Zepto has initiated a new program and application aimed at enhancing the involvement of farmers who market their produce, including fruits and vegetables, on the Quick Commerce platform.
During an event held in Manchar, Pune, the company declared its plans to onboard over 300 farmers in Maharashtra onto the Zepto Bloom app.
According to Vinay Dhanani, the Chief Operating Officer of Zepto, there has been a significant increase in demand for fruits and vegetables among their customers. Over 50% of Zepto’s orders consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, making it one of the most thriving categories for the company, accounting for almost a third of its revenue. This information was shared with Business Standard.
The Zepto Bloom app aims to digitize various processes, including sowing and selling, to aid farmers who sell on the platform in streamlining their operations and increasing their yields. According to Srinibas Swain, Senior Vice President and Business Head for Zepto’s Fresh Category, the app is designed to meet the needs of farmers by allowing them to monitor their crop cycle and receive payment for their produce.
The app provides farmers with the ability to make informed decisions regarding the sale of their produce, by offering complete transparency of market prices. Furthermore, farmers have access to professional agronomist support during the production stage, clear insights on demand trends, and grading that is closely aligned with the harvest cycle. The app also offers an assured buyback guarantee and on-site support to ensure that farmers have the resources they need to succeed.
Swain stated that Zepto Bloom aims to help farmers thrive in the fast-paced world of commerce by providing them with fair pricing, quality standards for seeds and crops, support with the collection process, solutions for reducing waste and maximizing returns, access to technology and knowledge, and financing options through partnerships with Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs). By addressing these key challenges, Zepto Bloom hopes to enable farmers to keep pace with the demands of quick commerce.
According to Dhanani, Zepto procures its products directly from over a thousand farmers across various states in India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The company handles an impressive 450 tonnes of fruits and vegetables daily. By sourcing directly from farmers, Zepto is able to ensure high-quality products and provide farmers with fair and competitive prices for their produce.
According to Dhanani, Zepto has ambitious plans for 2023. Through its Zepto Bloom Program, the company intends to expand its farmer network to include the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The company estimates that by the end of 2023, its daily handling capacity will have doubled to 900 tonnes, with around 3000 active transacting farmers using the app. In terms of revenue, Dhanani mentioned a target of generating over $30 million per month. These plans demonstrate Zepto’s commitment to supporting farmers and creating a more efficient and sustainable food supply chain.
