Swiggy, Zomato, And BigBasket May Soon Deliver Beer And Wine To Your Doorstep: Report

Several states, including New Delhi, Punjab, Goa, and Kerala, are considering permitting home delivery of liquor through food delivery platforms, as reported by ET. Companies such as Swiggy , BigBasket , and Zomato might soon offer delivery services for low-alcohol beverages like beer , wine , and liqueurs.

These states are currently assessing the potential advantages and challenges associated with this initiative.

An executive mentioned that the initiative aims to serve a "growing expat population, especially in larger cities" and to address the evolving preferences of customers.

Consumers are increasingly viewing "moderate alcohol-content spirits as a recreational drink" to accompany their meals.

The executive highlighted that women and senior citizens, in particular, feel uneasy about purchasing from traditional liquor stores, creating a demand for more convenient and comfortable shopping options, such as home delivery, ET reported.

Swiggy's Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Dinker Vashisht, discussed the benefits of online liquor delivery in the ET report. He emphasized that "online models ensure end-to-end transaction records, age verification, and adherence to limits."

Platforms like Swiggy ensure compliance with excise regulations, including delivery timings, dry days, and zonal restrictions, he added.

Rahul Singh, CEO of The Beer Cafe, believes that enabling online liquor home deliveries can offer numerous advantages, such as enhanced consumer convenience, economic growth, and alignment with global trends, while maintaining "responsible and regulated alcohol distribution."

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Assam temporarily allowed liquor deliveries with restrictions. Retail executives noted that online deliveries have increased sales by 20-30% in West Bengal and Odisha, where home delivery is currently permitted.