In a major strategic move to challenge the Zomato-Swiggy duopoly, Flipkart (owned by Walmart) is officially preparing to enter the online food delivery market. According to reports surfaced on February 12, 2026, the e-commerce giant is finalizing plans for a phased rollout starting this summer.
This move follows Flipkart’s successful entry into the quick-commerce sector with Flipkart Minutes in late 2024 and is seen as a key step toward building a “super-app” ecosystem ahead of its planned 2026 IPO.
Launch Roadmap & Strategy
Flipkart is taking a measured approach to ensure operational stability before a nationwide launch.
| Phase | Timeline | Details |
| Pilot Program | May – June 2026 | Initial testing restricted to Bengaluru. |
| Phased Expansion | H2 2026 | Expansion to other Tier-1 metros (Delhi, Mumbai). |
| Full-Scale Launch | Late 2026 / Early 2027 | Pan-India rollout across major urban clusters. |
The ONDC vs. Standalone Debate
Flipkart is currently evaluating two distinct paths for the launch:
- Standalone Platform: Building a dedicated, proprietary food delivery interface within the main Flipkart app.
- ONDC Integration: Launching a “buyer-side application” on the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This would allow Flipkart to instantly access a massive network of existing restaurants without having to onboard them individually.
Strategic Advantages
Flipkart is not starting from scratch; it is leveraging its massive existing infrastructure to gain an edge over incumbents.
- The “Minutes” Network: Flipkart already operates over 800 dark stores for its quick-commerce arm. This existing micro-warehouse network and hyperlocal delivery fleet can be easily cross-utilized for food delivery.
- Massive User Base: With over 500 million registered users, Flipkart has a built-in audience that it can nudge toward food delivery through its loyalty program, Flipkart Black (formerly Plus).
- Data Insights: Using AI and predictive analytics, Flipkart can pre-position inventory and optimize delivery routes based on existing shopping patterns from its grocery and electronics business.
Market Impact & Competition
The announcement has already sent ripples through the Indian stock market. On February 12, 2026:
- Eternal (Zomato): Shares fell 1.6%.
- Swiggy: Shares fell 3%.
The “Three-Player” Market Theory
Analysts from Jefferies and Motilal Oswal note that while India’s $9 billion food delivery market (projected to hit $25 billion by 2030) has been a duopoly, most mature global markets eventually settle into a three-player dynamic. Flipkart is positioned to be that third major force, especially as it seeks high-frequency “touchpoints” to improve its overall unit economics before going public.
Previous Attempts
This is not Flipkart’s first interest in food. Two years ago, the company explored a similar entry via ONDC, but the plans never moved past the drawing board. This time, however, the company has already begun building a dedicated team and has integrated food delivery into its core 2026 growth roadmap.
