BigBasket, the Tata Group-owned online grocery giant, is now gearing up to enter India’s fast-growing quick commerce food delivery segment. According to the company, it plans to launch a nationwide 10-minute food delivery service by the end of FY26, directly targeting users of Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, and Blinkit.

The initiative marks a significant shift in strategy for BigBasket, which has traditionally been a leader in online grocery delivery. With this move, the company aims to capture a slice of India’s $7.1 billion quick commerce market, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country’s digital economy.

Aiming at Swiggy and Zomato’s Turf

Co-founder Vipul Parekh confirmed in an interview with Reuters that the company’s upcoming service will cater to existing users of other food delivery platforms as well as tap into new customer segments that demand fast, reliable access to snacks and hot meals.

We are looking to address the current demand and also unlock new consumers, Parekh stated, underlining that BigBasket sees this as an expansion opportunity, not just competition.

Built on Dark Stores and Tata Synergy

To support its 10-minute delivery model, BigBasket is banking on its dark store infrastructure, a format involving hyperlocal fulfilment centres built to enable ultra-fast deliveries. The company currently operates around 700 dark stores and plans to increase this count to between 1,000 and 1,200 by the end of 2025.

This expansion comes after a successful pilot programme in Bengaluru that began last month. By the end of July, BigBasket plans to operate the service from at least 40 dark stores. Current data suggests that 5 to 10 percent of customers already combine quick food items with their grocery orders, a number projected to grow as availability expands.

Unique Tata-Only Menu Strategy

Unlike competitors such as Blinkit Bistro, Zepto Cafe, or Swiggy Snacc, BigBasket’s quick food menu will feature items only from Tata Group-affiliated brands. These include offerings from Starbucks India and Qmin, the gourmet food division of Indian Hotels Company Limited.

There are no plans to partner with external restaurants, which gives BigBasket full control over quality, supply chain, and customer experience. This Tata-only menu could also create a differentiated brand identity in an already crowded space.

Quick Commerce Growth and BigBasket’s Position

India’s quick commerce industry is witnessing a boom, growing at a rapid pace year on year. The Indus Valley report by Blume Ventures estimates the segment’s current value at Rs 60,722 crore, driven by rising demand for instant deliveries, changing urban lifestyles, and growing digital penetration.

BigBasket’s entry into this space signifies a growing consolidation of power among major Indian conglomerates, with the Tata Group now directly challenging the likes of Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit, all of which are backed by strong investors and infrastructure.

No External Funding Needed

While most new-age startups seek funding rounds to fuel growth, BigBasket is not actively seeking external capital. According to Parekh, being part of the Tata Group provides the company with sufficient internal financial backing.

One of the advantages we have is, being a part of Tata Group, you have enough internal capital available, Parekh explained, dispelling recent speculation regarding a potential fundraise.

IPO on the Horizon

In addition to launching this new vertical, BigBasket is preparing to file for an initial public offering (IPO) within the next 18 to 24 months. The company’s core operations are maturing, and with the quick commerce vertical expected to boost revenue and user engagement, the IPO could position BigBasket as a formidable full-stack digital commerce brand.

Competitive Landscape Heating Up

BigBasket’s expansion adds another major player to the already heated space, where:

• Blinkit is expanding aggressively under Zomato ownership

• Zepto is focusing on urban core markets and is expected to file for IPO soon

• Swiggy is pushing forward with Instamart and Snacc, diversifying across food, groceries, and essentials

BigBasket’s strength lies in its brand trust, Tata backing, supply chain expertise, and integration of food and grocery in a single seamless experience.

Final Word

BigBasket’s nationwide 10-minute food delivery service could be a game-changer, especially with its differentiated strategy of Tata-only food offerings. Backed by internal capital, a growing logistics backbone, and strong brand recall, the company is well-positioned to make a serious impact in India’s hyper-competitive quick commerce ecosystem.

With an IPO on the horizon and an ambitious rollout strategy, BigBasket is not just reacting to competition—it is actively shaping the future of how Indians access food and groceries instantly.

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