According to latest data from Datum Intelligence, Zepto has emerged as the second-largest player in India's quick-commerce sector with a 26.2% market share, trailing only Blinkit which maintains its dominant position with 36.7% market share. The platform processes 2.4-2.6 million daily orders, positioning it ahead of Swiggy Instamart which handles 1.3-1.45 million orders daily with a 14.4% market share. This growth comes as the overall quick-commerce market has reached 9.5 million daily orders in August, representing significant scaling from previous estimates of 4.15-4.45 million orders in March 2025.
Quick-commerce platform Zepto has raised the minimum order value required for free delivery to ₹199 from ₹149, making it costlier for customers placing smaller orders. According to reports from ET Now, this change represents a significant increase in the threshold for customers to qualify for complimentary delivery services. The platform's strategy reflects efforts to optimize delivery costs while potentially improving order sizes, as the company focuses on increasing average order values rather than encouraging more frequent orders.
The quick-commerce sector is witnessing significant competition with Amazon Now and Flipkart Minutes now generating substantial daily volumes. Amazon Now processes approximately 6-7 lakh orders daily, while BigBasket handles about 5-6 lakh orders. Flipkart Minutes has clearly established itself with over 1 million orders daily, representing 10% of the market share. This competitive landscape has prompted platforms to expand into gourmet and premium markets, with Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, Instamart, Flipkart, and Minutes all branching out into imported foods, premium meats, and specialist drinks to increase basket values.
Platform-specific economics reveal significant variations in average order values across competitors. Swiggy Instamart maintains the highest average order value at ₹691 in the June quarter, while Blinkit recorded ₹518 AOV. Zepto estimates its average order value at approximately ₹300-350, indicating the platform's focus on maintaining competitive pricing while building order volumes. The shift from delivery speed to actual product focus represents a fundamental change in the quick-commerce sector, with platforms now competing on product quality and basket value rather than just delivery speed.
Zepto operates on a "dark store" model where delivery partners are stationed outside specific micro-fulfillment centers rather than picking up orders from restaurants across the city. This approach results in shorter travel distances, zero restaurant waiting time, and much faster turnaround times. Partners can complete 3 to 5 deliveries in a single hour due to the restricted delivery radius of 2 to 3 kilometers. The platform's operational efficiency, combined with its competitive pricing strategy, has enabled it to maintain its position as a major player in India's rapidly evolving quick-commerce market.
