Global Instant Grocery Market By Product (Food Products, Non-food Products), By Food Products (Staples and Cooking Essentials, Fresh Produce, Breakfast and Dairy, Snacks and Beverages, Others), By Non-food Products (Cleaning Essentials, Home Utilities, Bath and Body, Others), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2025-2034
- Published date: Jan 2025
- Report ID: 138128
- Number of Pages: 387
- Format:
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Report Overview
The Global Instant Grocery Market size is expected to be worth around USD 659.9 Billion by 2034, from USD 148.3 Billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 16.1% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
Instant grocery refers to the growing trend of purchasing groceries and daily essentials online and receiving them within a very short time frame, typically under an hour. With advancements in technology, logistical efficiencies, and customer demand for quick, convenient access to everyday items, the instant grocery model has become a revolutionary player in the retail industry.
The instant grocery market has witnessed exponential growth due to the rapid shift in consumer behavior towards e-commerce and contactless shopping. The market is primarily driven by increased smartphone penetration, better internet access, and the growing need for convenience.
Furthermore, the ongoing demand for faster delivery has fostered new players in the market, including established companies and new startups, which are innovating delivery systems and product offerings.
The instant grocery market is becoming increasingly competitive, with local, regional, and global players constantly innovating to stay ahead. Companies are also focusing on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into their operations for more efficient route optimization and inventory management, further enhancing customer experience and delivery speed.
The growth of the instant grocery market presents significant opportunities. Consumer preferences for immediate delivery services continue to rise, offering tremendous potential for new business entrants and market expansion. With the market size growing rapidly, it is also attracting substantial investments.
According to Wavegrocery, over 138 million consumers in the U.S. will shop for groceries online in 2024, highlighting the immense scale of this opportunity. The market is not limited to mature economies; emerging markets are witnessing growth in online grocery shopping, driven by a younger, tech-savvy population.
Government investments in infrastructure and digitalization are further aiding the expansion of the instant grocery market. In particular, subsidies for logistics and delivery companies and regulations that streamline delivery processes contribute to a favorable environment.
Regulations focusing on consumer protection and ensuring the quality of delivered products are increasingly important in maintaining trust in these services. According to Statista, the United Kingdom has the highest share of monthly online grocery shoppers at 43%, with the U.S. closely following at 42%.
As consumers continue to prioritize price and product quality with 32% of consumers considering price as the top factor and 15% focusing on product quality, as reported by Food Industry Executive — the pressure on instant grocery services to meet these expectations will only intensify.
Key Takeaways
- The global instant grocery market is projected to reach USD 659.9 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 16.1%.
- The Food Products segment held the largest share in 2024, accounting for 62.3%.
- The Staples & Cooking Essentials segment captured 25.2% of the market in 2024.
- Cleaning Essentials led the non-food products segment with a 32.3% market share in 2024.
- The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global instant grocery market, driven by online shopping trends.
Product Analysis
Food Products Lead Instant Grocery Market with a 62.3% Share in 2024, Driven by Consumer Preference for Convenience
In 2024, the Food Products segment held a dominant position in the Instant Grocery Market, accounting for 62.3% of the total market share. This growth can be attributed to increasing consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat meals and snacks, particularly in urban areas where busy lifestyles drive the need for quick meal solutions.
The rising popularity of instant noodles, microwave-ready meals, and frozen food items has further fueled this dominance. Food Products, being a staple in many households, continue to evolve with new flavors and healthier options, attracting a diverse consumer base.
On the other hand, the Non-food Products segment, while growing steadily, holds a smaller portion of the market. This category includes personal care items, cleaning products, and household essentials.
The Non-food Products segment accounted for a significant yet lesser share in 2024, reflecting the ongoing consumer trend of prioritizing food-related convenience products over non-food items in the instant grocery sector. However, as more non-food items enter the market with enhanced convenience, this segment is expected to show steady growth in the coming years.
Food Products Analysis
Staples & Cooking Essentials lead Instant Grocery Market with 25.2% share in 2024 due to high consumer demand and convenience.
