Ordering trends reported by quick commerce platforms reflected the vibrant celebrations and house parties that welcomed India to 2025. According to Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, demand for party essentials such as snacks, drinks, and ice cubes saw a mass increase as cities prepare for the new year.
Snack Claims Majority
Snacks were the first preference of the partygoers. Blinkit reported delivering 2.3 lakh packets of aloo bhujia by 8 p.m., while Swiggy Instamart recorded a peak of 853 chips orders per minute at 7:30 p.m. The most searched items on Swiggy Instamart included milk, chips, chocolate, grapes, and paneer.
Enroute right now👇
2,34,512 packets of aloo bhujia
45,531 cans of tonic water
6,834 packets of ice cubes
1003 lipsticks
762 lightersAll should be delivered in the next 10 minutes. Party’s just getting started!
— Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) December 31, 2024
Drinks and Ice in High Demand
Ice cubes and cold drinks were also in high demand. Blinkit delivered 6,834 ice cube packets by 8 p.m., and BigBasket saw a 1,290% spike in ice cube orders around the same time. Non-alcoholic beverages and disposable partyware experienced a significant uptick, with BigBasket reporting sales increases of 552% for beverages and 325% for disposable cups and plates. Mocktails and soda also saw over a 200% rise in sales.
Ice hit its peak at 7:41 PM with 119 kgs delivered in that minute!” tweeted Swiggy Instamart co-founder Phani Kishan A.
Ice hit its peak at 7:41 PM with 119 kgs delivered in that minute! 👀
Despite doubling their orders, Chennai still trails behind Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad when it comes to stocking up for chilled drinks tonight. 🧊
— Phani Kishan A (@phanikishan) December 31, 2024
Condom Sales Sky-rocket
Sales of condoms surged. By afternoon, Swiggy Instamart had managed to deliver 4,779 condom packs and deliveries were still adding up through the evening. The Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa said at 9:50 p.m. 1.2 lakh condom packs were on the way to its customers.
1,22,356 packs of condoms
45,531 bottles of mineral water
22,322 Partysmart
2,434 Eno..are enroute right now! Prep for after party? 😅
— Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) December 31, 2024
Dhindsa also shared condom preferences, and the most preferred flavor was chocolate, which accounts for 39% of sales, followed by strawberry at 31% and bubblegum at 19%.
Swiggy Instamart noted some unusual purchases, such as blindfolds and handcuffs at the midnight.
raatke ke 8:15 baje kisi ne handcuffs aur blindfolds mangwaye hai. mujhe toh likhte hue hi sharam aa rahi hai ye tweet.
— Swiggy Instamart (@SwiggyInstamart) December 31, 2024
Unusual Orders
While party favorites took the major share, some very unusual items featured in the list. Blinkit was surprised to find an unexpected rise in men’s undergarments, as a new trend on New Year’s Eve orderings.
Another product which I didn’t expect will be ordered in high quantities – men’s underwear 🧐
Chart comparing today vs last tuesday 👇 pic.twitter.com/SRWfb0mi3U
— Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) December 31, 2024
Quick commerce platforms in India clearly featured at a central location in creating gaiety, reflecting the nation’s passion for welcoming a new year with festivities.
