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Published on
July 8, 2025
5 min read
Quick Commerce Battle Heats Up: Blinkit, Instamart Capture Larger Market Share in Q1
India’s quick commerce sector is seeing strong momentum, as leading players Blinkit and Instamart posted noticeable gains in the first quarter of 2025. According to Inc42, a report by ICICI Securities said that quick commerce leaders Blinkit and Instamart saw a growth in their market share in the first quarter of FY26, as other players in the segment slowed their aggressive expansion strategies.
The report noted that Blinkit recorded a sequential gross order value (GOV) growth of over 25%. Meanwhile, Swiggy’s Instamart saw a 22% increase in GOV during the same period.
ICICI Securities also highlighted that overall sector growth for quick commerce in Q1 FY26 was under 20%, suggesting that both Blinkit and Instamart outpaced the market and captured a larger share.
Blinkit Continues Strong Run
Blinkit’s market share expanded significantly in Q1, driven by a sharp increase in order volume and better unit economics. The platform, owned by Zomato, has experienced steady growth in metropolitan areas and tier-1 cities. Analysts note that Blinkit’s GOV growth has remained strong due to higher average order sizes and a growing base of repeat customers.
Zomato’s focus on building a dense network of dark stores and improving delivery efficiency has worked in Blinkit’s favor. The company also benefited from increased customer stickiness during the IPL season and summer grocery trends, like cold beverages and ready-to-cook meals.
Instamart Fights Back with Expansion
Swiggy’s Instamart growth also picked up pace during the same period. With a focus on expanding its delivery coverage and increasing product variety, Instamart aims to close the gap with Blinkit. Swiggy has ramped up investments in technology and warehousing to optimize delivery times and reduce costs per order.
The company has also launched more offers and partnered with local brands to bring in differentiated inventory, appealing to a broader user base. According to industry data, Instamart saw healthy gains in cities like Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai in Q1.
Grocery Delivery Competition Intensifies
The grocery delivery competition in India is no longer limited to Blinkit and Instamart. Zepto and BigBasket Now are also key players in this space. However, Q1 data suggests Blinkit and Instamart are leading the charge, thanks to aggressive customer acquisition and better order fulfillment rates.
Experts say the top two players are benefiting from strong parent company backing, which are willing to absorb short-term losses to grab long-term market share. This has made the quick commerce landscape in India even more competitive.
What Lies Ahead?
While the gains are promising, profitability remains a challenge. With rising operational costs and intense discounting, companies are focusing on optimizing delivery routes, increasing warehouse automation, and boosting in-app engagement.
Zomato, in a recent investor call, shared that Blinkit has turned operationally profitable in some areas and is targeting breakeven at a company level in the coming quarters. Swiggy, too, is expected to update its investors soon on Instamart’s profitability metrics.
As the battle between Blinkit and Instamart continues, the quick commerce segment in India is set to evolve rapidly. Customers can expect faster delivery, more product choices, and even better user experiences.
The first quarter has set the tone for a high-stakes year for quick commerce in India, and all eyes are now on how much further Blinkit’s and Instamart’s market share will rise in the coming months.