In 2024, the Staples & Cooking Essentials segment held a dominant market position in the Instant Grocery Market, capturing 25.2% of the total market share. This segment benefits from strong consumer demand, driven by the necessity of basic food ingredients and the convenience of ready-to-use items that fit into the fast-paced lifestyle of today’s consumers.
Following this, the Breakfast & Dairy segment remains a key player, contributing a significant portion of the market with steady demand for easy-to-prepare breakfast options and dairy products that support a balanced diet. Snacks & Beverages, a popular choice for on-the-go consumers, also represents a strong segment, driven by rising preferences for quick and indulgent food options.
The Fresh Produce segment continues to show growth as consumers seek healthier, fresh, and sustainable meal ingredients. Despite its relatively smaller share, it aligns with the increasing shift toward healthier lifestyles and plant-based eating habits.
Lastly, the Others category captures emerging product types, expanding the market with diverse, niche offerings catering to specific dietary needs and preferences. This variety is essential in satisfying the evolving consumer demand for variety and convenience.
Non-food Products Analysis
Cleaning Essentials leads with 32.3% share in Instant Grocery Market by Non-food Products, driven by high demand and product availability.
In 2024, the Instant Grocery Market saw Cleaning Essentials emerge as the dominant segment in the By Non-food Products Analysis category, holding a substantial 32.3% market share. This dominance can be attributed to the increasing consumer preference for convenience and hygiene products, particularly in urban areas.
Cleaning essentials such as disinfectants, multi-surface cleaners, and sanitizing wipes are seen as indispensable in the wake of heightened health awareness, contributing to their robust market presence.
Bath & Body products followed, occupying a significant but smaller share of the market. This segment benefits from ongoing consumer demand for personal care items, with body washes, soaps, and lotions being staple products in instant grocery shopping.
Meanwhile, Home Utilities, including essential items like detergents, air fresheners, and trash bags, maintained steady growth, appealing to time-sensitive shoppers who prioritize utility and practicality.
The Others category, comprising miscellaneous non-food items, accounted for the remaining market share, with its presence being relatively minor in comparison to the dominant segments. As a whole, the Instant Grocery Market’s non-food products are expected to continue evolving, driven by consumer habits focused on convenience, hygiene, and essential daily living items.
Key Market Segments
By Product
- Food Products
- Non-food Products
By Food Products
- Staples & Cooking Essentials
- Fresh Produce
- Breakfast & Dairy
- Snacks & Beverages
- Others
By Non-food Products
- Cleaning Essentials
- Home Utilities
- Bath & Body
- Others
Drivers
Busy Lifestyles Fuel Instant Grocery Market Growth
The instant grocery market is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for quick, convenient food options, driven largely by busy lifestyles. As consumers juggle work, personal commitments, and family responsibilities, the need for hassle-free meal solutions has skyrocketed.
Instant groceries offer a fast and practical alternative, allowing consumers to quickly purchase ready-to-cook or ready-to-eat items without the time-consuming task of preparing meals from scratch. This trend has been further amplified by the growth of e-commerce, where online grocery shopping platforms make it easier for consumers to access a wide variety of instant grocery items from the comfort of their homes.
Additionally, improvements in distribution channels, such as advancements in logistics and supply chain management, have enhanced the accessibility of instant groceries across different regions. These advancements ensure that even remote areas are well-supplied, catering to a wider audience and meeting growing consumer demand.
Restraints
Storage and Shelf Life Challenges Hinder Market Growth
One of the key restraints in the instant grocery market is the issue of storage and shelf life. Since many instant grocery items have limited shelf life, they can spoil or lose quality before they even reach consumers in some regions.
This is particularly challenging in areas with unreliable supply chains or less advanced storage facilities. These factors can cause delays in product availability and impact consumer satisfaction. Additionally, the need for specialized storage conditions, such as refrigeration or controlled environments, increases operational costs for suppliers and retailers.
Another significant restraint is the growing concern among consumers about the healthiness of instant food products. Many people worry about the high levels of preservatives, artificial ingredients, and low nutritional value in some instant grocery items.
These concerns lead to hesitation among health-conscious consumers, limiting the market’s potential in certain segments. As consumers become more focused on health and wellness, instant food products that don’t meet these expectations may struggle to gain traction in the long term.
