Eternal-owned Zomato is testing a new food delivery model by installing food vending machines at corporate workplaces in Gurugram. The initiative, known as Zomato Now, aims to offer employees quick and hassle-free access to meals and snacks from popular restaurants and food brands. The move comes at a time when India’s food culture is evolving rapidly, with convenience becoming an increasingly important part of how people discover and consume food.

As per people familiar with this latest development, these fresh foods are presently being introduced as a pilot project at selected corporate offices. These machines will enable the employees to purchase food items directly at their workplace without waiting for conventional delivery. 

Zomato Expands Quick Food Delivery Efforts 

Well, the launch of Zomato Now comes as the company continues to explore faster food delivery solutions. The new workplace vending machine model is another attempt by Zomato to reduce delivery time and create more convenient food access options. 

This initiative came alongside Blinkit’s Bistro; Eternal’s 10-minute food delivery service will be operated through dedicated cloud kitchens. 

Earlier, Zomato experimented with restaurant-led quick food delivery but later shifted its focus to Blinkit’s Bistro model. Moreover, the company consolidated its rapid food delivery efforts under Bistri as it continued to build a stronger presence in the quick commerce sector. 

How Zomato Now Works 

Compared to traditional food delivery services, Zomato Now aims to provide immediate action on food within defined office spaces. 

The workplace food pods are expected to: 

  • Provide ready-to-eat food options from restaurant partners. 
  • Offer faster access to meals for corporate employees. 
  • Reduce dependency on delivery waiting times. 
  • Create a convenient workplace dining option. 

The pilot is presently limited to only a few selected offices in Gurugram, and it is still unclear when Zomato will be expanding the service to more locations. 

Zomato Competes in the Growing Quick-Food Delivery Market 

Zomato’s latest experiments come at a time when companies are competing to build a faster and more efficient food delivery service. 

Apart from Zomato, there are other players too who are exploring quick food delivery models. Swiggy has been expanding its 10-minute food delivery service, while other companies have also entered this segment with their own rapid delivery offerings. 

The quick commerce industry has grown rapidly in India as consumers are looking for faster access to groceries, meals, and everyday essentials. 

Blinkit’s Bistro Continues Expansion 

While Zomato Now focuses on workplace food access, Blinkit Bistro remains one of Eternal’s major initiatives in quick food delivery.

As per Eternal CFO Akshant Goyal, “Blinkit was adding around 10 kitchens every quarter for Bistro. He also highlighted that older kitchens were showing improvement in order volumes, product selection, pricing, and operational efficiency.”

Therefore, the company aims to expand Bistro carefully while also improving profit margins and operations before accelerating growth. 

What This Means for the Future of Food Delivery 

Zomato’s workplace food vending machine pilot clearly shows how food delivery companies are now exploring new ways to bring meals closer to consumers. 

Rather than relying only on delivery partners, companies are now experimenting with physical food access points, cloud kitchens, and quick service models to improve convenience. 

If successful, Zomato Now could also become an important step in the overall evolution of food delivery in India, especially in high-density workplace areas.