Quick Commerce Market Overview, 2024-29

The brand has a history strongly rooted in e-commerce evolution. On the rise since its commercialization, it has become an essential component of the retail environment. Basically, quick commerce, or "q-commerce" is tightly connected with the evolution of e-commerce, which really originated in the late 1990s with the increasing popularity of online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. These platforms took e-commerce a step further by allowing consumers to view and order products from the comfort of their homes. Most traditional e-commerce,, had longer time delivery periods, which could run into days or sometimes even weeks.

It was in the 2010s that the delivery time began to be curtailed further because of a quicker pace of life and mobile technology. Companies like Amazon raised the bar for consumer expectations, pioneering same-day and next-day delivery services. It was the very rapid expansion of food delivery services that really laid the groundwork for what would become the quick commerce market. Companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Deliveroo proved consumers were ready and willing to pay a premium for near-instant delivery of products, especially food and groceries. Quick commerce, especially, was just turning into an independent category in and around 2018-2019, with emerging startups like Gorillas, Gopuff, and Getir.

These companies were focused on ultra-high speeds and had culturally curated the core product selection: groceries, household items, and over-the-counter medications. Young millennial and Gen Z consumers value ease, flexibility, and instant gratification. Quick commerce speaks directly to this preference for on-demand services. Young demographics in urban cities have indeed been rather quick to take up the trend of quick grocery delivery. An on-demand culture has been fostered through services such as Uber, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, whereby ultra-fast delivery has become an expectation. Quick commerce operators leverage young early adopters for share in new markets.

According to the research report "Global Quick Commerce Market Overview, 2029" the market was valued at more than USD 7 Billion in 2023. The innovation of ultra-fast delivery has found appeal with global consumers and has therefore fueled the quick commerce services in order to reach new regions. Consumer tastes and preferences have been very eclectic in the quick commerce world market, depending on the regional culture, lifestyle, and economic scenario. The key drivers of consumer behavior in this market bring with them the promise of instant gratification. Quick delivery means that consumers can have a product there and then be it a grocery item forgotten to be purchased or some urgent household requirement.

In mature markets like Europe and North America, the convenience of getting groceries and other household items, or for that matter, even luxury goods, in a few minutes is highly valued. This demand is driven by busy urban lifestyles where time is a premium commodity. The largest growth is predicted in Asia-Pacific, powered by rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and internet penetration. The fast emergence of trends toward quick commerce is driven by the rise of "instant need" culture, where consumers want their desires fulfilled almost in an instant. In Asia, high demand is experienced for fresh produce, ready-to-eat meals, and local delicacies. Frenzied competition hangs like an overhang in this nascent market.

Dozens of quick commerce startups jostle for space in top cities from New York and London to Istanbul and Manila. A blitz of advertisements and cash burns is the way to wooing these customers. Promiscuous users easily shift between apps to chase discounts. Consolidation will be inevitable as the market matures, with weaker firms folding up or getting acquired. It will be those with the deepest pockets and sustainable economics that will be survivors.

Market Drivers

• Hyperlocalization and Community Engagement: Hyperlocalization is emerging as a significant driver in the global quick commerce market. Companies are increasingly focusing on understanding and catering to the specific needs and preferences of local communities. This approach involves sourcing products from local vendors, tailoring offerings based on regional tastes, and even adjusting delivery times to suit local schedules. For instance, in densely populated urban areas, quick commerce services are aligning with local festivals, events, and peak activity times to ensure relevance. This localized strategy not only enhances consumer satisfaction but fosters community engagement, building stronger brand loyalty as companies become integral parts of the communities they serve.
• Shift Toward Subscription-Based Models: The shift toward subscription-based models is a growing driver in the quick commerce market globally. Consumers are increasingly subscribing to quick commerce services for regular deliveries of groceries, household items, and even specialty goods. These subscription models often come with perks such as discounted prices, priority delivery, and personalized shopping experiences. This trend is driven by consumers' desire for convenience and predictability in their shopping habits. For quick commerce companies, subscription models provide a steady revenue stream and enhance customer retention, as subscribers are more likely to become repeat customers due to the ongoing relationship with the service.

