📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
Zepto, the quick commerce unicorn, is on a rapid growth trajectory aiming to surpass the offline retail giant, DMart, in the Indian grocery market. Co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha shared his ambitious vision at an event in Delhi on July 6. With DMart being a $30 billion company, Palicha emphasized that Zepto is only 4.5 times smaller in terms of sales currently, demonstrating the remarkable potential for growth in the upcoming 18-24 months. Zepto’s primary focus will be on the top 50-75 million households across the country’s major cities, as this segment plays a significant role in grocery and daily essential purchases, accounting for a substantial portion of the $850 billion Indian grocery market projected by FY29. Palicha highlighted the exponential growth of Zepto, reaching Rs 10,000 crore in sales within less than 3 years, making it the fastest company in Internet India to achieve this milestone, outpacing even Flipkart’s growth timeline. Describing Zepto as a hyperlocal Walmart, Palicha attributed its success to a scalable business model and efficient operations. Zepto recently secured a substantial investment of $665 million, valuing the company at $3.6 billion, with plans for further fundraising to support expansion into new markets and increase market penetration in existing cities. The company aims to double its dark store count from 350 to over 700 by March 2025, aligning with the growth strategy of other key players in the quick commerce sector like Blinkit and Instamart. Founded in 2021 by Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has rapidly grown to become a significant player in the industry, processing 5.5 lakh orders daily through a network of 350 dark stores in seven cities. With a focus on customer retention and market expansion, Zepto has introduced new initiatives like the Zepto Pass loyalty program and Zepto Café service to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction. The company’s innovative approach to fast deliveries through a network of ‘dark stores’ strategically located near residential areas has been a key driver of its success, along with a strong emphasis on technology and operational efficiency. As Zepto aims to consolidate its position in the competitive quick commerce landscape in India, continued investment in technology and customer experience will play a crucial role in sustaining and accelerating growth in the coming years.
