Quick-Commerce platform Blinkit launches in Kochi just in time for Onam festivities

Zomato-owned quick commerce platform Blinkit (formerly known as Grofers), has marked its entry into Kerala with the launch of its first store in Kochi. CEO Albinder Dhindsa announced the opening on X (formerly Twitter), noting that the new store, situated in Kaloor, will cater to surrounding areas including Kaloor Stadium, Palarivattom, and Jawahar Nagar. 

Blinkit’s arrival provides an alternative to Swiggy’s Instamart for those seeking fast and reliable delivery services. As Blinkit expands its footprint in Kerala, the quick commerce competition in the state is expected to heat up, ultimately benefiting users with more choices and better services.

Founded in December 2013 by Dhindsa and Saurabh Kumar, Blinkit has evolved significantly from its early days. The company, which began as an e-commerce venture aimed at revolutionizing grocery delivery, first piloted in Delhi NCR. It has since expanded its operations across over 30 Indian cities, offering rapid delivery services through its network of dark stores.

What's on offer?

The app offers an extensive selection of essential items, including a wide range of groceries, spices, dairy products, personal grooming essentials, snacks, household amenities, electronics etc., all delivered within 15 minutes. 

How Blinkit works?

Blinkit operates as a quick-commerce platform that connects merchants with customers through its mobile application. Brands and sellers list their products on Blinkit's marketplace, paying transaction and commission fees for the service. Customers use the app to order groceries and essentials online, and Blinkit's team then retrieves these items from the nearest dark store—either self-leased or franchised. The platform ensures rapid delivery, typically within 10 minutes, by assigning orders to dark stores within a 3 km radius.

To maintain efficiency, Blinkit replenishes inventory in these dark stores multiple times daily. The inventory will be stored in Blinkit warehouses and dark stores, with the store inventory replenished multiple times daily. This process enables Blinkit to provide swift last-mile delivery, enhancing the convenience for its users.

App's business and revenue

By July 2021, Blinkit had achieved a remarkable milestone with over 7,000 deliveries in just 15 minutes in Gurgaon. The company further advanced its service by introducing 10-minute deliveries in top-12 cities by August 2021. Currently, blinkit reportedly handles 1.25 lakh orders daily, demonstrating its robust growth and operational efficiency.

As per its latest regulatory filing, blinkit’s revenue from operations for the financial year ending March 31, 2024, reached ₹2,301 crore, a significant increase from ₹806 crore in the previous fiscal year. In 2022, blinkit was acquired by Zomato for Rs 4447 crore in an all-stock deal. The acquisition has allowed blinkit to further develop its operations and reach.