10-minute delivery space heats up, Q-commerce space to get crowded

India's Q-Commerce Revolution:  Flowers to sweets to idols and more – most people banked on the 10-minute delivery service during Diwali. The ‘you-want-it-you-get-it’ way of living is driving up a huge economic opportunity for quick commerce in India and the rush is not mellowing any time soon.

Aggressive growth of the quick-service delivery is on the anvil with experts suggesting that the market may finally mature around FY26. What initially started with grocery and essentials quickly started including everything from pots, pans, gadgets, and even clothes. 

According to a RedSeer report published earlier this year, around 75-85 percent growth is projected for Q-Commerce in FY25 backed by 5 million new monthly transacting users. Existing MTUs too are expected to spend around 20 percent more on Q-commerce than the previous year. Also, 500 new dark stores are expected to be added across the country in the same period with a focus on the top 30-50 cities.

The report highlights that the aggressive growth spree would continue for the next couple of years leading to the industry maturing by FY26. While big cities are likely to drive Q-commerce, smaller cities are expected to follow suit FY27 onwards.

A more recent report by Chryseum shows that the quick commerce industry in India which is estimated at $3.34 billion in 2024, will reach approximately $9.95 billion by 2029 growing at a 4.5 percent CAGR.

The three reigning companies who have had the first-movers’ advantage are Blinkit , Swiggy Instamart and Zepto but there’s a whole line of fresh players waiting to foray and are already testing waters. 
Some of them are: Amazon which is already exploring the market with Amazon Fresh, BB Now by Big Basket, FirstClub, Flipkart, JioMart, Myntra, Nykaa, Ola, Slikk, Swish, and so on. 
What started with grocery could soon end up being a service for fashion, furniture, and more.