Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa has addressed concerns raised by the National Restaurants Association of India (NRAI) regarding the launch of Bistro, Zomato's standalone 10-minute food delivery app. The NRAI recently flagged potential competition concerns and hinted at approaching the Competition Commission of India (CCI) about similar rapid delivery apps like Bistro and Swiggy's Snacc. Responding to these concerns, Dhindsa clarified that Bistro operates as a completely independent entity, separate from Zomato’s primary app. He assured that no Zomato restaurant data has been used to develop or market Bistro, emphasizing, “This is a standalone team, with a standalone app – and no Zomato restaurant data has been used. We will not even use the Zomato app to market Bistro.” Dhindsa also addressed apprehensions about Zomato launching private brands that could compete with restaurant partners. He reaffirmed the company’s ethical commitment, stating, “Zomato will never launch private brands on the main app to compete with our restaurant partners. Ethics and sticking to our word mean more than anything else to us, and we are not going to compromise just to save on marketing costs.” Highlighting Bistro’s potential, Dhindsa noted that the app aims to add value to the food and restaurant ecosystem, not disrupt it. He shared, “All the companies innovating with us on Bistro also work with a number of restaurants, and our success at Bistro has the potential to add value for the entire ecosystem.” The NRAI’s concerns stem from the growing competition posed by standalone apps like Bistro, which may challenge traditional restaurant business models. With the rise of 10-minute food delivery services, the industry is closely watching how such innovations will reshape customer expectations and operational dynamics. Blinkit and Zomato’s commitment to ethical practices and collaboration with restaurants may set a precedent for ensuring that rapid delivery models coexist harmoniously with the broader food service industry.
India has slashed tariffs on bourbon whisky imports from 150% to 100%, a move that will benefit American liquor brands like Jim Beam. The tariff revision, which was notified on February 13 but gained media attention later, comes amid intensifying criticism from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding India's trade policies. Trump, who recently met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, has repeatedly called out India’s high import duties as unfair to American businesses. He also announced a reciprocal tariff policy targeting countries imposing heavy levies on U.S. exports. The new structure imposes a basic customs duty of 50% with an additional 50% levy, bringing the total duty to 100% for bourbon whisky. Other imported liquor products remain unchanged at 150% tariffs. Experts believe the decision reflects India's willingness to adjust trade policies for strategic partners. Pratik Jain, partner at PwC India, noted that the move could signal India’s openness to tariff revisions for key allies. India’s $35 billion spirits market is home to major global players like Diageo and Pernod Ricard, who have long criticized the country’s high import tariffs. Vinod Giri, Director General of the Brewers Association of India, stated that while bourbon whisky holds symbolic trade value, the decision is likely aimed at easing tensions with the U.S. and preventing retaliatory trade measures. As India seeks deeper integration into the global economy, the reduction in bourbon whisky tariffs may be the first step in broader trade realignments.