India’s quick commerce landscape is heating up once again as Tata Group-backed BigBasket prepares to launch a nationwide 10-minute food delivery service by fiscal year 2026. The initiative, which follows a successful pilot in Bengaluru, will see BigBasket taking direct aim at established food delivery giants Zomato and Swiggy, as well as quick-commerce disruptors like Blinkit and Zepto.

Key Points

BigBasket to launch 10-minute food delivery across India by FY26.

Targeting users of Swiggy, Zomato, and new snack/meal consumers.

Will expand dark stores from 700 to over 1,000 by 2025.

Exclusively offers food from Tata brands like Starbucks and Qmin.

Pilot in Bengaluru already shows promising customer adoption.

No external restaurant partnerships planned at this stage.

Not seeking outside funding; Tata Group provides internal capital.

IPO expected within the next 18 to 24 months.

BigBasket’s Strategic Shift Toward Quick Commerce

The decision to expand into ultra-fast food delivery marks a strategic pivot for BigBasket, known primarily for groceries and fresh produce. Co-founder Vipul Parekh, speaking to Reuters, confirmed the company’s vision to meet existing customer demands while also unlocking a new consumer segment that craves fast, reliable access to snacks and ready-to-eat meals.

Expansion Through Dark Stores

BigBasket will rely on its growing network of dark stores—small, hyperlocal fulfilment centers optimized for speed. The current count of 700 dark stores is expected to increase to between 1,000 and 1,200 by the end of 2025, ensuring sufficient coverage for rapid delivery in key metro areas.

During the ongoing pilot in Bengaluru, the company is already seeing signs of customer engagement. Around 5–10% of existing users are blending their grocery and fast-food orders, and this number is anticipated to rise steadily.

By July 2025, BigBasket plans to have at least 40 dark stores offering the 10-minute delivery feature.

Exclusive Offerings from Tata-Owned Brands

Unlike its competitors that aggregate menus from third-party restaurants, BigBasket’s offering will remain exclusive to Tata Group-owned brands. This includes popular names like Starbucks and Qmin, the gourmet food vertical of Indian Hotels. This move gives BigBasket a unique brand synergy and quality control advantage while keeping operations tightly integrated within the Tata ecosystem.

There are no immediate plans to onboard third-party restaurant partners.

Competitive Landscape: Standing Out in a Crowded Market

India’s quick commerce sector, currently worth $7.1 billion (approx. ₹60,700 crore), is one of the fastest-growing segments of the digital economy. BigBasket will be entering a market already crowded with innovations:

Blinkit has launched Bistro, expanding into ready-to-eat meals.

Zepto is pushing its Zepto Cafe concept.

Swiggy has launched Snacc for fast snacking options.

Yet BigBasket’s edge lies in its grocery-first DNA, existing logistics infrastructure, and the backing of a powerful corporate conglomerate in Tata Group.

No External Funding—Yet

Addressing speculation around funding, Parekh clarified that BigBasket is not seeking external capital at this point. “Being part of the Tata Group gives us access to internal capital, which puts us in a strong position,” he explained.

This approach allows BigBasket to scale efficiently without the pressure of venture funding, giving it more room for experimentation and long-term planning.

IPO on the Horizon

BigBasket also reaffirmed its IPO plans, with a public listing likely within 18–24 months. The timing aligns with its broader growth trajectory, including the rollout of the 10-minute food delivery service. A successful IPO could further consolidate its position in India’s online commerce ecosystem.

Conclusion

With its 10-minute food delivery plan, BigBasket is not just expanding its services—it’s redefining its identity in a space long dominated by Zomato, Swiggy, and emerging players like Blinkit and Zepto. By leveraging Tata’s brand power, an expanding logistics network, and an exclusive food lineup, BigBasket is positioning itself as a serious contender in India’s quick commerce revolution.

As the rollout begins and competition intensifies, all eyes will be on how BigBasket scales this model while retaining its core grocery customers. The next two years could be transformative—not just for BigBasket, but for the entire Indian online food and grocery market.