Retail distributors group demands antitrust probe on Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto alleging predatory pricing

Rapid commerce has swept through the Indian retail sector in recent years. Platforms like Zepto, Swiggy’s Instamart, and Zomato’s Blinkit, which promise deliveries in as little as 10 minutes, have completely transformed the way Indians purchase for everyday necessities. Customers find ultra-fast delivery to be so convenient that it will propel the sector’s yearly sales to over $6 billion by 2024, whether they are purchasing groceries or electronics.

However, traditional retail distributors have paid a price for this explosive development. A warning sign has been issued by the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF), which is made up of 400,000 distributors. The organization demanded that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) look into three fast commerce platforms for using exploitative pricing strategies in a letter dated October 18.

A Battle Between Old and New

For decades, retail distributors have been the lifeblood of India’s consumer goods supply chain, working closely with companies like Nestle and Hindustan Unilever to ensure products reach local stores. These distributors would travel from one shop to another, delivering goods and building relationships with small retailers. However, the rise of quick commerce platforms is now threatening their very existence.

The AICPDF alleges that quick commerce companies are selling products at deep discounts—sometimes even below cost—to attract customers and undercut traditional distributors. These firms are also bypassing the traditional supply chain by striking direct deals with consumer goods companies, allowing them to scale rapidly while sidelining retail distributors.

In its letter to the CCI, the AICPDF wrote, “It is impossible for traditional retailers to compete or survive under these circumstances.” They urged the regulatory body to take immediate action, calling for protective measures to safeguard the interests of small retailers and distributors.

What is Predatory Pricing?

Predatory pricing refers to the practice of selling goods at extremely low prices, often below cost, to drive competitors out of the market. Once the competition is eliminated, companies can then raise prices and dominate the market with little to no opposition.

The quick commerce sector, with its aggressive discounts and lightning-fast delivery models, is being accused of using this very tactic. While consumers are thrilled with the bargains, small retailers and distributors argue that such practices are unsustainable and detrimental to their survival.

Credits: Reuters

A similar complaint was raised against larger e-commerce players like Amazon and Flipkart earlier this year. After an investigation, the CCI found these companies in violation of local laws related to predatory pricing, though both firms deny any wrongdoing. This precedent makes the quick commerce investigation all the more significant.

The Stakes for Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto

In addition to competing with one another for market share, fast-commerce companies like as Blinkit, Swiggy, and Zepto are getting ready for significant company milestones. The parent firm of Zomato’s Blinkit, which commands a 40% market share in rapid commerce, has witnessed a double increase in stock price this year. With a 30% market share, Swiggy is getting ready for its much awaited $1 billion initial public offering (IPO) in the upcoming weeks. Zepto, on the other hand, has gotten a lot of support and is growing quickly.

Credits: Reuters

The development of these fast commerce players may be hampered if the CCI chooses to look into the AICPDF’s complaint and takes action. Allegations of predatory pricing may lead to fines, price caps, or even the reorganization of business models, all of which would negatively affect their bottom line.

The Consumer Dilemma: Convenience vs. Consequences

Fast commerce has changed the game for the typical customer. It feels like a peek into the future of shopping when you can place an online order and have it delivered in a matter of minutes. However, a more fundamental query is raised: What happens to tiny companies when large platforms have such enormous pricing power?

Local store owners are already experiencing financial strain. They are losing consumers because they are unable to compete with the low costs that fast commerce platforms are offering. Unchecked, the movement has the potential to fundamentally destroy traditional retail, leaving many small firms struggling to make ends meet.