An intriguing analysis of Swiggy's quick commerce platform, Instamart, has revealed the vast spectrum of consumer purchases in 2025, ranging from high-end electronics like the iPhone 17 to budget buys as low as ten rupees. This peek into shopping habits comes alongside the food delivery giant's latest financial disclosure, which shows a significant widening of its consolidated net loss.
Instamart's 2025 Shopping Basket: From Premium to Pocket-Friendly
The order data from Swiggy Instamart for the year paints a picture of a platform catering to diverse and immediate needs. On one end, users placed orders for premium, high-value items such as the latest iPhone 17 models, showcasing the platform's expansion beyond daily groceries into the electronics and lifestyle segment. On the opposite spectrum, a significant volume of transactions involved small-ticket purchases, some as low as Rs 10, highlighting its role in fulfilling urgent, last-minute requirements for everyday essentials.
Financial Headwinds: Swiggy's Q2 FY2025 Loss Widens
This vibrant user activity, however, unfolds against a backdrop of financial challenges for the Bengaluru-based company. Swiggy recently reported its earnings for the second quarter ended September 2025. The consolidated financial statement revealed that the company's net loss widened to Rs 1,092 crore during this period.
The increased loss is attributed to two primary factors. First, the quick commerce segment, which includes Instamart, continues to report losses as the company invests in growth, infrastructure, and customer acquisition in the highly competitive market. Second, there was a notable rise in the company's spending on advertising and sales promotions, essential for maintaining market share and driving user engagement on both its food delivery and quick commerce verticals.
Market Context and Future Implications
The juxtaposition of robust, diverse consumer demand with mounting losses underscores the complex dynamics of India's quick commerce industry. While platforms like Instamart are successfully integrating into the daily lives of urban consumers, the path to profitability remains steep. The sector demands heavy investment in dark stores, delivery personnel, and technology to guarantee the promised speed of service, often within 10-30 minutes.
The financial results for Q2 2025 indicate that Swiggy is prioritizing scale and market penetration over immediate profitability in the quick commerce race. The strategy focuses on capturing a loyal user base through convenience and a wide assortment, from a Rs 10 chocolate to a premium smartphone. How long this cash-intensive model can be sustained before investors demand a clearer route to profitability will be a key narrative to watch in the coming financial quarters.
The report, based on data and the company's official filing, was last updated on 22 December 2025.
