Flipkart to Introduce Food Ordering via Government-Backed ONDC

Flipkart, a prominent e-commerce platform owned by Walmart, is set to venture into the food and beverage (F&B) market through the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), as reported by ET. This move aims to provide users with the convenience of ordering food directly through the Flipkart app.

Know About ONDC

Launched by the government in 2022, ONDC serves as an alternative to major e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart. Its primary goal is to create more opportunities for small merchants and reduce the dominance of larger players in the market.

Flipkart’s Integration with ONDC

Talks between Flipkart and ONDC are reportedly in advanced stages, with executives from both sides meeting to finalize the collaboration. Flipkart will operate on the customer-facing side of the ONDC platform, enabling users to order food alongside shopping for other items such as apparel and home accessories.

Impact on the Market

The integration of Flipkart into the F&B sector via ONDC is expected to bring significant benefits to users, including competitive pricing. This move will streamline Flipkart’s F&B operations, making them more cost-effective by eliminating the need for additional delivery infrastructure.

ONDC has been experiencing steady growth since its launch, with 89 lakh transactions recorded in May. The network has diversified its retail business, with categories like grocery, fashion, home, and kitchen witnessing increased shares.

In May, the food segment accounted for approximately 20% of total retail orders on ONDC, indicating its growing popularity among users. Other major companies, including Amazon, Ola, PhonePe, Reliance Industries, and Adani groups, are also exploring opportunities to integrate their services with ONDC.

With Flipkart’s entry into the F&B market via ONDC, users can expect enhanced convenience and a broader range of options for ordering food through the platform. This strategic move aligns with ONDC’s vision of empowering small merchants and fostering a more competitive e-commerce landscape in India.