Market Challenges

• Balancing Speed with Ethical Sourcing: Balancing the demand for rapid delivery with ethical sourcing and fair trade practices is a unique challenge in the global quick commerce market. Consumers are becoming more conscious of the ethical implications of their purchases, including the origins of products, the conditions under which they were produced, and the impact of rapid delivery on labor practices. Quick commerce companies face the challenge of sourcing ethically produced goods while maintaining the speed and convenience that defines their service. This requires companies to establish transparent supply chains, partner with fair trade-certified suppliers, and ensure that their operations do not exploit workers or contribute to unsustainable practices.
• Managing Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Risks: With the rapid expansion of the quick commerce market globally, managing data privacy and cybersecurity risks has become a critical challenge. Quick commerce platforms collect vast amounts of consumer data, including personal information, payment details, and shopping habits. Protecting this data from breaches and cyberattacks is paramount, as any compromise can lead to loss of consumer trust and significant legal repercussions. As companies expand into different regions, they must navigate varying data protection regulations, such as GDPR in Europe or CCPA in California, adding complexity to their operations. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures and compliance with global data privacy standards is essential for maintaining consumer confidence.

Market Trends

• Adoption of Autonomous Delivery Systems: The adoption of autonomous delivery systems is a rapidly emerging trend in the global quick commerce market. Companies are experimenting with drones, self-driving vehicles, and robots to deliver goods to consumers, especially in urban areas where traffic congestion and high delivery volumes are significant challenges. These autonomous systems offer the potential for faster, more efficient deliveries while reducing labor costs and minimizing human error. For example, in some cities, drones are being used to deliver pharmaceuticals and other small, high-value items, while autonomous vehicles are being tested for grocery deliveries. This trend is expected to grow as technology advances and regulatory frameworks evolve to support autonomous deliveries.
• Focus on Ultra-Fast Delivery of Health and Wellness Products: A growing trend in the quick commerce market is the ultra-fast delivery of health and wellness products, driven by increasing consumer focus on health and well-being. This includes not only pharmaceuticals but supplements, fitness equipment, organic foods, and personal care items. Quick commerce platforms are partnering with health and wellness brands to offer a wide range of products that can be delivered within an hour. This trend is particularly strong in markets where health consciousness is on the rise, such as North America and Europe, but it is gaining traction globally as consumers seek immediate access to products that support their health goals.

The growth driver for small electronics and accessories for these gadgets includes consumer demand for having on-demand access to latest tech-gadgets and their accessories.

There is an increasing lot of dependence of consumers on electronic devices and their gadgets. Fast technological development results in non-stop introduction of new and innovative products, eventually leading to a skyrocketing need for immediate access to the latest gadgets, chargers, cables, and any other peripheral. . This need is actually driven by fast changes in the sphere of technology and the convenience with which on-demand delivery services can now be obtained. Quick commerce platforms deliver this by offering an assortment of small electronics and accessories within a short time at the customer's doorstep.

This instant gratification melds perfectly with the convenience-driven lifestyle of modern consumers who want everything fast and easy in their shopping experiences., the trend toward working from home, which COVID-19 accelerated, heightened the demand for home office equipment and accessories, hence growing this category. In their absence, which stops daily routines, the need for replacement is going to have to be fast. Urgency is met in this way for quick commerce platforms, and therefore, any disruption in a customer's digitally enriched lifestyle is minimized. This makes the quick commerce model very apt for this global market, not alone for such an impulsive purchase but for frequent upgrading in small electronics and accessories.

The global quick commerce market is experiencing significant growth primarily due to the increasing consumer demand for instant gratification and on-demand delivery services, driven by busy lifestyles and advancements in technology.

As consumers increasingly seek convenience and speed in their shopping experiences, the quick commerce market has emerged as a solution that caters to these demands. This market, characterized by ultra-fast delivery of goods typically within 10 to 30 minutes has gained traction due to the evolving preferences of consumers who prioritize immediate access to products. The rise of e-commerce has laid the groundwork for quick commerce, as it allows consumers to order a wide range of products, including groceries, household essentials, and personal care items, from the comfort of their homes.

The convenience of being able to order anything at any time has made quick commerce particularly appealing, especially in densely populated urban areas where consumers are often pressed for time. Technological advancements play a crucial role in this growth. The widespread adoption of smartphones and the internet has facilitated easier access to quick commerce platforms, enabling consumers to place orders quickly and efficiently. The integration of 5G and 4G technologies enhances the user experience by providing seamless payment options and real-time order tracking, further driving consumer engagement.

