BigBasket Launching 10-Minute Delivery Service in India
Tata Group-backed BigBasket is gearing up to make a significant impact in India’s quick commerce food market. The company plans to introduce a nationwide 10-minute delivery service by the end of the fiscal year 2026. This new initiative will place BigBasket in direct competition with major food delivery platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, and quick-commerce players like Blinkit and Zepto.
Targeting a Diverse Customer Base
Co-founder Vipul Parekh shared insights with Reuters, indicating that the new service will cater to both existing food delivery users and a new audience looking for quick snacks and meals. The goal is to meet current demands while also attracting new consumers.
Utilising Dark Stores for Efficient Delivery
To support this rapid delivery service, BigBasket will depend on its extensive network of dark stores, which are hyperlocal fulfilment centres designed for fast order processing. The aim is to expand the number of these dark stores from 700 to between 1,000 and 1,200 by the close of 2025.
Successful Pilot Programme in Bengaluru
This strategic move follows a successful pilot programme initiated in Bengaluru last month. By the end of July, BigBasket plans to operate the service from 40 dark stores. Currently, approximately 5 to 10 percent of customers utilizing the service are already merging fast-food items with standard grocery orders, a trend expected to rise as the service grows.
Exclusive Offering from Tata Group Brands
Differentiating itself from competitors, BigBasket’s menu will exclusively include items from Tata Group-affiliated brands, such as Starbucks and Qmin, the gourmet arm of Indian Hotels. Presently, there are no partnerships in place with external restaurants.
Expanding Quick Commerce Sector
The quick commerce sector in India, now valued at $7.1 billion (approximately Rs 60,722 crore), is the fastest-growing segment within the country’s digital economy, according to a recent report from Indus Valley by Blume Ventures. With competitors like Blinkit launching Bistro, Zepto introducing Zepto Cafe, and Swiggy operating Snacc, the competition is intensifying swiftly.
Self-Sufficient Funding Strategy
Despite the intense competition, BigBasket does not plan to seek external funding at this time. Parekh highlighted that being part of Tata Group allows for sufficient internal capital. This also dispels rumours regarding a potential funding round.
Future IPO Plans
The company is on schedule to file for an initial public offering (IPO) within the next 18 to 24 months.
