A Fresh Start in the Fruit and Veg Business
Handpickd, an innovative online platform for fresh fruits and vegetables, has hit a major milestone: it’s now EBITDA positive in Gurugram and has just expanded its operations to Bengaluru, Karnataka. The company, founded in April 2024 by Anant Goel, the co-founder of Milkbasket, aims to redefine how consumers shop for fresh produce by offering personalized, on-demand delivery of fruits and vegetables.
With its unique business model and impressive growth, Handpickd is already capturing the hearts of households in Gurugram, and now, it’s set to take Bengaluru by storm. Let’s explore how Handpickd’s innovative approach is changing the game and why it’s drawing attention in the competitive grocery space.
What Makes Handpickd Stand Out?
Handpickd’s business model revolves around offering any quantity of any quality of fruits and vegetables based on personal preferences—just like shopping offline. This allows customers to choose exactly what they want, ensuring that every family gets what they need and love. The platform has become a go-to for many households in Gurugram, and it’s ready to replicate this success in Bengaluru.
Here’s what makes Handpickd different:
- Matchmaking System: The company uses a unique “match-making” system where families can specify their preferences, and Handpickd delivers fresh produce that perfectly matches their needs. This personalized approach is one of the reasons the company has seen rapid growth.
- Zero-Inventory Model: Unlike many other grocery platforms, Handpickd operates on a zero-inventory model. Instead of stocking up on fruits and vegetables, Handpickd sources directly from farmers, ensuring the freshest produce, while minimizing waste and spoilage.
- Fast Delivery: Handpickd guarantees that its fresh produce reaches customers within 7-8 hours of harvest, ensuring the highest quality.
Handpickd’s Growth: A Personal Touch for Every Family
The company’s growth in Gurugram has been impressive, and customers spend an average of Rs 4,000 per month on fresh produce from Handpickd. This amount is significantly higher than what consumers spend on quick-commerce platforms or traditional online grocery stores—by 10 times and five times, respectively.
Anant Goel, the founder of Handpickd, believes this shows how much customers value the quality and service they receive. As Goel explained:
It’s not just about quantity—it’s about the quality of the produce and the personalized service that Handpickd offers. Customers are willing to pay a premium for fresh fruits and vegetables that meet their specific preferences.
The Bengaluru Expansion: A New Market, New Opportunities
The latest expansion into Bengaluru marks a big step for Handpickd. Goel views this as a strategic move to test the platform in a new market and refine its operations.
Bengaluru’s growing demand for fresh, high-quality produce makes it an ideal city for Handpickd’s expansion. With its technology-driven solutions, the startup aims to fine-tune its supply chain and address any gaps that may have been overlooked during its successful run in Gurugram.
Handpickd plans to use the Bengaluru market to improve its offerings, ensuring that customers in this new region have the same exceptional experience that Handpickd customers in Gurugram enjoy.
A Focus on Sustainability and Efficiency
Handpickd’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency is a core part of its business model. Operating with a zero-inventory model means less food waste, and by sourcing directly from farmers, Handpickd ensures that customers receive the freshest produce possible.
This approach also benefits the environment. Since Handpickd doesn’t have to worry about maintaining large warehouses full of stock, it helps reduce food waste and lowers the carbon footprint of its operations.
The use of technology to streamline operations further helps reduce supply chain inefficiencies and wastage. By carefully analyzing customer data and preferences, Handpickd is constantly improving its processes to meet demand more effectively.
Looking Ahead: Plans for Further Expansion
Handpickd’s ultimate goal is to expand its presence across India, with plans to target 30 new micro-markets by the end of 2025. The company is betting on its technology-driven platform to scale efficiently while meeting the evolving needs of urban consumers.
As the demand for fresh, high-quality produce grows in cities across India, Handpickd is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend. Its commitment to personalized service and direct sourcing from farmers ensures that customers get the best possible products, every time.
Why Handpickd is the Future of Online Grocery Shopping
Handpickd is poised to disrupt the traditional grocery market by providing a highly personalized shopping experience for fruits and vegetables. With its zero-inventory model, fresh produce sourced directly from farmers, and fast delivery times, the startup is already seeing impressive growth.
The key factors behind its success include:
- Personalization: Handpickd’s unique “match-making” system helps families get exactly what they need, at their convenience.
- Freshness: With produce delivered within hours of harvest, customers can trust that they’re getting the freshest fruits and vegetables.
- Sustainability: The zero-inventory model reduces food waste and minimizes the carbon footprint.
- Scalability: Handpickd’s technology-driven approach is designed for growth, allowing the company to expand efficiently into new markets.
As the company moves into Bengaluru and beyond, Handpickd is well-positioned to become a leading player in the online fresh produce market. By focusing on technology, customer preferences, and sustainability, Handpickd is showing that it’s not just another grocery delivery service—it’s a game-changer for the fresh produce industry.
A Fresh Future Ahead for Handpickd
Handpickd’s success story is just beginning, with Anant Goel and his team continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the online grocery space. With its personalized, efficient, and sustainable approach, Handpickd is proving that the future of grocery shopping lies in technology, freshness, and customer-first service.
As the company looks to scale across India, its expansion into Bengaluru is just the beginning of what could be a national and eventually global presence. If you’re in the market for fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables delivered to your doorstep, Handpickd might just be the perfect solution for you.