The proliferation of mobile applications designed for quick commerce contributes to this trend, as they offer user-friendly interfaces that simplify the ordering process. The demographic shift towards a younger population that is more accustomed to digital solutions has accelerated the adoption of quick commerce services. Younger consumers, particularly those aged 20-35, are more likely to embrace mobile shopping and expect rapid delivery times, fueling the demand for quick commerce solutions.

The growth of hybrid operations in the global quick commerce market is primarily driven by the need for flexibility and efficiency in meeting diverse consumer demands across various product categories.

Hybrid operations, which combine multiple delivery methods and channels, are becoming increasingly essential in the quick commerce sector due to the evolving preferences of consumers who seek both speed and variety in their shopping experiences. This operational model allows companies to leverage the strengths of different delivery systems such as dark stores for rapid fulfillment and traditional retail for broader product availability thereby enhancing their service offerings. As consumers increasingly demand quick and convenient access to a wide range of products, including groceries, personal care items, and electronics, hybrid operations enable quick commerce businesses to adapt to these needs more effectively.

By integrating both online and offline capabilities, companies can optimize their logistics and supply chain management, ensuring that products are readily available and can be delivered swiftly, often within 10 to 30 minutes. The rise of smartphone usage and mobile commerce has significantly influenced this shift towards hybrid operations. With a growing number of consumers accessing e-commerce platforms via mobile devices, businesses are compelled to create seamless omnichannel experiences that cater to this demographic.

Hybrid operations facilitate this by allowing consumers to choose their preferred shopping method whether through an app for instant delivery or a physical store for in-person shopping thus enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. The partnerships between retailers, restaurants, and logistics providers are crucial in establishing hybrid models. These collaborations not only expand product offerings but improve delivery efficiency, as logistics players can utilize their networks to optimize last-mile delivery. This is particularly important in densely populated urban areas where quick commerce thrives.

A good portion of the growth that is happening in the global quick commerce market is in the Asia-Pacific region itself, which represents a huge and growing urban population with rising consumer demand for fast and convenient delivery services.

The APAC region has been performing out of bounds in the quick commerce market because it meets a number of interrelated factors that serve the growing urban population. With the greater share of the population being working-class, many working individuals and families seek efficient solutions for their daily needs, most especially groceries and other fast-moving consumer goods. It becomes an attractive alternative for consumers to order products and get them delivered to their doorstep quickly typically, between 10-30 minutes. This convenience is especially hospitable in thickly populated urban areas where time is a constraint and lifestyles are extremely busy.

The growing smartphone usage and internet accessibility across the region are changing shopping behaviors. More customers have access to mobile technology; more are using apps and websites for their shopping needs, therefore driving up the demand for quick commerce services. Further enhancing this experience is the proliferation of 4G and 5G networks that enable seamless transactions and real-time order tracking critical features of customer satisfaction in quick commerce.

APAC is marked by a wave of startups and established players joining the quick commerce space in a bid to fight for market share with differentiated services at persuasive prices. The ranges are diversifying beyond groceries into such products as electronics, cosmetics, and personal care products, thus appealing to a wider audience. Government initiatives such as "Start-up India" to encourage entrepreneurship have created space for new players in this segment and thus fuelled market growth.

• In October 2023, Carrefour Polska has revealed plans to expand its collaboration with Glovo in Poland. The company will now offer its services in approximately 69 new locations, including Pszczyna, Tomaszów, Zgorzelec, & Mazowiecki.
• In May 2023, Getir has revealed a collaboration with Uber Eats, intending to extend its instant grocery delivery service to Uber Eats users in the UK.
• In March 2022, DoorDash announced the launch of an ultra-fast grocery delivery service DashMart in New York City, U.S., providing thousands of grocery items from localized dark stores in under 15 minutes. This expanded DoorDash's quick commerce footprint in a key metro market.
• In November 2021, Gopuff invested USD 115 million to acquire rideOS in order to make use of its transportation management technologies. This enables Gopuff to create in-house logistics algorithms that maximize quick delivery

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• Quick Commerce market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type

• Food & Groceries
• Stationary
• Personal Care Items
• Small Electronics & Accessories
• Others (Pets, alcohol, gifts & flowers, Medicines)

By Payment Mode

• Cash on Delivery
• Online

By Technology

• Application Based Operation
• Hybrid Operation
• Website Based Operation

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Quick Commerce industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.


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