Growth Factors
Expansion into Emerging Markets Presents Key Growth Opportunities for Instant Grocery Providers
The instant grocery market is poised for substantial growth, particularly in emerging markets, where increasing disposable incomes and rapid urbanization are creating new consumer demand. As cities expand and more people move into urban areas, the need for quick and convenient grocery options grows.
Consumers in these regions are increasingly seeking products that allow them to save time while meeting daily needs. This trend presents an opportunity for businesses to expand their services into these fast-developing markets, tapping into a growing consumer base.
Additionally, partnerships with local food delivery services can help companies reach these consumers faster and more efficiently, offering them instant access to grocery options at the click of a button. This collaboration can also provide the benefit of faster delivery times, which is a key selling point for time-sensitive consumers.
Another area of opportunity lies in the investment in smart packaging solutions, which can improve the shelf life of products while enhancing the overall consumer experience. By incorporating technologies like QR codes and temperature-controlled packaging, brands can ensure product quality and safety, building customer trust.
Emerging Trends
Rising Demand for On-the-Go Snacks Boosts Instant Grocery Market
The instant grocery market is experiencing significant growth, driven by a surge in demand for quick, portable snack options like protein bars and single-serve meals. Consumers are increasingly looking for convenient, nutritious snacks that fit into their busy lifestyles.
Personalized meal kits are also gaining traction, with brands offering options tailored to individual dietary preferences and nutritional needs. This shift reflects a growing desire for convenience without sacrificing health. Additionally, digitalization is playing a major role in reshaping the market, as retailers adopt artificial intelligence and data analytics to better predict consumer preferences and optimize inventory.
AI enables stores to stock what customers are most likely to purchase, improving efficiency and satisfaction. Finally, ready-to-cook meal kits are becoming more popular as consumers seek ways to reduce cooking time while still preparing fresh meals at home.
These kits require minimal effort, allowing busy individuals to enjoy a home-cooked meal with less preparation. The combination of these factors is propelling the instant grocery market forward, meeting consumer demands for convenience, customization, and efficiency.
Regional Analysis
Asia-Pacific leads the instant grocery market due to rapid urbanization and high tech adoption
The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global instant grocery market. The region is witnessing a rapid shift toward online grocery shopping, spurred by an expanding middle class, tech-savvy consumers, and high smartphone penetration.
The growing adoption of delivery apps and convenience-oriented grocery services is further bolstering the market. The region’s dominance is further attributed to its vast population and the increasing trend of urbanization.
Regional Mentions:
North America holds a significant share in the global instant grocery market, driven by increasing consumer preference for convenience and rapid urbanization. The market is especially thriving in the U.S. and Canada, where busy lifestyles and a growing number of working professionals fuel demand for instant grocery solutions.
Europe is experiencing steady growth in the instant grocery market, with countries like the UK, Germany, and France leading the charge. The region’s growth is supported by the rise in e-commerce and digital grocery shopping, alongside the increasing trend of health-conscious consumers opting for organic and fresh groceries. Sustainability trends and government policies promoting eco-friendly initiatives are also influencing market growth.
The Middle East & Africa region is witnessing a gradual increase in demand for instant grocery services, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia being the key contributors. The market is driven by the expanding e-commerce sector and changing consumer preferences for convenience-driven grocery delivery services. A high smartphone penetration rate, combined with affluent populations in urban areas, plays a critical role in accelerating market growth.
The Latin American market is experiencing modest growth in the instant grocery sector, particularly in Brazil and Mexico. Rising consumer expectations for fast and efficient grocery delivery services, coupled with an increasing number of online platforms, are contributing to market expansion.
Key Regions and Countries
- North America
- US
- Canada
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- The UK
- Spain
- Italy
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- South Korea
- India
- Australia
- Rest of APAC
- Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
- Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- Rest of MEA
Key Players Analysis
The global Instant Grocery Market is becoming increasingly competitive, with several key players vying for dominance through innovative business models, rapid delivery solutions, and strategic partnerships. The year 2024 sees these companies leveraging advanced technologies and consumer-centric strategies to capture market share.
