Zepto Becomes the World's Second Most Downloaded Food & Drink App

Zepto, the Indian quick commerce startup, achieved a significant milestone in 2024 by becoming the world’s second most downloaded mobile app in the food and drinks category. According to the latest data released by Sensor Tower, Zepto was only surpassed by McDonald’s, the US fast food giant, in terms of downloads. This achievement highlights Zepto's rapid expansion and growing dominance in India’s quick commerce sector.

Indian Companies Shine in Global Rankings

The report also featured other Indian companies in the global top 10 list. Zepto’s direct competitor, Blinkit, secured the tenth position, while Zomato and Swiggy ranked fifth and ninth, respectively. These rankings emphasize the increasing adoption of food and grocery delivery services in India and the growing influence of Indian startups in the global food and drink app industry.

What the Food and Drink Category Includes

The food and drink category analyzed by Sensor Tower includes various types of applications, such as:

• Fast food and fast-casual restaurants (e.g., McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King)

• Restaurant order and delivery apps (e.g., Zomato, Swiggy, Uber Eats, Grab)

• Grocery delivery services (e.g., Zepto, Blinkit)

• Dining and restaurant reservation platforms

• Review and listing apps for restaurants

With the growing demand for food delivery and quick commerce, this category has seen a surge in downloads worldwide.

Zepto’s Exceptional Growth in 2024

Sensor Tower’s report highlighted Zepto’s remarkable 300% growth in downloads in India during the second half of 2024 compared to the first half. This surge can be attributed to strategic initiatives such as:

1. Introduction of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) - A feature allowing customers to place orders and make payments later, increasing user convenience and engagement.

2. Expansion in Delivery Capabilities - Zepto enhanced its quick commerce infrastructure, ensuring faster and more efficient deliveries across multiple cities in India.

3. Marketing and User Acquisition Strategies - The company leveraged aggressive digital marketing campaigns to expand its user base.

Zepto Overtakes Blinkit in Monthly Users

One of the most significant takeaways from the report is that Zepto’s average monthly users surpassed Blinkit for the first time in the last quarter of 2024. This shift signifies Zepto’s growing dominance in India’s quick commerce industry, positioning it as a formidable competitor against established players like Blinkit, Zomato, and Swiggy.

Zepto’s Fundraising Success

To fuel its expansion, Zepto raised significant funding in 2024:

• $350 million in November from domestic investors

• $340 million in August in an earlier funding round

• Total funding of $1.95 billion, solidifying its financial position for further growth

These investments are expected to help Zepto enhance its technological infrastructure, expand into new markets, and improve customer service.

Worldwide Rankings of Food and Drink Apps by Downloads

According to Sensor Tower, the top 10 most downloaded food and drink apps in 2024 were:

1. McDonald’s

2. Zepto

3. KFC

4. Domino’s Pizza

5. Zomato

6. Burger King

7. Grab

8. Uber Eats

9. Swiggy

10. Blinkit

Zepto’s position at number two is a testament to its widespread adoption and increasing popularity among consumers seeking fast and reliable grocery delivery services.

The Future of Zepto and Quick Commerce in India

Zepto’s rapid ascent in the food and drink category highlights a broader trend in India’s quick commerce space. With increased internet penetration, changing consumer behavior, and a growing demand for convenience, the sector is poised for further expansion. Zepto’s continued innovation and expansion efforts will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge and sustaining its upward trajectory.