Zomato and its quick-commerce counterpart, Blinkit, onboarded a remarkable 310,000 new delivery partners during the financial year 2025-26 (FY26). This significant expansion represents a 57% increase compared to the previous fiscal year, according to Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Eternal, the parent company operating both platforms.
Growing Gig Economy in India
The figures, shared by Goyal on social media, underscore the accelerating growth of India's gig economy and the increasing reliance on app-based services for food delivery and quick-commerce. This surge in partner recruitment reflects the sustained demand from consumers for convenient doorstep deliveries of meals, groceries, and other essential items.
Goyal emphasized that these numbers signify more than just operational expansion; they represent the diverse ambitions and livelihoods of individuals. "Behind every one of these numbers is a person with interests and ambitions," Goyal wrote, highlighting how delivery partners often balance their work with other pursuits.
"A student balancing classes, an entrepreneur building something of their own, a dancer pursuing their passion, and a parent juggling work and family," Goyal cited as examples of the diverse profiles among their delivery fleet.
Broader Economic Impact and Future Vision
Beyond delivery partners, Goyal broadened the discussion to include the wider employment ecosystem supported by Eternal. He stated that when accounting for employees, warehouse workers, and their families, the company directly supports the livelihoods of "well over 1% Indians."
Looking ahead, Goyal articulated an ambitious goal for Eternal's economic footprint: "getting this to 5% by 2030 would be damn cool." This statement reflects the company's aspiration to significantly expand its contribution to India's employment landscape as its businesses continue to grow and diversify.
The continuous onboarding of delivery personnel by platforms like Zomato and Blinkit highlights the dynamic nature of India's online consumption market and the evolving opportunities within the gig economy, albeit with ongoing discussions around working conditions and income stability for these flexible workers.