India's online food delivery market may soon welcome a major new player. E-commerce giant Flipkart, preparing for an IPO, is considering entering the nation's food delivery sector, as stated in a report.

The Walmart-owned firm is contemplating a test launch in Bengaluru from May to June this year, with a wider expansion potentially occurring by late 2026 or early 2027 if the first phase is successful.

According to reports, Flipkart is exploring two options: creating an independent food delivery service or introducing a buyer-side app on the government-supported Open Network for Digital Commerce. Both alternatives are still being actively evaluated, and the company is said to have started recruiting for the project.

This action would position Flipkart to directly compete with leading players Zomato and Swiggy, who presently control India’s online food delivery market.

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According to Jefferies Group, India’s food delivery sector is valued at approximately $9 billion in FY25 and is expected to reach nearly $25 billion by FY30. The industry has notably consolidated in recent years after the departure of smaller companies.

This isn't Flipkart's initial encounter with the category. Approximately two years prior, it had investigated an entry via ONDC, akin to past efforts by firms like Ola and Paytm, but those initiatives did not progress past initial talks.

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The revived interest arises alongside changing consumption patterns, featuring the emergence of quick, café-style delivery options that assure speedier service. Zomato and Swiggy both saw a year-on-year growth exceeding 20 percent in gross order value during the October–December quarter, indicating stronger demand.

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Flipkart's assessment of food delivery aligns with its rapid growth in the quick commerce sector, Minutes, which runs over 800 dark stores. This infrastructure may provide logistical benefits if the company moves forward with a food delivery initiative, especially in crowded urban areas.

The advancement occurs as Flipkart readies for a public offering and aims to bolster new growth drivers outside its primary e-commerce operations.