Amazon joins the quick commerce race
Amazon India is all set to launch its quick commerce delivery service, Tez, by December 2024 or early in 2025. This move is the latest development in the quick commerce game, pitting the eCommerce giant against players like BlinkIt, Zepto, and Swiggy InstaMart. PackMan has heard that Tez will focus on groceries and everyday essentials at first.

In related news, BlinkIt, Zepto, and others are seeing huge ad revenue figures. Both companies are expected to earn more than Rs 1,000-crore in FY25. This comes from an effort by various brands to stand out in a saturated market.

Smartphone exports sluggish
According to PackMan’s sources, smartphone exports have been declining month after month. The export value peaked at USD 1.7-billion in May 2024 and dropped to USD 923-million in September: a flat growth when looked at year-on-year.

Based on data from the Ministry of Commerce, the exports still held up at 25% YoY at USD 8.4-billion from April to September. The US was the biggest market for Indian smartphones. Shipments grew by 48% YoY to USD 3.13-billion.
Reflecting on consumer behaviour post-pandemic

Years after the Covid-19 pandemic, economists spoke with leading business portals. They say that the urban demand in India is ironing out. PackMan recalls the wave of spending that followed the pandemic. Sales of some products have slowed, but overall, experts are observing a return to normal buying patterns.

mCaffeine nears the conglomeration stage
PackMan has observed how various direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands have recently adopted the house of brands model once they reach a certain threshold. The latest player to head in that direction is mCaffeine, which just last year, partnered with Kriti Sanon to launch skincare brand Hyphen. 

One of the reasons for this strategy is that one brand cannot serve various categories within a market; this way, brands can reach a wider audience with many different products. Brands like Mamaearth, MyGlamm, and Furlenco have long adopted this model.

Doodhvale Farms raises USD 3-million
Doodhvale Farms, a player in the premium dairy sector, announced the closure of a USD 3-million funding round led by Atomic Capital. The Singularity Early Opportunities Fund joined as a heavyweight co-investor. (With inputs from ANI.)