In a move to enter the medicine delivery space, Zepto has introduced ‘Zepto Pharmacy’ as part of its pilot program in select locations across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

The offering is integrated within the company’s main app and offers both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.

“Platform analysis revealed 100+ daily null searches per store for medicines, indicating unmet customer needs. In response, we’re experimenting with Zepto Pharmacy in select locations across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. This is an early experiment, and we have no immediate plans to scale as we focus on refining operations and ensuring a high-quality, reliable service,” according to the company.

To abide by the law, the business has put in place a prescription verification system. The business offers a teleconsultation service for users without a prescription.

This action follows quick commerce companies' exploration of other business opportunities in an effort to expand beyond their core offerings.

Players such as Tata 1mg is working with Tata BigBasket's BBNow, while Swiggy Instamart has teamed with PharmEasy. With Apollo 24/7 introducing quicker delivery options in a few cities, traditional online pharmacies have also enhanced their delivery capacities.

The quick-commerce website Blinkit has started offering a 10-minute ambulance service in a few Gurgaon neighborhoods.

With this new endeavor, Zepto will increase its market share in online medicine and rapid commerce, which are now dominated by Tata 1mg, Apollo Pharmacy, and Netmeds, which is owned by Reliance Retail.

The fast commerce market in India is predicted to almost triple from its current $3.34 billion to $9.94 billion by 2029. In FY24, the market grew 76 percent year over year.