Online Alcohol Delivery: Swiggy, BigBasket, and Zomato Set to Join the MarketOnline Alcohol Delivery: Swiggy, BigBasket, and Zomato Set to Join the Market Major delivery platforms like Swiggy, BigBasket, and Zomato are reportedly planning to venture into the alcohol delivery market, starting with low-alcohol beverages like beer, wine, and liquors. According to industry sources quoted by the Economic Times, several states, including New Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala, are considering pilot projects for this service. Currently, only Odisha and West Bengal permit home delivery of alcohol. The move to expand this service is being driven by factors such as the growing expat population in metropolitan areas, consumer preference for moderate alcoholic beverages as complements to meals, and the convenience and comfort factor for women and seniors. Dinker Vashisht, vice president of corporate affairs at Swiggy, emphasizes the benefits of online alcohol delivery, such as maintaining transaction records, age verification, and enforcing limits. These systems also adhere to regulations and excise rules, ensuring compliance with timing, dry days, and delivery zones. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, states like Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Assam temporarily allowed alcohol deliveries with restrictions. According to retail executives, online alcohol sales in West Bengal and Odisha saw a surge of 20-30%. Experts believe that allowing online home delivery of alcohol can enhance consumer convenience, stimulate economic growth, and align with global trends while ensuring responsible and regulated distribution. Rahul Singh, CEO of The Beer Cafe, supports this move, stating that it can lead to increased consumer convenience, boost economic growth, and capitalize on global trends.
Swiggy, BigBasket and Zomato may soon begin delivering alcohol, starting with low-alcohol beverages such as beer, wine and liquors. According to industry executives cited by the Economic Times, states such as New Delhi, Karnataka, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Kerala are considering pilot projects for the service. Authorities are evaluating the pros and cons of the move. Currently, only Odisha and West Bengal allow home delivery of alcohol.
One of the executives explained that this move is intended to serve the growing expat population in larger cities and to appeal to consumers who view moderate alcoholic beverages as a recreational addition to meals. In addition, women and seniors find it uncomfortable to buy from traditional liquor stores and storefronts.
Dinker Vashisht, Swiggy’s vice president of corporate affairs, said online models maintain complete transaction records, verify ages and enforce limits. Moreover, these online systems are compliant with regulations and excise rules, including timing, dry days and delivery zones.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Assam temporarily allowed alcohol deliveries with restrictions. According to retail executives, online deliveries have boosted sales by 20-30% in West Bengal and Odisha.
Rahul Singh, CEO of The Beer Cafe, said allowing online home delivery of alcohol can improve consumer convenience, boost economic growth and capitalise on global trends, while ensuring responsible and regulated alcohol distribution.
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