
Zepto wants to master its cold supply chain. Path to profit or frozen dreams?
Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. Bengaluru: Hyperlocal grocery delivery platform Zepto is exploring ways to strengthen its cold chain logistics, aiming to enhance quality control and improve gross margins in its perishables category, according to severalindustry executives familiar with the matter. The company has invited individuals and organizations with expertise in the fresh or cold supply chain to collaborate in its drive, as per co-founder and CEO Aadit Palicha's LinkedIn post last week.
Last month, the Bengaluru-based company partnered with the Transport Corporation of India (TCI) to expand its storage and distribution capabilities in the south. Zepto’s drive to strengthen its cold supply chain capabilities—including sourcing, packaging automation, and ripening chambers—is the ideal next step for quick commerce platforms for margin expansion and quality control, industry experts said. “Fruits and vegetables account for 8-10% of all sales on quick commerce platforms.
It’s the largest category. It’s also a fast-moving category because purchase frequency is high," said Satish Meena, advisor at market research firm Datum Intelligence. This move will prompt these players to collaborate with cold chain logistics players and gradually ramp up investments to build in-house strength to improve the quality of perishable goods which represent a crucial stock-keeping unit (SKU) for all inventory-led grocery delivery players, they said.
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