Amazon.com, Inc. continues to lead with its vast infrastructure and Amazon Fresh services, offering quick deliveries and a seamless shopping experience. The company’s Prime membership strengthens customer loyalty, facilitating a broad reach in instant grocery delivery.
Swiggy and Blink Commerce Pvt. Ltd. (Zapp) have expanded aggressively in India, where instant grocery services are rapidly growing. Swiggy’s “Instamart” and Blink’s focus on hyperlocal supply chains are well-aligned with the demand for convenience in urban areas. Their ability to scale quickly gives them a competitive edge.
Ocado Retail Ltd., Instacart, and DoorDash, Inc. are capitalizing on strong technological platforms to enhance order fulfillment speed. Ocado’s advanced automated warehouses and Instacart’s robust partnership with major grocers provide significant competitive advantages. DoorDash is expanding beyond food delivery into the grocery space, leveraging its extensive delivery infrastructure.
Uber Technologies, Inc., Walmart, Inc., and Target Corporation are focusing on integrating grocery delivery with their broader retail platforms. Uber’s push into grocery deliveries through Uber Eats has seen success in urban markets, while Walmart and Target are reinforcing their position by enhancing last-mile delivery capabilities and expanding their grocery selections.
Delivery Hero SE continues to expand across global markets, benefiting from its aggressive acquisition strategy, positioning it well for growth in emerging economies.
Top Key Players in the Market
- Amazon.com, Inc.
- Swiggy
- Ocado Retail Ltd.
- Blink Commerce Pvt. Ltd.
- Instacart
- Delivery Hero SE
- Target Corporation
- Uber Technologies, Inc.
- Walmart, Inc.
- DoorDash, Inc.
Recent Developments
- In February 2024, Flipkart explored acquiring Reliance-backed instant delivery startup Dunzo as part of its strategy to expand its logistics capabilities and gain a foothold in the rapidly growing quick commerce sector.
- In August 2023, Zepto, an instant grocery delivery startup, secured $200 million in funding, reaching unicorn status and cementing its position as one of India’s most prominent players in the on-demand grocery delivery market.
- In August 2024, Zepto raised an additional $340 million, bringing its valuation to $5 billion, as it continued its aggressive expansion strategy to dominate the ultra-fast grocery delivery space in India.
- In November 2023, Zomato’s acquisition of Blinkit, along with the expansion of its Hyperpure division, strengthened its foothold in the quick commerce market, positioning the company for increased growth in the food and grocery delivery sectors.
Report Scope
Report Features Description Market Value (2024) USD 148.3 Billion Forecast Revenue (2034) USD 659.9 Billion CAGR (2025-2034) 16.1% Base Year for Estimation 2024 Historic Period 2020-2023 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Market Dynamics, Competitive Landscape, Recent Developments Segments Covered By Product (Food Products, Non-food Products), By Food Products (Staples and Cooking Essentials, Fresh Produce, Breakfast and Dairy, Snacks and Beverages, Others), By Non-food Products (Cleaning Essentials, Home Utilities, Bath and Body, Others) Regional Analysis North America – US, Canada; Europe – Germany, France, The UK, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe; Asia Pacific – China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Singapore, Rest of APAC; Latin America – Brazil, Mexico, Rest of Latin America; Middle East & Africa – South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Rest of MEA Competitive Landscape Amazon.com, Inc., Swiggy, Ocado Retail Ltd., Blink Commerce Pvt. Ltd., Instacart, Delivery Hero SE, Target Corporation, Uber Technologies, Inc., Walmart, Inc., DoorDash, Inc. Customization Scope Customization for segments, region/country-level will be provided. Moreover, additional customization can be done based on the requirements. Purchase Options We have three licenses to opt for: Single User License, Multi-User License (Up to 5 Users), Corporate Use License (Unlimited User and Printable PDF) -
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- Amazon.com, Inc. Company Profile
- Swiggy
- Ocado Retail Ltd.
- Blink Commerce Pvt. Ltd.
- Instacart
- Delivery Hero SE
- Target Corporation
- Uber Technologies, Inc.
- Walmart, Inc. Company Profile
- DoorDash, Inc.
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