India’s food delivery sector is set for its next phase of growth in 2026, driven by customer experience, faster deliveries and rising value consciousness, according to leading aggregators magicpin and Swiggy.

Anshoo Sharma, Founder and CEO of magicpin, said future growth would come from deeper merchant inclusion and a stronger focus on affordability. He noted that the platform is scaling by onboarding a broad spectrum of sellers, ranging from small, standalone local restaurants to large national chains.

“By lowering entry barriers and improving unit economics for merchants, platforms like ours can help create a more balanced and sustainable food delivery ecosystem in 2026 and beyond,” Sharma told PTI.

Swiggy’s CEO of Food Marketplace, Rohit Kapoor, said food delivery has evolved to align more closely with changing consumer lifestyles. With tighter schedules and longer days, he said, consumers now look to food delivery for comfort, speed and increasingly for meals that make them feel good.

Looking ahead, Kapoor said the opportunity lies in responding to everyday decisions and emerging use cases — making food delivery faster when needed, more balanced when required, and consistently reliable. He added that the key challenge would be scaling these experiences thoughtfully while keeping food accessible and maintaining a strong customer experience for millions who now rely on delivery as part of daily life.

Sharma said magicpin is already seeing food delivery become a daily habit among students, office-goers and families seeking affordability without compromising on quality. He added that the company’s focus has been on making everyday meals more accessible, from late-night campus orders and office lunches to celebration-driven dining, while ensuring customers continue to save on each order.

India’s food delivery sector generated Rs 1.2 lakh crore in gross output in 2023–24 and has been growing faster than the overall economy, according to a recent NCAER–Prosus report. The study also found that direct employment in the sector rose to 1.37 million in 2023–24, up from 1.08 million in 2021–22, underscoring its role as a significant economic engine.

(PTI)