As 2024 draws to a close, Zomato has released its year-end report highlighting intriguing food-ordering trends. Among Zomato reveals highlights, a customer made waves by ordering 120 Manchurian combos on a train to serve an entire bogey. This extraordinary order was facilitated through Zomato’s collaboration with the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), showcasing the impact of innovative partnerships on consumer experiences. The report also underscores the continued dominance of biryani and pizza as the most popular food items, along with insights from Blinkit, Zomato’s quick-commerce arm.
About Zomato: Working Model and Revenue Insights
Zomato reveals that it operates as a leading online food delivery and restaurant discovery platform. With its robust direct-to-consumer (D2C) model, it caters to millions across India and beyond. Zomato generates revenue primarily through three key streams:
- Food Delivery Services: A commission-based model where Zomato earns a percentage from restaurants on every order placed.
- Advertising Revenue: Restaurants pay for visibility and placement on the platform.
- Subscription Plans: Programs like Zomato Gold offer premium benefits to customers for a fee.
This multi-pronged approach ensures sustainable growth and an enhanced user experience.
Founders and Funding Background
Founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, Zomato began as a restaurant discovery service and evolved into a tech-driven food delivery powerhouse. Backed by marquee investors such as Tiger Global, Sequoia Capital, and Ant Financial, Zomato achieved unicorn status in 2020. Its IPO in 2021 further cemented its place as a leader in India’s startup ecosystem.
The 120 Manchurian Combos Order: A Culinary Phenomenon
The Story Behind the Order
Zomato’s report reveals a standout moment in 2024: a single customer ordered 120 Manchurian combos while traveling by train. The unique feat was made possible through Zomato’s integration with IRCTC, enabling passengers to receive freshly prepared meals directly at their seats. The massive order aimed to serve an entire train bogey, exemplifying how Zomato’s partnerships create seamless dining experiences.
IRCTC Collaboration: A Game-Changer for Travelers
Zomato reveals the collaboration with IRCTC covers over 100 railway stations across 88 cities in India. This partnership allows train passengers to order from local restaurants and receive deliveries during scheduled stops. By addressing the challenges of train travel dining, Zomato’s service has set a new standard for convenience and quality.
Trends and Insights from Zomato’s Year-End Report
Dominance of Biryani and Pizza
- Biryani: With over 9.1 crore orders, biryani continues to reign as the most ordered dish on Zomato.
- Pizza: Despite a 20% decline in sales from the previous year, pizza remains a favorite with over 5.8 crore orders in 2024.
Blinkit’s Contribution to Consumer Behavior
Zomato’s quick-commerce service, Blinkit, has also revealed fascinating trends:
- Over 17 million packs of Maggi were ordered.
- More than 10 million Coca-Cola cans and 37 lakh tonic water cans were delivered.
- A single user purchased 1,203 Sprite bottles, showcasing brand loyalty.
Unique Customer Behaviors
Another highlight was a Delhi-based foodie visiting 1,377 unique restaurants in 2024, reflecting India’s evolving dining culture and enthusiasm for diverse cuisines.
Zomato’s Journey: From Startup to Industry Leader
From its humble beginnings in 2008 to becoming a household name, Zomato’s journey has been marked by innovation and resilience. The company’s focus on technology, customer-centric services, and strategic partnerships has propelled its growth. With its IRCTC collaboration and the launch of initiatives like Blinkit, Zomato continues to redefine convenience for Indian consumers.
Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
- Leverage Strategic Partnerships: Zomato’s collaboration with IRCTC demonstrates the power of partnerships in reaching untapped markets.
- Customer-Centric Innovation: Listening to consumer needs, such as train meal deliveries, can lead to groundbreaking services.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Insights from year-end reports help identify trends and adapt to changing consumer preferences.
- Diversification: Expanding services (e.g., Blinkit) can drive growth and enhance brand loyalty.
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