Flipkart’s commitment to maintaining its dominance in the Indian e-commerce market while responding to evolving consumer demands for speed and convenience in online shopping. With established players already making significant strides, Flipkart’s entry is poised to further shape the landscape of quick commerce in India.
