Why Is Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal in No Rush to Launch a Separate Budget-Food App?
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has clarified that the food-delivery giant is not planning to roll out a dedicated budget-food app anytime soon. Instead, the company will focus on enhancing its existing platform to serve value-conscious consumers effectively. Goyal stated that Zomato is “okay being the last mover” in this segment, signalling a cautious, data-driven approach to expansion.
Speaking at a recent industry event, Goyal explained that Zomato’s current app architecture already supports a wide spectrum of users — from premium diners to those seeking affordable meals. Launching a separate app, he argued, would add unnecessary complexity and divide internal focus. His comments come amid rising speculation that Zomato might counter Swiggy’s reported interest in a budget-oriented platform.
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Inside Zomato’s “Wait and Watch” Strategy
Goyal’s “wait and watch” remark reflects Zomato’s broader playbook of disciplined experimentation. Rather than rushing into every new trend, the company prefers to test user behaviour patterns within its core ecosystem before creating separate business lines. This philosophy aligns with its earlier cautious approach toward quick-commerce before fully scaling Blinkit, which is now one of Zomato’s strongest performing verticals.
He emphasised that if consumer data eventually shows a large-scale behavioural shift toward budget-exclusive ordering, Zomato could revisit the idea. However, until clear demand metrics emerge, the firm sees more value in strengthening the main platform’s affordability filters and promotions.
| Strategic Area | Current Approach | Expected Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Segment | Integrated within existing Zomato app | No need for duplicate user acquisition |
| Platform Complexity | Kept low to maintain operational agility | Higher efficiency and consistent UX |
| Timing Strategy | “Wait and watch,” be the last mover | Leverage data from first movers |
| Core Focus | Affordability tools and restaurant partnerships | Improved customer retention |
Competition and Market Context
The statement comes amid growing competition in India’s online food-delivery market, where both Zomato and Swiggy continue to explore new ways to capture the price-sensitive consumer base. Swiggy has been experimenting with lower delivery fees and exclusive tie-ups with small-format restaurants. Zomato, however, believes its existing marketplace already offers adequate visibility for affordable listings without fragmenting its ecosystem.
Industry analysts suggest that a separate budget-food app could dilute user engagement on the main app, impacting cross-selling opportunities like dining-out offers, Blinkit integration, and loyalty programs such as Zomato Gold. Goyal’s restraint, therefore, underscores his focus on maintaining a single, scalable ecosystem with unified consumer data.
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Balancing Innovation With Operational Discipline
Goyal’s leadership style has consistently balanced innovation with execution discipline. Zomato has been focusing on profitability and sustainable growth since FY2024, achieving net profitability earlier than expected. Adding another vertical prematurely, he hinted, could strain resources and distract teams from scaling existing high-performing areas such as Blinkit and Hyperpure.
He reiterated that the firm will continue investing in technology to optimise delivery times, improve affordability through AI-led price discovery, and deepen partnerships with local eateries. Rather than creating more apps, Zomato intends to make its current ecosystem richer, smarter, and more inclusive for every user segment.
Investor Takeaway
Indian-Share-Tips.com Nifty Expert Gulshan Khera, CFP®, who is also a SEBI Regd Investment Adviser, believes Deepinder Goyal’s restraint underscores Zomato’s shift toward long-term sustainability over flashy expansion. By resisting the impulse to fragment its app ecosystem, Zomato is protecting unit economics, brand focus, and data integrity. For investors, this signals maturity — a phase where strategic patience often delivers stronger compounding returns.
Discover more business insights and data-backed analysis at Indian-Share-Tips.com, which is a SEBI Registered Advisory Services.
Related Queries on Consumer-Tech Strategies
- Why is Zomato focusing on platform integration over app proliferation?
- How does Zomato’s “wait and watch” approach compare to Swiggy’s strategy?
- Can maintaining one unified app help improve Zomato’s long-term profitability?
SEBI Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. Readers must perform their own due diligence and consult a registered investment advisor before making any investment decisions. The views expressed are general in nature and may not suit individual investment objectives or financial situations.
