As demand for ultra-fast food delivery surges, Zomato-owned Blinkit has launched ‘Bistro’, a platform promising snacks and meals in just 10 minutes. The move intensifies competition with rivals like Swiggy Bolt, Zepto Café, and Swish, capitalizing on India’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, according to GlobalData.
Kakarlapudi Karthik Varma, Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, said, “The growing demand for 10-minute food delivery reflects urban consumers’ reliance on quick solutions for their busy routines. Companies are meeting this need by delivering ready-to-eat snacks and meals within minutes. “
Evolving sector
Swiggy Bolt accounts for 5 per cent of orders, and Swish has secured $2 million in funding, driving increased competition and fueling rapid innovation and growth in this fast-evolving sector. This quest for speed is driven not just by changing consumer preferences, but also by advancements in technology, enabling faster, more efficient delivery systems.
Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics help delivery platforms predict consumer behavior, optimize ordering processes, and improve delivery routes. Meanwhile, the increasing numbers of electric scooters and bikes is making deliveries faster, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.
However, the race to deliver food in minutes comes with significant challenges. Companies, said GlobalData, must navigate issues such as maintaining food quality during rapid deliveries and managing escalating operational costs, all while striving to strike the right balance between speed and reliability.
Innovation and features
As the 10 minute food delivery race intensifies, consumers can look forward to more inventive solutions, including drone deliveries, automated kitchens, and AI-enhanced customer service.
Francis Gabriel Godad, Business Development Manager, India at GlobalData, said, “Numerous companies are incorporating added features such as real-time tracking, personalized meal suggestions, and loyalty programs, providing consumers with a more interactive, efficient, and captivating experience.”
He added, “Industry experts anticipate that the sector’s future will involve a consolidation of players, with those capable of delivering superior customer experiences while sustaining profitability distinguishing themselves over time. The delivery landscape is evolving rapidly, and those who can excel in both speed and customer satisfaction will succeed.”
Kakarlapudi Karthik Varma concluded that these innovations will further reduce delivery times and enhance the overall user experience. Driven by India’s rich culinary heritage, the country is on the brink of a thrilling revolution in food delivery. As innovation rapidly advances, the race to deliver food in minutes is only beginning.