Midnight Heroes Influencing the Online Food Business
Midnight Heroes Influencing the Online Food Business

India’s online food ordering sector saw a strong growth rate in the number of daily orders, growing consistently at 15 per cent on a quarterly basis from January to September last year, according to a report from RedSeer Consulting.

The growth has resulted in the number of orders on a daily basis clocking an average of 400,000 during the September quarter. It has also meant players, including Swiggy, Zomato and Foodpanda, are investing in in-sourcing deliveries.

There is no doubt that if one wants to make money in the midnight food delivery business, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru have highest number of such mid-night delivery brands but places like Pune, Chandigarh and Gurgaon are not much behind. Rajiv Tanwar, Managing Director Pintxo-Tapas Restaurant, Gurgaon quips: “The trend in Delhi and NCR has changed a lot. The culture of working late in office has made this midnight munches a very popular trend. Being located in center of corporate hub in Galleria Market, we get many orders for midnight delivery and our restaurant is open till 12 in the night.”

Market Growth

Food Delivery market in India as of today is one of the hottest sectors in the online food ordering industry and one can make good money in the sector. This was a domain that remained unexplored for a long time, but is now picking up at the speed of light, coming at par with almost any other online ordering portal. While it was previously unknown to get discounts on food items, online food delivery portals like TastyKhana and Foodpanda have always been offering the best deals. With every passing day, more and more people are moving from spending time in a 14,000 square feet mall to the 14" online mall. So, now with the growing industry, investors have a correct idea as how to make money in the midnight food delivery business.

Customers get a sense of assurance when they see big brands like Domino's, McDonald's, Smokin' Joes etc, associating with such food portals. The market for the same is growing by 300-400 per cent on a YoY basis.  One imminent trend that one can observe is that, in a few years, a complete transition will be witnessed from the desktop to the mobile UI. Orders will pour in via apps. While another significant trend will be that of an automation process that will directly connect the restaurant to online portals to improve user experience. For food ordering especially, incorporation of the app is an easy way for making it like couch ordering.”

Inventory is still an issue

Gurgaon-based Midnightsutra, a very well known midnight food delivery brand, is buoyant about the fast rise of this culture. Founded by Saurabh Luthra, Midnightsutra.com knows Gurgaon’s food demands very well.

“There were days when we used to sit the whole night waiting for a single ring to come in for food delivery. The scenario has completely changed now.  Gurgaon alone has around 16-17 players in the mid night food delivery sector. Inventory is still an issue for whole midnight food delivery industry because everything is prepared fresh and running out of stock is possible”, Saurabh added.

Safety Not an Issue

As far as safety issues are concerned, the brand has block listed certain unsafe areas and even if the delivery has to be done in certain places, two delivery boys are sent. Earlier the menu spread was much more, now that the region is known, midnightsutra has narrowed down its menu and is serving just the favourite food to Gurgaon consumers. Top demands are Pasta and Dal Makhni. 

Mumbai based, Fly By Knight was an idea that started off on a whim, almost as a social experiment, born out of a series of midnight crisis and reinforced by some vagrant corporate and entrepreneurial instincts. Brand’s Founder and Director, Neha Jain quips: “What is really exciting about our clientele is the pure unadulterated TG we attract. Our TG comprises of students, young corporate, influencers and media professionals, business travellers, designers, artists, musicians, gamers and young couples; ranging from 18-40.”

On the growing midnight food delivery industry, Jain adds: “Currently, we offer everything from just a packet of mint to anything that you may require at night. The changes in the offering will be rolled out in the coming months. We are looking to expand in terms of our time of operations as well as our product offerings soon. There is a huge market which is in an urgent requirement of organised instant food delivery services and a one stop solution for all their needs. The demand for after-hours service has risen to the due to changing lifestyles, professions, constant need to be connected. Most start-ups and businesses are experimenting with newer formats to bring in a new-wave of entrepreneurs who are ready to take up the challenge of solving this problem.”

India also had a scope of midnight delivery back when the BPO culture came in with night shifts but, better late than never. This is a good option for any QSR to venture out in this segment but it’s still time for a fast casual brand like ours to look in to this option. Nevertheless, it all depends on what is trending in the market.”

 
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