Bengaluru, Jan. 2 -- India's quick commerce battle is set to turn even more intense in 2026 even as companies delivering groceries to electronics within minutes chase customer loyalty and improve unit economics.

The ongoing year saw an explosion of the rapid delivery segment as companies expanded beyond metros to tier 2 and 3 cities, added more warehouses and went beyond everyday essentials, burning even more cash to win over customers.

Backed by fresh funding, the three dominant players-Swiggy's Instamart, Eternal's Blinkit and Zepto-will look to create profitable models to solidify their market position in the coming year, according to industry executives.

"Expect sharper credit terms with brands, stricter expiry control, and consoli...