India's massive food delivery sector is gearing up for its next wave of expansion, with industry leaders identifying customer experience, quicker turnarounds, and a sharp focus on value as the primary catalysts. This insight comes directly from top executives at leading aggregators Swiggy and magicpin, who outline a roadmap for growth extending into 2026 and beyond.
Drivers of the Next Growth Phase: Value and Inclusivity
According to Anshoo Sharma, founder and CEO of magicpin – currently India's third-largest food delivery platform – the growth trajectory for 2026 will be fueled by deeper inclusion of merchants and catering to users who are increasingly mindful of their spending. "We are scaling by onboarding a wide range of merchants, from single, standalone local restaurants to large brands and national chains, enabling them to participate competitively in the digital economy," Sharma explained.
He emphasized that by reducing entry barriers and improving unit economics for restaurants, platforms can foster a more balanced and sustainable food delivery ecosystem. Sharma also highlighted the rise of the value-conscious user as a key demographic. "At magicpin, we are seeing food delivery become a daily habit across students, office-goers and families who are looking for affordability without compromise," he noted. The company's strategy involves expanding everyday meal occasions—from late-night campus orders to office lunches—while ensuring users save on each transaction.
Evolving Consumer Habits and the Reliability Challenge
Rohit Kapoor, Swiggy's chief executive for the food marketplace, pointed out that food delivery has evolved significantly as consumer lifestyles and priorities have transformed. "Meals today have to fit into tighter schedules, longer days and changing priorities. Sometimes it’s about comfort, sometimes about speed, and increasingly, it’s about feeling good about what you eat," Kapoor stated.
Looking ahead, Kapoor sees the opportunity in responding to nuanced, everyday decisions and newer use cases. This means making food delivery faster when needed, more balanced when required, and consistently reliable. "The challenge will be to scale these experiences thoughtfully, while keeping food accessible and ensuring great customer experience for millions of people who now depend on it as part of daily life," he added, outlining the dual task of growth and quality maintenance.
The Economic Engine: Output and Employment Soar
The projections from industry leaders are backed by impressive macroeconomic data. According to a recent NCAER–Prosus report, India’s food delivery platform sector generated a staggering Rs 1.2 lakh crore in gross output in the 2023-24 fiscal year. The sector has been expanding at a pace that outstrips the overall economy, cementing its role as a significant economic engine.
The report, released earlier this month, also highlighted the sector's substantial contribution to job creation. Direct employment in the food delivery platform sector rose sharply to 1.37 million in 2023-24 from 1.08 million in 2021-22, underscoring its vital role in India's employment landscape.
As the market matures, the focus is clearly shifting from pure customer acquisition to building a robust, inclusive, and sustainable ecosystem that serves the evolving needs of both value-seeking consumers and a diverse merchant base, setting the stage for the next chapter of India's food delivery story.
